The Rise of Plant-Based Pizza
As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, the demand for dairy-free alternatives has surged. This shift has put pressure on the food industry, including major pizza chains, to innovate. What was once a niche offering is now a common expectation, with many restaurants introducing vegan cheese and other plant-based toppings to their menus. While some large international chains have been quicker to adopt vegan options globally, the landscape in the United States often differs by company and location.
National Chains with Vegan Cheese in the US
For those in the United States, several chains are reliable sources for vegan cheese, particularly within the fast-casual segment where customization is a key feature. Their commitment to plant-based options makes them a convenient choice for a quick and satisfying vegan meal.
Blaze Pizza: The Fast-Fired Favorite
Blaze Pizza is a trailblazer in the fast-casual space, known for its build-your-own model and transparent ingredient list. Since 2015, the chain has offered Daiya vegan cheese and continues to add new plant-based items, like spicy vegan chorizo, making it a dependable spot for vegan diners.
Mellow Mushroom: A Vegetarian Staple
With its unique atmosphere and focus on fresh ingredients, Mellow Mushroom has long been a favorite among vegetarians and vegans. They offer a dedicated 'vegan favorites' menu, featuring pizzas with vegan cheese from 'Follow Your Heart' and other plant-based toppings like tofu.
MOD Pizza: Customization is Key
MOD Pizza is another fast-casual powerhouse that caters to dairy-free needs by offering vegan cheese at all its locations. Their customizable pizza-building experience allows diners to choose their preferred crust, sauce, and a wide array of veggie toppings to create the perfect vegan pie.
Pie Five Pizza & Pieology: Personal Pies
Both Pie Five Pizza and Pieology have offered Daiya vegan cheese at their locations for several years, making them excellent choices for individual-sized, dairy-free pizzas. This commitment to plant-based ingredients makes ordering straightforward for customers with dietary restrictions.
Papa Murphy's: Take-and-Bake Options
Papa Murphy's offers a unique take-and-bake service, and for those seeking a vegan option, they provide Violife vegan cheese at select locations. It's always best to call ahead to confirm availability before visiting.
Regional Differences: A Global Look at Pizza Chains
While fast-casual options are strong in the US, the availability of vegan cheese at larger, legacy chains like Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's is often region-specific. Global franchises frequently adapt their menus to local demand, resulting in significant differences between countries.
UK and International Chains
- Domino's UK: Offers a range of vegan pizzas with its own exclusive plant-based cheese alternative.
- Pizza Hut UK: Has included Violife Vegan Ch**se on its menu since 2017 and offers several vegan pizza options.
- Papa John's UK: Launched a dedicated vegan menu featuring Sheese® in 2019, with options like vegan cheese and tomato, and jackfruit 'pepperoni'.
The US Domino's Situation
Despite offering vegan cheese in the UK and Australia, Domino's in the US does not currently have vegan cheese on its menu. PETA has even purchased stock in the company to encourage adding a dairy-free cheese option nationwide. In the meantime, US customers can order a cheeseless vegetable pizza with their plant-based sauce.
Vegan Cheese Nutrition vs. Traditional Cheese
Understanding the nutritional differences between vegan and dairy cheese is essential for a balanced diet. Here is a comparison based on information from nutritional guides:
| Aspect | Vegan Cheese | Traditional Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Varies significantly by base (nuts vs. starches), often lower than dairy cheese. | Typically high in protein, providing essential amino acids. |
| Fat | Cholesterol-free; fat source depends on ingredients (e.g., coconut oil, nuts). Can be lower in saturated fat. | Contains cholesterol and is often high in saturated fat. |
| Calcium | Often fortified with calcium, but absorption may vary. | Rich source of readily absorbed calcium. |
| Vitamin B12 | Not naturally present; must be fortified or supplemented. | Found naturally as it comes from animal products. |
| Fiber | Can provide some dietary fiber, especially nut-based varieties. | Contains no dietary fiber. |
| Lactose/Casein | Lactose-free and casein-free, suitable for dairy allergies. | Contains lactose and casein, which can cause issues for some people. |
Tips for Ordering a Vegan Pizza
When ordering, a few simple steps can ensure your meal is completely dairy-free and delicious:
- Always Confirm: Menus and ingredient suppliers can change. It is always wise to confirm with the staff that the specific cheese and crust you want are vegan.
- Request a Cheeseless Pie: If vegan cheese is unavailable, don't be discouraged. A well-made cheeseless pizza with extra sauce and a generous amount of vegetable toppings can be incredibly flavorful.
- Check the Crust: Some specialty crusts, like stuffed crust or garlic-parmesan, are not vegan. The original hand-tossed or thin crust is usually the safest bet, but always verify.
- Watch for Cross-Contamination: If cross-contamination is a concern, politely ask if they can change gloves and use fresh utensils. Some online ordering platforms, like Papa John's, even have a 'Clean Cut' option.
- Bring Your Own Toppings: Consider adding your own high-flavor toppings at home, like nutritional yeast, herbs, or vegan parmesan, to enhance a delivered cheeseless pizza.
Beyond the Cheese: The Complete Vegan Pie
The perfect vegan pizza experience isn't just about finding the right cheese. Many chains offer a variety of vegan-friendly sauces (usually tomato-based), vegetables, and sometimes even plant-based meats. From classic veggie combinations to more adventurous toppings, the options for creating a flavorful and satisfying vegan pie are extensive.
Conclusion: The Future of Vegan Pizza
The rise of plant-based eating has fundamentally changed the pizza industry, providing more choices for those who abstain from dairy. While availability, particularly at major national chains in the US, can still be inconsistent, the trend is clear: vegan cheese is here to stay. Whether you visit a specialized fast-casual eatery or customize an order from a global franchise, knowing which pizza chain has vegan cheese is a simple step towards enjoying a delicious and nutritionally mindful meal. For further information on navigating a plant-based lifestyle, check out the resources at Vegan Outreach.
Which Pizza Chain Has Vegan Cheese? Fast facts to remember
- Fast-Casual is Easiest: Chains like Blaze Pizza and MOD Pizza consistently offer vegan cheese across their US locations.
- Regional Variations Exist: International branches of major chains like Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's often have vegan cheese, but US menus typically do not.
- Ask for Specific Brands: Some chains list the specific vegan cheese brand they carry, such as Violife at Pizza Hut UK or Daiya at Pie Five Pizza.
- Nutritional Differences: Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free, and some varieties are lower in saturated fat than dairy cheese, but protein content can vary.
- Customize Your Order: Even without vegan cheese, a delicious cheeseless veggie pizza with extra sauce and fresh toppings is a viable option.
- Know the Dough: Always confirm the crust ingredients, as some options (like stuffed crusts) are not vegan. Original or thin crust is often safe.
