For those adhering to a vegan lifestyle, understanding the ingredients in restaurant offerings is crucial. While MOD Pizza has earned a reputation for being vegan-friendly and highly customizable, it's easy to make a mistake when selecting sauces. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the pesto sauce, clarifies its non-vegan status, and outlines all the delicious alternatives available for crafting a perfect plant-based meal at MOD.
The Parmesan Problem: Why MOD's Pesto Isn't Vegan
A traditional basil pesto sauce is made with pine nuts, basil, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This final ingredient is the reason MOD Pizza's pesto sauce is not suitable for vegans. The parmesan cheese is made from milk, an animal-derived product, and is therefore off-limits for those on a strict vegan diet. While some commercial pestos are made with nutritional yeast or other plant-based alternatives to achieve a cheesy flavor, MOD Pizza's version is not one of them.
A Look at MOD's Allergen Information
The most reliable source for determining the vegan status of a menu item is the company's own allergen information. MOD Pizza's allergen guide clearly lists milk as an allergen in its pesto sauce. For individuals with severe dairy allergies or those committed to a vegan diet, it is essential to consult this resource or confirm with a staff member to avoid any mix-ups. The pesto sauce contains parmesan cheese (made with pasteurized part-skim cow's milk), cheese culture, salt, and enzymes.
Safe Vegan Sauce and Drizzle Alternatives at MOD Pizza
Despite the pesto being off the table, MOD Pizza offers a wide array of other vegan-friendly sauces and finishes. This allows for a creative and flavorful pizza-building experience without compromising your dietary principles.
Vegan Pizza Sauces:
- Red Sauce: The standard, fresh tomato-based sauce is dairy-free and forms an excellent base for any pizza.
- Spicy Red Sauce: For those who prefer a little heat, the spicy red sauce is also a safe and flavorful vegan choice.
- Garlic Rub: A simple, delicious blend of garlic, water, and citric acid, perfect for adding a savory boost.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For a simple, classic taste, olive oil is a perfect vegan base.
Vegan Finishing Sauces & Glazes:
- BBQ Swirl: A sweet and smoky drizzle to finish your creation.
- Balsamic Fig Glaze: This adds a distinctive sweet and tangy finish to your pizza.
- Hot Buffalo Sauce: A spicy swirl for a kick of heat.
- Red Sauce Dollops: Adds an extra layer of tomato flavor after the pizza is baked.
Building a Complete Vegan Pizza at MOD
Beyond the sauce, MOD Pizza makes it easy to construct a complete and satisfying vegan meal. The company is known for its many customizable options, including a dedicated vegan cheese.
Vegan-Friendly Crusts
MOD Pizza offers several crust options, two of which are vegan:
- Original Crust: The standard, thin crust is wheat-based and contains no dairy or sugar.
- Gluten-Friendly Crust: Also a vegan option, this allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy a plant-based pizza.
- Important Note: The Cauliflower Crust is not vegan, as it contains both milk and eggs.
Vegan Cheese and Protein Options
To replace the traditional dairy cheese, MOD provides a plant-based alternative:
- Daiya Vegan Cheese: Following discussions with PETA, MOD rolled out this dairy-free mozzarella to all locations. There is no extra charge for this swap.
For a protein boost, MOD offers a pea protein-based sausage.
An Abundance of Vegan Toppings
One of the best parts about MOD Pizza is the ability to load up on unlimited vegetable toppings at no extra cost. Almost all the vegetable, fruit, and herb toppings are vegan, including:
- Artichokes
- Basil
- Mushrooms
- Pineapple
- Olives
- Onions
- Spinach
- Jalapeños
- Roasted Garlic
- And many more!
Comparison Table: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Sauces at MOD Pizza
| Sauce Name | Status | Vegan Ingredients (if applicable) | Non-Vegan Ingredients (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Pesto | Non-Vegan | Basil, Canola Oil, Water, Granulated Garlic, Salt | Parmesan Cheese (Cow's Milk) |
| Signature Red Sauce | Vegan | Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic, Spices | None |
| Spicy Red Sauce | Vegan | Tomatoes, Calabrian Hot Chilis | None |
| BBQ Sauce | Vegan | Tomato Puree, Sugar, Molasses, Spices | None |
| Creamy Alfredo Sauce | Non-Vegan | Water, Milk, Cream, Cheese | Milk |
| Garlic Rub | Vegan | Garlic, Water, Citric Acid | None |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Vegan | Olive Oil | None |
Navigating Cross-Contamination Concerns
Since MOD Pizza uses a single serving line for all pizzas, cross-contamination is a potential concern for those with severe allergies. The MOD Squad is generally knowledgeable and accommodating, so it's always best to clearly communicate your dietary needs. Ask the employee preparing your pizza to change their gloves and use fresh ingredients from the back. While they cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, taking these steps can significantly minimize risk.
Conclusion: Pesto is Out, Possibilities are In
To answer the question, is MOD Pizza pesto sauce vegan? The answer is definitively no, due to the inclusion of dairy-based parmesan cheese. However, this one non-vegan item should not deter plant-based diners. MOD Pizza is a highly customizable and accessible option for vegans, offering a full range of alternatives. By choosing one of the vegan-friendly sauces like the classic red sauce or garlic rub, selecting a vegan crust, and loading up on the numerous fresh vegetable toppings and vegan cheese, you can create a delicious and satisfying pizza masterpiece. Always remember to double-check allergen information or speak with staff to ensure your meal is prepared to your specifications.
