The Core Components of a Domino's Pizza
At its heart, any Domino's pizza is built on three fundamental layers: the crust, the sauce, and the cheese. While the exact formulation offers variety, the core ingredients for each layer follow a general pattern.
The Crust: The Foundation of Flavor
Domino's offers several types of crusts, each with its own distinct recipe and texture. The most common Hand Tossed crust is made from a blend of enriched wheat flour, water, soybean oil, sugar, and yeast. It's a leavened dough designed for a classic, chewy texture. Other varieties include:
- Thin Crust: This alternative is known for its crispy, cracker-like texture. It typically contains wheat flour, malted barley flour, water, and soybean oil.
- Handmade Pan Crust: This crust uses palm oil and a natural butter flavor, creating a rich, buttery taste and a thick, soft texture.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Developed for those with gluten sensitivities, this crust uses a base of rice flour, water, potato starch, and other starches. It's important to note that this crust is prepared in a common kitchen, so it is not recommended for customers with celiac disease due to the risk of cross-contact.
The Sauce: The Flavorful Base
Domino's classic pizza sauce is primarily made from water and tomato paste, along with a blend of sugar, salt, and spices such as dehydrated garlic and soybean oil. For specialty pizzas, alternative sauces are used, such as the white garlic parmesan sauce, which features soybean oil, parmesan cheese, and buttermilk.
The Cheese: The Melty Topping
Many of Domino's pizzas feature a blend of different cheeses, including mozzarella and provolone. A special blend, commonly referred to as “pizza cheese,” is made from part-skim mozzarella cheese, with added modified food starch and cellulose to prevent caking and improve melting properties. The Wisconsin 6 Cheese pizza, for example, includes additional cheeses like feta and cheddar.
A Closer Look at Nutritional Content
From a nutrition diet perspective, it's clear that a Domino's pizza is not a health food. It is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. The exact nutritional information varies significantly depending on the crust, toppings, and portion size. For example, a single slice of a large pepperoni pizza on a hand-tossed crust can contain a significant amount of sodium, saturated fat, and calories.
Comparing Different Crusts
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of the key nutritional components for various medium crust options, based on an eighth of a medium pizza with a standard cheese and sauce topping.
| Nutritional Component (per 1/8 medium pizza) | Hand Tossed | Thin Crust | Pan Pizza | Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 220 kcal | Approx. 133 kcal | Approx. 190 kcal | Approx. 130 kcal |
| Fat | High | Medium-Low | High | Low |
| Saturated Fat | High | Low | High | Low |
| Carbohydrates | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Protein | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | High | Medium | High | Low |
Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific toppings. The Gluten-Free crust is available only in a small size, so the values are scaled for comparison.
Making Healthier Choices
While fast food pizza is an occasional treat for most, there are ways to make a more health-conscious decision when ordering from Domino's. Consider these tips:
- Choose a thinner crust: The Thin Crust option is generally the lowest in calories, fat, and sodium.
- Prioritize vegetables: Loading up on vegetable toppings like green peppers, onions, and mushrooms adds fiber and nutrients without significantly increasing calories.
- Be mindful of cheese and meat: Requesting less cheese or choosing leaner meat toppings can lower the fat and sodium content. For example, plain grilled chicken might be a healthier protein option than fatty processed meats.
- Pair with a salad: Ordering a Classic Garden Salad (without the croutons and a low-fat dressing) can complement the meal and provide a serving of vegetables.
- Watch your portions: Instead of eating several slices, stick to a single piece to keep calorie intake in check.
Conclusion
For those wondering what are Dominos made out of, the answer is a combination of flour-based crust, tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings. While many of the ingredients are standard food items, the processing and formulation lead to a product that is often high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. Making healthier choices is possible by being selective with crusts and toppings. By understanding the ingredients and nutritional content, consumers can better manage their diet and still enjoy an occasional pizza treat.
