Main Pizza Chains with Vegan Offerings
For many years, vegans were limited to ordering a cheeseless veggie pizza, but the landscape has evolved significantly. Today, several national and regional pizza chains not only offer a variety of vegetable toppings but also include dedicated vegan cheese and even plant-based meat substitutes.
Papa John's
Papa John's is a standout option for vegans, offering a comprehensive menu that goes beyond simple vegetable toppings. The chain's original pizza dough and sauce are vegan, providing a solid foundation for a custom or menu-built pizza. In many regions, Papa John's offers vegan cheese and a dedicated selection of pre-designed vegan pizzas. For example, the UK market features the Vegan Works, which includes jackfruit "pepperoni" and vegan sausage.
- Vegan Pizza Options: Look for the Vegan Cheese & Tomato, Jackfruit "Pepperoni," Vegan Garden Party, or create your own masterpiece.
- Crust and Sauce: The Original Hand Tossed and Original Sauce are vegan-friendly. Always check for regional variations.
- Toppings: An abundance of vegetables is available, along with plant-based proteins like jackfruit pepperoni and vegan sausage.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has also embraced the vegan trend, particularly in its UK locations, by offering vegan cheese and a variety of toppings. While domestic offerings in the US can vary, it is always worth checking with your local restaurant. Their All American Thin base and pan bases are often vegan, making them a suitable choice for a build-your-own pizza.
- Key Vegan Items: Vegan Margherita, BBQ Jackfruit pizza (depending on location), and custom builds with Violife vegan cheese.
- How to Order: Request a vegan-friendly crust and opt for vegan cheese where available, or order it cheeseless. Pizza Hut's website or app will typically denote vegan options clearly.
Domino's
Domino's vegan options can be more limited, though they have been increasing their plant-based repertoire in various markets. While specific vegan pizzas may not be on the menu everywhere, building your own is a reliable strategy. The key is to check the ingredients of the crust and sauce and to ask for no cheese. Some locations now offer vegan cheese as a topping option, so always ask when ordering.
- Ordering Tips: Build your own pizza using the thin crust and robust inspired tomato sauce, topped with a generous assortment of veggies.
- What to Confirm: Always verify the crust and sauce ingredients, as they can differ by region. Confirm if vegan cheese is available in your area.
Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza is celebrated for its "build your own" model, which is a dream for vegan diners. Their customizable approach ensures that you can meticulously select every ingredient. Many locations offer vegan cheese, and almost all their vegetable toppings, sauces, and drizzles are vegan.
- Crusts: The traditional dough is vegan. Check with staff regarding any limited-time specialty crusts.
- Sauces and Toppings: Vegan options include the classic red sauce, spicy red sauce, BBQ sauce, and garlic rub. Toppings are plentiful, including roasted broccoli, roasted corn, and plant-based proteins.
MOD Pizza
Another customizable option, MOD Pizza provides a similar experience to Blaze but with its own unique menu. MOD offers vegan cheese from Daiya and a plant-based Italian sausage crumble from Plantly. Their original and gluten-free crusts are vegan, making it easy to create a delicious and satisfying plant-based pie.
- Vegan Choices: The build-your-own model is the best way to ensure all ingredients are vegan. Look for Daiya vegan cheese and Plantly Italian sausage.
- Finishing Sauces: Balsamic fig glaze and hot buffalo sauce are vegan-friendly finishing touches.
Comparison of Vegan Pizza Chain Options
| Feature | Papa John's | Pizza Hut (UK) | Domino's | Blaze Pizza | MOD Pizza |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Cheese? | Yes, available | Yes (Violife) | Some locations | Yes (Daiya) | Yes (Daiya) |
| Vegan Meat? | Yes (Jackfruit "Pepperoni", Sausage) | Yes (Jackfruit) | Limited / Regional | Yes (Plantly Sausage) | Yes (Plantly Sausage) |
| Crusts | Original, Thin | Thin, Pan, GF | Thin (Varies) | Traditional, GF | Original, GF |
| Sauces | Original, BBQ, Buffalo | Tomato, BBQ | Robust Inspired | Red, Spicy Red, BBQ | Red, Spicy Red, BBQ |
| Ordering Ease | Good (Menu options) | Good (Menu options) | Custom Build | Excellent (Custom Build) | Excellent (Custom Build) |
| Availability | Good | Good (UK) | Varies by location | Excellent | Excellent |
How to Build the Perfect Vegan Pizza
Step 1: Pick a Vegan-Friendly Crust
Start with a confirmed vegan crust. While most traditional hand-tossed doughs are made with simple ingredients (flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar, oil), it's always best to check the ingredients or ask an employee. Many chains now list allergen information online.
Step 2: Choose a Vegan Sauce
Most traditional red pizza sauces are naturally vegan, made from tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Avoid creamy sauces or pesto, which often contain dairy, though some chains offer vegan pesto or specialty sauces. For a different flavor profile, opt for a BBQ base at chains like Blaze or MOD Pizza.
Step 3: Load Up on Vegan Toppings
This is where you can get creative. The standard vegetable options are almost always safe. Go beyond the basics with roasted garlic, fresh basil, or pineapples. If available, add a plant-based meat alternative for extra protein and flavor, like the jackfruit pepperoni at Papa John's or Plantly sausage at Blaze and MOD Pizza.
Step 4: Add Vegan Cheese (if available)
Vegan cheese has come a long way. If your chosen chain offers it, this is an excellent addition for a more classic pizza experience. If vegan cheese isn't an option, a cheeseless pizza with extra sauce and veggies can be just as delicious.
Step 5: Finish with a Flourish
Many chains offer vegan-friendly finishing sauces or spices. Drizzles of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or red pepper flakes can elevate your pizza. Remember to confirm the vegan status of any garlic oil or butter applied to the crust.
The Rise of the Vegan Pizza Market
The expansion of vegan pizza options is driven by several factors, including health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations. This growing demand has prompted both fast-food giants and smaller chains to innovate their menus. The availability of high-quality plant-based cheese, like Violife and Daiya, has been a game-changer, allowing chains to offer a more satisfying product that mimics the texture and flavor of traditional dairy cheese. Furthermore, the introduction of plant-based meat substitutes, such as jackfruit and vegan sausage, provides appealing alternatives for those transitioning to a vegan diet or reducing their meat consumption.
This trend is likely to continue, with more chains exploring limited-time vegan offers and potentially adding them to their permanent menus based on customer feedback and sales performance. The competition to provide the best vegan options is a win for consumers, offering greater variety and accessibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question, "Which pizza chain has vegan pizza?" no longer has a single answer. Many popular chains now offer robust vegan menus or highly customizable options. Papa John's, Pizza Hut (in select markets), Blaze Pizza, and MOD Pizza are excellent choices, providing dedicated vegan cheese and plant-based protein alternatives. Even at chains with fewer labeled vegan items, like Domino's, it's possible to build a delicious plant-based pizza by carefully selecting the crust, sauce, and vegetable toppings. The key is to be informed and to always check for regional variations or new menu additions online or via the chain's app.
For more information on the rise of vegan food products in the market, check out this 2025 vegan pizza crust analysis.
How to Order Vegan at Different Pizza Chains
At Blaze Pizza
- Select the Original Dough.
- Choose a vegan sauce, like Classic Red, Spicy Red, or BBQ.
- Ask for Dairy-Free Cheese.
- Load up on vegetables from their extensive selection.
- Add Plant-Based Italian Sausage if desired.
- Finish with a vegan sauce swirl, like Balsamic Fig Glaze or Hot Buffalo Sauce.
At MOD Pizza
- Pick the Original or Gluten-Free crust.
- Choose from vegan sauces like Red Sauce or BBQ Sauce.
- Request Daiya Vegan Cheese.
- Add vegetables and Plant-Based Italian Sausage.
- Top with a vegan finishing sauce like the Balsamic Fig Glaze.
At Papa John's
- Opt for a pre-made vegan pizza if available on the menu, such as the Vegan Works (UK).
- For custom orders, select the Original Hand Tossed or Thin Crust with the Original Pizza Sauce.
- Ask for no cheese or request the vegan cheese alternative.
- Add a variety of vegetable toppings, plus jackfruit "pepperoni" and vegan sausage where offered.
At Pizza Hut
- Select a vegan-friendly crust, such as the All American Thin base.
- Choose a tomato-based sauce.
- Add Violife vegan cheese (check availability).
- Top with your choice of vegetables or the BBQ Jackfruit option.
At Domino's
- Choose the Thin Crust (confirming vegan status locally).
- Request the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce.
- Opt for no cheese, or ask if vegan cheese is available.
- Add a mix of vegetable toppings like mushrooms, onions, and black olives.
Additional Considerations
Beyond these major chains, many regional and smaller chains are also offering fantastic vegan options. Always check their websites or call ahead. Furthermore, pay attention to the details, like cross-contamination concerns and the vegan status of garlic sauces or crust finishers. The market for vegan pizza continues to grow, providing delicious and convenient options for everyone.
