Understanding Lactose Intolerance and Pizza Pizza's Offerings
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue where the body cannot properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. When planning to order from a restaurant like Pizza Pizza, understanding which ingredients contain lactose is the first step towards a symptom-free meal. While traditional pizza with mozzarella cheese is high in lactose, Pizza Pizza has made significant strides in offering dairy-free alternatives for its Canadian locations.
Can you eat pizza from Pizza Pizza if you are lactose intolerant?
Yes, with careful ordering, you can enjoy a custom-made pizza from Pizza Pizza that is entirely lactose-free. The key is to replace the standard mozzarella cheese and certain creamy dips with dairy-free alternatives. Pizza Pizza has made this process easy by explicitly listing its vegan and dairy-free items, and in 2017, they became one of the first major chains to introduce a vegan cheese option nationwide. This plant-based cheese, sourced from Daiya, is made with an oat cream blend and is an excellent substitute for traditional cheese.
Lactose-Free Menu Breakdown: Crusts, Sauces, and Toppings
Here’s a breakdown of the lactose-free ingredients available at Pizza Pizza to help you build your perfect pizza:
- Crusts: The Classic (Regular, Thin, Thick), Gluten-Free, and Cauliflower crusts at Pizza Pizza are listed as dairy-free. Even the stuffed crust option can be made dairy-free by opting for their vegan cheese.
- Sauces: Most of Pizza Pizza's base sauces are dairy-free, including their Italian Home Style Pizza Sauce, Hot Honey Sauce, and Smoky Texas BBQ Sauce. Be cautious and always check for creamy dips and sauces which often contain dairy.
- Toppings: Nearly all of the vegetable and meat toppings are naturally lactose-free. For those seeking meat alternatives, Pizza Pizza offers plant-based pepperoni and plant-based crumble.
- Cheese: The standard mozzarella and four-cheese blend contain lactose. You must request the dairy-free cheese alternative to make your pizza lactose-free.
Building Your Custom Lactose-Free Pizza
Here is a step-by-step guide to constructing a safe and delicious lactose-free pizza:
- Choose your crust: Select a Classic, Gluten-Free, or Cauliflower crust. All are dairy-free.
- Select a dairy-free sauce: Your safest bets are the Italian Home Style Pizza Sauce, or Texas BBQ Sauce.
- Opt for dairy-free cheese: Request the vegan, dairy-free cheese to replace the standard mozzarella.
- Pick your toppings: Go wild with a variety of naturally lactose-free vegetable toppings. For protein, add grilled chicken or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Avoid cross-contamination: While Pizza Pizza takes precautions, if you have a severe allergy, it's wise to inform the staff of your allergy to minimize the risk of cross-contamination during preparation.
Low-Lactose vs. Lactose-Free Options
For those who are less sensitive, some hard cheeses like Parmesan contain very little lactose due to the aging process. However, this is not a guaranteed lactose-free option. It is always safer for those with intolerance to opt for the specifically labeled dairy-free alternatives to avoid any discomfort.
Comparison of Standard vs. Lactose-Free Pizza Ingredients at Pizza Pizza
| Ingredient Category | Standard (Contains Lactose) | Lactose-Free (Dairy-Free) | Risk Level for Lactose Intolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | Dairy-Free Cheese (Daiya) | High (Standard cheese) / None (Dairy-Free cheese) |
| Crust | Stuffed Crust (with standard cheese) | Classic, Thin, Thick, Gluten-Free, Cauliflower | Low (Some doughs have a "may contain" milk warning) / None (Dedicated dairy-free crusts) |
| Sauce | Creamy Garlic Dip | Italian Home Style Pizza Sauce, Hot Honey Sauce | Varies (Read ingredients carefully for dips) / None (Identified dairy-free sauces) |
| Protein | Standard Meats (check for cross-contamination) | Grilled Chicken, Plant-Based Crumble | Low (Mainly concern for sauce or processing) / None (Pure toppings) |
Conclusion
Navigating a restaurant menu with lactose intolerance can be challenging, but Pizza Pizza has clearly made efforts to make its menu accessible. By utilizing the dairy-free cheese, choosing a vegan-friendly crust, and selecting from a wide range of lactose-free toppings and sauces, it is entirely possible to create a delicious and safe pizza. For the most up-to-date and specific ingredient information, always refer to the official allergen guide on the Pizza Pizza website. With a little knowledge and careful customization, you can enjoy a satisfying pizza from Pizza Pizza without the worry of lactose-related symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Vegan Cheese is Your Friend: For a guaranteed lactose-free pizza at Pizza Pizza, you must request the vegan, dairy-free cheese to replace the standard dairy options.
- Many Crusts Are Dairy-Free: Pizza Pizza offers multiple crust options, including Classic, Gluten-Free, and Cauliflower, that are naturally dairy-free.
- Check Creamy Sauces: Most of the standard pizza sauces are lactose-free, but it is important to be cautious of creamy dipping sauces, which often contain milk products.
- Lactose Intolerance vs. Milk Allergy: While lactose intolerance affects digestion, a milk allergy is an immune system response and requires complete avoidance of all dairy products. If you have a milk allergy, exercise extra caution regarding potential cross-contamination.
- Customization is Key: Building your own pizza from scratch with confirmed lactose-free ingredients is the safest way to ensure a meal that suits your dietary needs.
- Official Guides are Best: Always consult the official Pizza Pizza allergen guide or website for the most accurate and current information on ingredients.
FAQs
Question: Does Pizza Pizza have lactose-free cheese? Answer: Yes, Pizza Pizza offers a dairy-free, plant-based vegan cheese as an alternative to their standard mozzarella, which is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Question: Are all Pizza Pizza crusts lactose-free? Answer: Most Pizza Pizza crusts are dairy-free, including the Classic, Gluten-Free, and Cauliflower crusts. However, you should always double-check the latest allergen information on their website, and be mindful of potential cross-contamination if you have a severe allergy.
Question: What sauces at Pizza Pizza are dairy-free? Answer: The Italian Home Style Pizza Sauce is a reliable dairy-free option. Many other sauces like the Hot Honey or Sweet Chili Thai are also dairy-free, but always verify for creamy dips and sauces.
Question: Is there a risk of cross-contamination for severe lactose intolerance? Answer: While Pizza Pizza aims to accommodate dietary needs, there is always a potential risk of cross-contamination in a kitchen that handles dairy. If you have a severe allergy, it is important to inform the staff of your concern when placing your order.
Question: Can I order a pizza without cheese if I'm lactose intolerant? Answer: Yes, you can order a pizza without cheese. This is a simple and guaranteed way to avoid lactose and can be topped with any of the dairy-free sauces and toppings.
Question: Is the Gluten-Free crust at Pizza Pizza also lactose-free? Answer: According to Pizza Pizza's menu, the Gluten-Free crust is also dairy-free, making it a suitable option for those who are both lactose intolerant and sensitive to gluten.
Question: Does Pizza Pizza use lactose in any of its toppings? Answer: Most vegetable and plain meat toppings are naturally lactose-free. However, some processed meats or dipping sauces may contain hidden milk ingredients. It is best to stick to the certified vegan options or pure ingredients.
