Understanding Pesto at Pizza Pizza
For many following a vegan diet, navigating the menu at fast-food restaurants can be a challenge. While Pizza Pizza has made strides in offering more plant-based options, including dairy-free cheese and plant-based proteins, specific sauces still contain animal products. The pesto sauce, in particular, is a point of confusion for many.
The Dairy-Free Stance on Pizza Pizza's Sauces
According to a March 2025 menu guide on Go Dairy Free, which specifically reviews Pizza Pizza's dairy-free options, their pesto sauce contains milk. This makes it unsuitable for anyone adhering to a strict vegan diet. Traditional pesto recipes often use parmesan cheese, which is derived from milk and sometimes includes animal-based rennet. This is likely the source of the dairy content in Pizza Pizza's pesto.
Alternatives to Pesto at Pizza Pizza
While the pesto sauce is off-limits for vegans, Pizza Pizza offers several other options to consider for your plant-based pizza or other items. It's crucial to always double-check the latest allergen information, as recipes and ingredients can change.
Sauce and Topping Options for Vegans at Pizza Pizza
- Tomato Sauce: The classic homestyle Italian tomato sauce is a reliable, plant-based base for your pizza.
- Vegan Cheese: Pizza Pizza has offered dairy-free vegan cheese at all traditional locations since 2017, making it easy to create a cheesy, plant-based pizza.
- Plant-Based Pepperoni & Chorizo: For those seeking a meat-like topping, the plant-based pepperoni and chorizo crumble are solid options.
- Fresh Vegetables: Load up on a variety of fresh vegetable toppings like mushrooms, peppers, and onions for a healthy and flavourful pizza.
Comparing Traditional Pesto vs. Vegan Pesto
The key difference between traditional and vegan pesto is the cheese. Traditional pesto alla Genovese is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and a hard cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano. Vegan versions replace the cheese with other ingredients to replicate the creamy and savory flavor.
| Feature | Traditional Pesto | Vegan Pesto | Pizza Pizza Pesto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Dairy Ingredient | Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese | None | Contains Milk |
| Cheese Substitute | N/A | Nutritional Yeast, Vegan Parmesan, or Creamy Nuts (e.g., Cashews) | N/A |
| Typical Nuts | Pine Nuts | Pine nuts, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds | Likely Pine Nuts |
| Flavour Profile | Rich, nutty, salty, herby | Herby, nutty, savory (from nutritional yeast) | Specific flavor profile unavailable, but includes milk |
| Vegan Status | No | Yes | No |
How to Create a Vegan Pesto Pizza at Home
If you're disappointed by Pizza Pizza's pesto, you can easily make a delicious vegan version at home. A simple vegan pesto can be created by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts/cashews), olive oil, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Ingredients: Combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, a couple of garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, and salt in a food processor.
- Blend: Pulse the ingredients until a paste starts to form.
- Emulsify: With the food processor running, slowly stream in olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
- Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Some people like to add a splash of water for a smoother texture.
- Enjoy: Use your homemade vegan pesto on a pizza, pasta, or as a dip! It’s a great way to customize your meal while keeping it completely plant-based.
The Importance of Checking Allergen Information
This case highlights the importance of checking allergen information and not making assumptions based on a product's appearance or general ingredients. While green sauces like pesto may seem plant-based, they often contain hidden dairy. Always consult the official allergen guides provided by restaurant chains for the most accurate and up-to-date information. In this instance, a simple check of Pizza Pizza's allergen data confirms that the pesto sauce is not a suitable option for vegans.
Conclusion
In short, the Pizza Pizza pesto sauce is not vegan due to the presence of milk. While the restaurant has expanded its vegan-friendly offerings in recent years, including dairy-free cheese and plant-based proteins, its pesto remains off-limits for those avoiding dairy. For a satisfying vegan pizza experience at Pizza Pizza, stick to the homestyle Italian tomato sauce with vegan cheese and your choice of vegetable and plant-based meat toppings. For a true pesto fix, a simple and delicious vegan pesto can be made at home in minutes.
Outbound Link
For more information on the official ingredients and allergen listings, consult the official Pizza Pizza website or its allergen document, which is regularly updated.
