Comparing Dominos Pizza Crusts: A Nutritional Breakdown
When it comes to picking a healthier pizza base, the primary factors to consider are calories, total fat, and saturated fat. Dominos offers several crust options, each with a distinct texture and nutritional profile. By examining the differences, you can make a more informed choice for your dietary goals.
The Standard Crust Options
- Hand Tossed: This is Domino's classic crust, thicker than the thin crust but not as heavy as the pan. It is chewy and brushed with a garlic-oil season blend. Its thickness means a higher calorie and carb count per slice compared to the thin option.
- Handmade Pan: This crust is thicker and baked in an oiled pan, resulting in a rich, buttery, and crispy base. The added oil significantly increases its fat and calorie content, making it one of the less healthy options.
- Brooklyn Style: Designed to be large, thin, and foldable, like a traditional New York slice. While thinner than Hand Tossed, it can still have a considerable number of calories depending on the size and ingredients.
- Crunchy Thin Crust: The thinnest and crispiest of the bunch. Because it uses less dough, it contains fewer calories, fat, and carbs per slice, making it the top contender for the healthiest option.
Specialty and Dietary Crusts
- Gluten-Free Crust: A wheat-free alternative made with a blend of rice and potato flours. It's crucial for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease but may have a different nutritional makeup compared to the standard thin crust. Domino's warns of potential cross-contamination since it's made in the same kitchens as other crusts.
Domino's Crust Nutritional Comparison
| Crust Type (Large Pizza, Per Slice) | Calories (approx.) | Fat (g) (approx.) | Carbs (g) (approx.) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin Crust (Cheese Pizza) | 194-210 | 11 | 18-20 | Lowest in calories and fat |
| Hand Tossed (Cheese Pizza) | 272-312 | 8.89 | 36.52 | Higher calorie and carb count |
| Handmade Pan (Crust Only) | 190 (per slice) | - | - | Calories higher due to oil |
| Gluten-Free (Crust Only) | 130 (per slice) | - | - | Smaller crust, potential cross-contamination |
The Healthiest Pizza is About More Than Just the Crust
While selecting the thinnest crust is a great start, the overall healthiness of your pizza order depends on more than just the base. For example, piling a thin crust with high-fat, high-sodium toppings will negate the initial nutritional benefits. Conversely, a Handmade Pan pizza with plenty of vegetables can still be a relatively well-balanced meal.
Here's how to build a healthier Domino's pizza:
- Load up on veggies: Top your pizza with fresh vegetables like mushrooms, green peppers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Go light on the cheese: A common dietitian tip is to ask for light cheese to reduce saturated fat and sodium content.
- Choose lean protein: Opt for grilled chicken breast instead of higher-fat meats like extra pepperoni or sausage.
- Control portion size: Domino's large thin-crust pizzas are often cut into 16 squares, which is a great way to manage your portions by limiting yourself to just a few pieces.
For a complete overview of all Domino's nutritional information, you can use their official Cal-O-Meter tool.
Conclusion: The Thin Crust is the Best Bet
After reviewing the available crust options and their nutritional information, the Crunchy Thin Crust stands out as the healthiest choice at Domino's for the average consumer. Its lower calorie and fat content provides a more diet-friendly foundation for your pizza. For individuals with gluten sensitivities, the gluten-free crust is a suitable alternative, but awareness of cross-contamination is essential. Ultimately, combining a thin crust with smart topping choices is the best strategy for a healthier pizza experience at Domino's.
