Is There Such a Thing as Low-Carb Pizza?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Diet Doctor, some keto-friendly pizzas can contain as little as 3-5 grams of net carbs per serving, making the answer to the question, "is there such a thing as low-carb pizza?" a resounding yes. By swapping traditional, high-carbohydrate crusts for innovative alternatives, it is entirely possible to enjoy a satisfying pizza while adhering to a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Quick Summary

Low-carb pizza is not only possible but comes in several delicious forms. Alternatives include fathead, cauliflower, and chicken crusts, along with crustless options. Adjusting toppings and sauces is also key to creating a keto-friendly meal that satisfies pizza cravings.

Key Points

Yes, low-carb pizza exists: You can enjoy delicious, diet-friendly pizza by replacing the traditional high-carb crust with alternatives like cauliflower, almond flour, or chicken crust.
Cauliflower crust requires drying: To avoid a soggy crust, it is crucial to squeeze all excess moisture out of the riced cauliflower before baking.
Fathead dough offers a traditional texture: Made from mozzarella, cream cheese, and almond flour, fathead dough provides a satisfying, chewy crust similar to wheat-based pizza.
Coconut and almond flour are not interchangeable: Coconut flour is more absorbent than almond flour, so recipes are not a 1:1 substitution.
Crustless pizza is the easiest option: For a quick and effortless low-carb meal, make a pizza bowl in an oven-safe skillet, skipping the crust entirely.
Choose sauces carefully: Many store-bought pizza sauces contain added sugar, so opt for sugar-free versions or a homemade alternative to keep carbs low.
Protein-rich crusts are available: For a high-protein, zero-carb option, consider making a crust from ground chicken, eggs, and cheese.

The Core of Low-Carb Pizza: Mastering the Crust

The secret to a low-carb pizza lies in the crust, which is typically the most carbohydrate-heavy component. Fortunately, cooks and dieters have developed several clever and delicious alternatives to traditional wheat-based dough. These options provide a fantastic canvas for your favorite toppings without derailing your dietary goals. Here are some of the most popular low-carb crusts:

Cauliflower Crust

One of the most well-known low-carb alternatives, cauliflower crust, is made from finely riced cauliflower mixed with cheese and egg. When prepared correctly, the result is a surprisingly sturdy and flavorful base. For best results, it's crucial to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the riced cauliflower before mixing. This step ensures a crispy, not soggy, crust. It's a great way to add extra vegetables to your diet while enjoying a classic comfort food.

Fathead Dough (Almond Flour & Cheese)

Often hailed as the closest in texture to traditional dough, fathead dough is a keto staple. It's made from melted mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, egg, and almond flour. The high-fat content is perfect for a keto diet, and the dough is relatively easy to work with, creating a chewy and satisfying crust. Some variations replace almond flour with coconut flour, but it is important to remember that coconut flour is far more absorbent and is not a 1:1 substitute.

Chicken Crust

For meat lovers seeking a high-protein, zero-carb option, a chicken crust is a game-changer. This crust is made from ground chicken mixed with cheese, egg, and spices. It bakes up into a solid, firm base that holds toppings exceptionally well. ZeroCarb LYFE, for instance, offers pre-made chicken crusts for ultimate convenience. A chicken crust delivers a much more savory, meat-forward flavor profile that works especially well with classic meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage.

Crustless Pizza

For those who don't want to mess with a substitute crust, going entirely crustless is an excellent option. Also known as a pizza bowl or skillet pizza, this method involves simply baking sauce, cheese, and toppings in a bowl or oven-safe skillet. The ingredients meld together into a hearty, low-carb meal that perfectly captures the taste of pizza without any effort on the crust. This is perhaps the easiest and quickest way to enjoy a low-carb pizza.

Perfecting Your Toppings and Sauce

Once the crust is settled, the next step is selecting low-carb sauces and toppings. Many classic toppings are already low-carb, but it's essential to be mindful of hidden sugars and starches in pre-made sauces and processed meats.

Sauce: Use a sugar-free pizza sauce, a low-carb pesto, or even a simple blend of crushed tomatoes with herbs. Primal Kitchen's unsweetened pizza sauce is a recommended option, but a homemade sauce is also a quick and healthy choice.
Cheeses: Stick to traditional mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, or feta. Be aware that some pre-shredded cheeses can contain starches, so shredding your own from a block is the safest option for a strictly low-carb diet.
Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and shredded chicken are all excellent, high-protein additions. Always check the labels for hidden sugars in cured meats.
Vegetables: Load up on low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, olives, and jalapenos for added flavor and nutrients.

Almond Flour vs. Coconut Flour: A Comparison

When choosing a flour for your keto or low-carb crust, almond and coconut flours are the two most common choices. While both are excellent for cutting carbs, they have distinct properties that affect the final product.


Feature	Almond Flour	Coconut Flour
Carb Count	Higher per volume than coconut flour, but still very low compared to wheat flour.	Very low net carbs due to high fiber content.
Texture	Moist, dense, and slightly crumbly.	Dry, powdery, and very absorbent, resulting in a lighter crumb.
Flavor	Nutty, but generally more neutral than coconut flour, making it versatile for savory dishes.	Distinct coconut flavor, which can be noticeable but can also enhance certain recipes.
Consistency	Dough is more like a wet paste and can be stickier to work with.	Dough is drier and more prone to cracking, requiring more eggs and liquid.
Substitution	Not a 1:1 substitute for coconut flour; you need more almond flour to absorb liquid.	Highly absorbent; use a smaller amount when substituting for almond flour.

Conclusion: Satisfy Cravings without Compromise

So, is there such a thing as low-carb pizza? Absolutely. The variety of crust options, from cauliflower and fathead dough to chicken-based and crustless alternatives, ensures that you don't have to miss out on one of your favorite foods while maintaining a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. By making smart substitutions for the crust and being mindful of sauces and toppings, you can easily create a delicious pizza that fits your dietary needs and tastes just as good, if not better, than the traditional version. The key is embracing these creative alternatives and experimenting to find the low-carb pizza style you love most. Diet Doctor's guide on low-carb and keto pizza recipes provides many examples and inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest carb pizza crusts are typically made from pure protein, such as ground chicken, or are simply crustless, like a pizza bowl. These options contain no flour and focus on toppings and sauce baked together.

Yes, but you cannot substitute them 1:1. Coconut flour is much more absorbent, so you will need a significantly smaller amount and often require more liquid or eggs to balance the moisture.

Not always. Some pre-made cauliflower crusts contain rice flour and potato starch, which increase the carbohydrate count. Always check the nutrition label to ensure the crust fits your low-carb requirements.

For cauliflower crusts, drain as much moisture as possible before baking. For fathead or almond flour crusts, pre-baking the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding toppings can help it achieve a firmer, crispier texture.

Many regular pizza sauces contain added sugar, which increases the carb count. Look for brands that offer sugar-free or keto-friendly sauce, or make a simple sauce from canned tomatoes and spices at home.

Excellent low-carb topping choices include pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, olives, and extra cheese. These add flavor and protein without adding significant carbs.

Traditional fathead dough can be sticky and messy. Some recipes, like those from Sugar Free Londoner, use a food processor to mix the ingredients, reducing the need for hand-kneading and making it a cleaner process.