Your Guide to Vegan Options at MOD Pizza
For those following a plant-based diet, navigating restaurant menus can be a challenge. Thankfully, many popular chains like MOD Pizza have become more accommodating, offering a wide array of vegan-friendly options. A common question among vegan diners is, "Is MOD red sauce vegan?" The answer is a clear yes, but understanding the full menu is key to building a completely dairy-free and animal-product-free meal. This guide will break down the vegan ingredients available at MOD and provide tips for ordering.
What's in MOD's Vegan Red Sauce?
The signature red sauce, officially known as 'signature tomato sauce' on MOD's allergen guide, is composed of simple, natural ingredients. Its base is fresh vine-ripened California tomatoes and tomato puree. The sauce is seasoned with salt, dehydrated garlic, basil, and other spices, and is entirely free of milk, eggs, and other animal products. This makes it a reliable and delicious foundation for any vegan pizza creation. The spicy Calabrian chili tomato sauce is also vegan, consisting of the red sauce base with added Calabrian hot chilis.
Other Vegan-Friendly Sauce Options
Beyond the signature red sauce, MOD offers several other vegan sauces and finishes to add flavor to your pizza or salad.
- Garlic Rub: A simple blend of garlic, water, and citric acid, this olive oil-based rub is a great alternative to the classic red sauce.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A straightforward and classic option for a simple pizza or salad.
- Spicy Red Sauce: A zesty, vegan-friendly sauce that adds a kick to your pizza.
- Balsamic Fig Glaze: Perfect for drizzling over a finished pizza or salad.
- Hot Buffalo Sauce: A spicy, dairy-free finishing sauce.
What to Avoid: Non-Vegan Ingredients
While many options are vegan, some sauces and items contain dairy or other animal products. The following should be avoided when building a vegan pizza:
- Garlic Pesto: Contains parmesan cheese and milk.
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Contains milk and other dairy products.
- Pesto Drizzle: Not vegan.
- Mike's Hot Honey: Not vegan.
- Sri-rancha Sauce: Contains milk, eggs, and soybeans.
- Cauliflower Crust: While gluten-free, it contains milk and eggs.
- Dairy Cheeses: This includes mozzarella, asiago, parmesan, gorgonzola, feta, and ricotta.
How to Build a Vegan Pizza at MOD
Creating a delicious vegan pizza is simple with these steps:
- Choose your crust: Opt for the original or gluten-friendly crust, both of which are vegan. Avoid the cauliflower crust.
- Select a vegan sauce: Your choices include the signature red sauce, spicy red sauce, garlic rub, or extra virgin olive oil.
- Add vegan cheese: MOD offers a dairy-free cheese made by Daiya, which melts perfectly.
- Pile on the veggies: The veggie options are extensive, from mushrooms and onions to roasted garlic and fresh basil.
- Consider a protein: Add the plant-based Italian sausage to make your pizza more substantial.
- Add a finishing touch: Drizzle with Balsamic Fig Glaze or Hot Buffalo Sauce for extra flavor.
Table: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan MOD Sauces
| Feature | Vegan Options | Non-Vegan Options |
|---|---|---|
| Base Sauces | Signature Red Sauce, Spicy Red Sauce, Garlic Rub, Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Garlic Pesto, Creamy Alfredo |
| Finishing Sauces | Balsamic Fig Glaze, Hot Buffalo Sauce, Red Sauce Dollops, BBQ Swirl | Pesto Drizzle, Mike's Hot Honey, Sri-rancha Sauce |
| Dairy Content | Free of dairy | Contain dairy (milk, cheese) |
| Primary Ingredient | Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, spices | Basil, cheese, cream |
The Cross-Contamination Consideration
For those with severe allergies or strict dietary restrictions, it is important to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. MOD Pizza prepares its food on a single serving line, meaning ingredients and utensils may come into contact with one another. While staff are generally knowledgeable and can take precautions like changing gloves and using fresh utensils upon request, the risk is not completely eliminated due to the shared preparation space. Customers with severe allergies should make staff aware of their needs and exercise caution.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Is MOD red sauce vegan?" is a definitive yes. It is one of several plant-based options available at MOD Pizza, providing a reliable and flavorful base for a custom vegan pie. By understanding which sauces, cheeses, and toppings are dairy-free, customers can easily create a satisfying and delicious vegan meal. Always remember to specify your vegan order and ask about preparation to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, especially if you have an allergy. With its build-your-own model and transparent allergen information, MOD Pizza continues to be a top choice for vegan diners.
For more detailed allergen information, you can always consult MOD Pizza's official allergen guide on their website.
