Is There Healthy Pizza at Domino's? Your Guide to Nutritious Orders

Did you know there are over 34 million ways to customize a Domino's pizza order? This level of personalization means that, yes, there is healthy pizza at Domino's, but it depends entirely on your choices and how you build it from the crust up.

Quick Summary

Healthy options exist at Domino's by customizing orders with thin crusts, lighter sauce, lean proteins, and extra veggies. Controlling portions is also crucial for a more nutritious meal.

Key Points

• Choose a thin crust: The Thin & Crispy crust is the lowest-calorie and lowest-fat option available.

• Go light on sauce and cheese: Ask for less cheese and stick with the standard marinara to cut down on fat and sodium.

• Prioritize vegetables: Maximize fiber and nutrients by loading up on veggie toppings like spinach, mushrooms, and peppers.

• Pick lean proteins: Opt for grilled chicken over processed meats like pepperoni and sausage to reduce saturated fat.

• Pair with a salad: Add a Classic Garden Salad with light dressing to increase your overall vegetable intake and promote satiety.

• Control your portion size: Even a healthy pizza can be high in calories if you overeat. Be mindful of how many slices you consume.

While pizza is often stereotyped as unhealthy fast food, the truth is that it is simply a delivery vehicle for ingredients, which can be tailored to fit a more health-conscious diet. At Domino's, the vast array of customizable options puts the power in your hands. By making smart selections for the crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings, you can significantly reduce the calories, saturated fat, and sodium of your meal. The goal is to maximize flavor and nutrient density while minimizing processed ingredients.

Choosing the Right Crust: A Crucial First Step

Your choice of crust has the most significant impact on the overall nutritional value of your pizza. Thick, heavy crusts dramatically increase the calorie and carbohydrate count, while a thin base provides a lighter foundation.

• Thin & Crispy Crust: This is the healthiest crust option at Domino's. It significantly reduces calories and carbs per slice compared to the other crusts, leaving more room for toppings. For example, a slice of a large thin-crust cheese pizza has about 60 fewer calories than a regular hand-tossed slice.
• Hand-Tossed Crust: A middle-of-the-road option, the Hand-Tossed is thicker and fluffier than the Thin & Crispy but still a better choice than the calorie-dense Pan Pizza.
• Handmade Pan Crust: This is the unhealthiest option due to its higher fat and calorie content from the pan-fried cooking process. It should be avoided if you are trying to make a healthier choice.

Mastering the Art of Sauce and Cheese

After the crust, the sauce and cheese are the next key areas for modification. Standard cheese and creamy sauces can quickly add high levels of saturated fat and sodium.

• Opt for Marinara Sauce: The basic tomato-based marinara sauce is the healthiest choice, containing fewer calories than creamy alternatives like Alfredo.
• Go Light on the Cheese: Requesting 'light' or 'less' cheese is one of the easiest ways to cut down on calories, fat, and sodium. You still get the classic pizza flavor without the excessive fat content.

Loading Up on Nutritious Toppings

Here's where you can load up on flavor, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Veggies are your best friend, and choosing lean proteins over processed ones makes a difference.

Recommended Toppings:

• Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos are all low-calorie and high-fiber additions.
• Lean Proteins: Grilled chicken is the top choice for lean protein. Avoid processed meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, which are high in saturated fat and sodium.

The Healthiest Built-in Pizza Options

While building your own is best, a few standard menu items offer a healthier starting point that you can further customize.

• Pacific Veggie Pizza: Start with this pizza on a Thin & Crispy crust, order it with less cheese, and you've got a nutrient-dense, lower-calorie meal.
• Spinach & Feta: This option, when ordered on a thin crust, can be a flavorful and relatively light choice.
• Veggie and Chicken Pizza: Domino's themselves list this combination as a lighter option, featuring grilled chicken and fresh vegetables.

How to Customize Your Healthiest Domino's Order

1. Choose the Crust: Always select the Thin & Crispy crust.
2. Go Easy on the Sauce: Stick with the standard marinara and ask for less of it.
3. Use Cheese Sparingly: Request light or reduced cheese.
4. Focus on Veggies: Load up on at least three different vegetable toppings.
5. Add Lean Protein (Optional): If you want meat, choose grilled chicken.
6. Skip the Extras: Decline dipping sauces, cheesy bread, and sugary sodas.

A Comparison of Domino's Orders

Feature	Healthy Order (Small Thin Crust)	Unhealthy Order (Large Pan Crust)
Crust	Thin & Crispy	Handmade Pan Crust
Sauce	Light Marinara	Creamy Alfredo or Garlic Parmesan
Toppings	Grilled Chicken, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onion	Pepperoni, Sausage, Extra Cheese
Cheese	Light Mozzarella	Extra Mozzarella, Provolone Blend
Side	Classic Garden Salad with light dressing	Cheesy Bread, CinnaStix, Dipping Sauces
Nutritional Impact	Lower in calories, fat, and sodium. Higher in fiber.	Significantly higher in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.

Don't Forget Sides and Portion Control

Pairing your pizza with a side salad is an excellent strategy to boost your nutrient intake and fill you up with fewer calories. Just be mindful of the dressing. Opt for a lighter vinaigrette or balsamic and use only half the packet. Most importantly, manage your portion size. Even a healthy pizza can become an excessive meal if you eat too much of it. Having a side salad can help you feel full without overeating pizza.

Conclusion: Healthy by Choice, Not by Default

While no fast-food pizza will ever be as healthy as a home-cooked meal with fresh, whole ingredients, Domino's offers a surprising amount of control over your meal's nutritional profile. The key is to be intentional with your choices. By selecting a thin crust, light marinara sauce, less cheese, and plenty of vegetable toppings, you can enjoy pizza night without derailing your health goals. It's not about what you order, but how you order it. For more detailed nutritional information, consult the Domino's nutrition calculator on their official website to see how your specific customization affects the final numbers. See Domino's Nutritional Information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest calorie pizza at Domino's?

The lowest calorie pizza at Domino's is generally a custom-built one. Start with a small or medium Thin & Crispy crust, use light marinara sauce, and add only vegetable toppings and a minimal amount of cheese.

How can I reduce the sodium in my Domino's order?

To reduce sodium, ask for light cheese, avoid processed meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage, and skip high-sodium dipping sauces. Adding more fresh vegetable toppings can also help balance the flavor.

Is the gluten-free crust a healthier option at Domino's?

The gluten-free crust can be lower in calories, but its healthiness depends on the toppings. Be aware that cross-contamination is a risk, as it's prepared in the same kitchen as other crusts.

Are the grilled chicken wings a healthy choice?

Grilled chicken wings without heavy marinades or sauces are a decent protein-rich side. They are a healthier alternative to fried chicken options and bread sides.

How do creamy sauces affect a pizza's nutrition?

Creamy sauces, such as Alfredo or Ranch, significantly increase a pizza's calorie and fat content. Opting for a simple tomato-based sauce is a better choice for a healthier meal.

Does ordering a small pizza make a big difference?

Yes, downsizing your pizza to a smaller size is a simple and effective strategy for portion control, which dramatically reduces overall calorie and fat intake.

Can I enjoy a Domino's pizza while on a diet?

Yes, you can. The key is moderation and customization. A healthy, balanced diet allows for occasional indulgences, and choosing lighter, more nutritious options at Domino's helps manage calorie intake.