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Is Domino's pizza keto friendly? A guide to navigating the menu

4 min read

A single slice of Domino's classic hand-tossed crust pizza can contain nearly 40 grams of carbs, making traditional pies incompatible with a low-carb lifestyle. If you're on a ketogenic diet and asking, “Is Domino's pizza keto friendly?”, the short answer is no, but a more detailed explanation reveals viable ordering strategies.

Quick Summary

Standard Domino's pizzas are high in carbohydrates from the crust and sauce, making them unsuitable for the keto diet. Customized wings and salads are the best low-carb options, though a "crustless" pizza can also be an unofficial choice.

Key Points

  • Crusts are carb-heavy: All of Domino's standard pizza crusts are high in carbohydrates and not suitable for a keto diet, including the thin crust.

  • Sauce contains sugar: Traditional pizza sauce at Domino's often contains added sugar, which increases the overall carb count.

  • Best option: Plain wings: Plain, bone-in chicken wings are your safest high-protein, low-carb bet on the Domino's menu, as long as they are unsauced.

  • Customize your salad: You can order a Classic Garden Salad and add keto-friendly toppings like cheese and grilled chicken, but be sure to avoid croutons and sugary dressings.

  • Consider a 'crustless' order: For a pizza-like experience, you can try ordering a pan of toppings, cheese, and a low-carb sauce substitute baked without a crust.

  • Choose low-carb toppings: Focus on meats like pepperoni, ham, and bacon, plus low-carb veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, and olives.

  • Check nutrition online: Always verify the carb counts of specific items using Domino's online nutrition guide before ordering.

In This Article

The High-Carb Hurdles: Why Domino's Pizza isn't Keto-Friendly

For anyone on a ketogenic diet, the primary obstacle at any pizza chain is the high carbohydrate content. The cornerstone of a traditional pizza—the crust—is a significant source of carbs and is the main reason why Domino's standard offerings don't align with a keto plan. Even opting for a thinner crust, such as the Hand-Tossed or Brooklyn-style, will not make a pizza fully keto-compliant, as they still contain significant amounts of carbohydrates per slice.

The Crust is the Culprit

Different Domino's crusts offer varying textures and flavors, but all are built on a wheat-based dough. A single slice of a typical pizza can contain well over the daily carb limit for a strict keto dieter. While a thin crust might seem like a better choice, it still packs a considerable carb punch. For instance, a medium thin crust cheese pizza still has a high carb count per slice. Deep-dish and pan pizzas are even higher in carbs and should be strictly avoided.

Don't Forget the Sauce

Beyond the crust, the standard tomato-based pizza sauce is another hidden source of carbs. Most commercial sauces have added sugar to enhance flavor and reduce acidity, which drives up the carb count. For keto-friendly customization, it's best to request no sauce at all or ask for a drizzle of olive oil instead.

Keto-Friendly Alternatives and Ordering Strategies at Domino's

While pizza might be off the table, a trip to Domino's doesn't have to mean a cheat meal. With some strategic ordering, you can find a satisfying and delicious option. The key is to look beyond the pizza menu to items that are naturally low in carbs or can be easily modified.

Plain Chicken Wings

The most straightforward keto-friendly option is the chicken wings. It's crucial to order them plain and unsauced, as many sauces contain high amounts of sugar.

  • Bone-in Wings: This is the safest choice. Order the Hot or BBQ wings without the sauce. The wings themselves are primarily fat and protein.
  • Boneless Chicken: The boneless variety is breaded, which adds carbs. Avoid this option entirely.

Custom-Made Salads

Domino's offers salads that can be customized to fit your keto macros.

  • Base: Start with the Classic Garden Salad, which includes a mix of greens and vegetables.
  • Avoid: Make sure to skip the croutons.
  • Dressings: Opt for a keto-friendly dressing like ranch, but be aware of the carb count and use sparingly, or bring your own low-carb vinaigrette.
  • Add-ons: Load up on extra keto-friendly toppings like cheese, grilled chicken, or bacon.

The "Crustless Pizza" Approach

For those who truly crave the pizza flavor, some keto dieters successfully order a pizza with just the cheese, sauce (or no sauce), and toppings, baked in a pan or tin. This can be a bit unorthodox, so it's best to call ahead or use the notes section when ordering online. If successful, you'll receive a delicious bowl of melted cheese and toppings without the carby crust.

Comparison: Standard Domino's vs. Keto-Friendly Order

Item Carbs (per serving) Fat (per serving) Protein (per serving)
Hand-Tossed Pizza Slice High (Approx. 38g) Moderate Moderate
Thin Crust Pizza Slice High (Approx. 20g) Moderate Moderate
Plain Bone-in Wings Very Low (Approx. 1-2g) High High
Custom Salad with Oil Low (Approx. 5g net) Variable Variable
"Crustless" Toppings Bowl Variable (depending on ingredients) Variable Variable

The Secret to a Keto-Friendly Order: Toppings and Extras

To make your customized meal both flavorful and low-carb, focus on the right ingredients.

  • Meats: Load up on pepperoni, ham, bacon, beef, and grilled chicken. These are excellent sources of protein and fat, with very few carbs.
  • Veggies: Add low-carb vegetables like spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives. Be mindful of onions and tomatoes, which contain more sugar, and use them in moderation.
  • Cheese: Domino's mozzarella is generally a good option. Feel free to add extra cheese for more fat and flavor.
  • Sauces & Spices: Again, avoid the red sauce and stick with a garlic and herb seasoning, or ask for a little olive oil.

Conclusion: Navigating Domino's on a Keto Diet

Ultimately, a traditional Domino's pizza is not a keto-friendly option due to the high-carb crust and sugary sauce. However, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy a meal from the popular chain. By choosing plain bone-in wings, customizing a salad with low-carb ingredients, or even attempting a crustless pizza creation, you can satisfy your fast-food craving without disrupting your ketosis. Success lies in knowing what to avoid and getting creative with the available high-fat, high-protein menu items. Before ordering, it is always a good practice to check Domino's official nutritional information on their website for the most accurate carb counts on specific items.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

No, all of Domino's standard pizza crusts, including the regular Hand-Tossed and even the Thin Crust, are too high in carbohydrates to be considered keto-friendly. Even thin crust options can contain over 20 grams of carbs per slice.

The best keto-friendly menu item at Domino's is the plain, unsauced chicken wings. They provide a high-protein, high-fat option with very few carbs. It is crucial to order them without any sugary sauces.

Yes, you can order a Domino's salad, but you must make modifications. Start with the Classic Garden Salad and omit the croutons. Choose a low-carb dressing like ranch (in moderation) or bring your own keto-friendly vinaigrette.

No, the standard Domino's pizza sauce is not keto-friendly because it often contains added sugar. It's best to request no sauce on your customized order or opt for a simple olive oil drizzle instead.

For a keto-friendly order, focus on low-carb meats and veggies. Good options include pepperoni, ham, bacon, grilled chicken, cheese, spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives.

No, the boneless wings are not keto-friendly because they are breaded, which adds a significant amount of carbohydrates. You should avoid these if you are sticking to your keto macros.

The safest beverage choices at Domino's for a keto diet are water or a diet soda. You should avoid all sugary drinks and juices.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.