Finding a Satisfying Answer to 'Which Pizza is Low-Carb?'

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, traditional pizza seems out of the question due to its high-carb flour crust, which can contain upwards of 30 grams of net carbs per slice. But a low-carb lifestyle doesn't mean you have to give up pizza entirely; finding which pizza is low-carb is now easier than ever with creative and satisfying alternatives.

Quick Summary

Discover low-carb pizza alternatives using ingredients like cauliflower, almond flour, and high-protein options. Learn about crustless pizzas, keto-friendly toppings, and how to enjoy a delicious pizza without the high-carb crust.

Key Points

Embrace Alternative Crusts: The secret to a low-carb pizza is replacing traditional flour dough with bases made from cauliflower, almond flour, or fathead dough.
Opt for Crustless Options: When ordering out, consider a crustless pizza bowl from restaurants like Papa Murphy's for a simple, ultra-low-carb meal.
Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Mozzarella, cheddar, feta, and parmesan are excellent low-carb cheese options that add flavor and fat to your pizza.
Load Up on Protein and Veggies: Utilize meats like pepperoni, chicken, and sausage, along with non-starchy vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms, for satisfying toppings.
Control Your Sauce: Use sugar-free marinara, pesto, or alfredo sauce to avoid hidden carbs that can be found in traditional pizza sauces.
Check Labels Carefully: Always read the nutritional information on store-bought alternative crusts and sauces, as ingredients and carb counts can vary widely.

Navigating Your Low-Carb Pizza Choices

When a craving for pizza hits, you don't have to sacrifice your dietary goals. The key to a low-carb pizza is rethinking the foundation. Traditional wheat-based dough is the primary source of carbohydrates, and by replacing it with a low-carb alternative, you can enjoy a flavorful pizza experience. A wide variety of grain-free options are now available, both in grocery stores and for homemade recipes, making it possible to satisfy your craving while staying on track.

The Most Popular Low-Carb Crusts

Low-carb crusts come in many forms, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile. Choosing the right one often comes down to your personal preference and dietary restrictions.

Cauliflower Crust: One of the most common and widely available options, cauliflower crust is made from riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese. It provides a neutral flavor and a crispy texture when cooked correctly. Many brands are available in the frozen food aisle, and you can also make it at home from scratch. A well-made cauliflower crust offers a decent amount of fiber and protein but be sure to check labels, as some store-bought versions may contain added flours that increase the carb count.
Fathead Dough: This is a favorite in the keto community and is known for its chewy, bread-like texture that closely mimics traditional dough. It is primarily made from melted mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, almond flour, and egg. The resulting crust is sturdy enough to hold plenty of toppings without getting soggy, making it a very satisfying choice.
Almond Flour Crust: For those seeking a crispier, thinner crust reminiscent of New York-style pizza, an almond flour base is an excellent option. It uses fine blanched almond flour, eggs, and olive oil to create a light and flavorful crust. It's a fantastic gluten-free alternative that is much lower in carbs than standard flour dough.
Chicken Crust ("Meatza"): For a high-protein, zero-carb option, a chicken-based crust is a creative solution. This involves combining ground chicken with cheese and seasonings, then baking it to form a solid, savory base. It's a great option for those who want to maximize their protein intake and is surprisingly delicious.
Cottage Cheese Crust: This two-ingredient crust made from cottage cheese and eggs creates a soft, flavorful base that is packed with protein. It's a simple, quick-prep option that bakes up beautifully and serves as a great canvas for your favorite toppings.

Delicious Low-Carb Toppings

The toppings are where you can get creative and pile on the flavor without worrying about carbs. Most common pizza toppings are naturally low in carbohydrates, allowing for endless delicious combinations.

Meats & Protein

Pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef
Grilled or rotisserie chicken
Bacon or Canadian bacon
Salami or chorizo
Anchovies or sardines

Vegetables

Mushrooms (sautéed to reduce moisture)
Bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños
Spinach and arugula
Olives and marinated artichoke hearts
Fresh basil and oregano

Sauce and Cheese

Sauce: Use a sugar-free, low-carb marinara sauce or opt for a pesto or alfredo base instead of traditional tomato sauce, which can sometimes contain added sugars.
Cheese: Stick to classic mozzarella but feel free to add other keto-friendly cheeses like parmesan, feta, cheddar, or goat cheese for extra flavor.

Ordering Low-Carb Pizza at Restaurants

Many national and local chains have started offering low-carb alternatives, making it possible to enjoy pizza while dining out.

Crustless Pizza: Some chains, like Papa Murphy's and Domino's, offer crustless pizza bowls with all the toppings baked in a container, essentially a pizza casserole. This is one of the safest options for staying strictly low-carb.
Alternative Crusts: Some restaurants, such as Blaze Pizza and California Pizza Kitchen, offer cauliflower crusts or other specialty crusts. Always confirm the ingredients and carb count, as not all alternative crusts are equally low-carb.
Build Your Own: Customize your pizza by ordering a crustless version or asking for a cauliflower crust. Specify no sweet sauces and stick to the low-carb toppings listed above.

Comparison of Common Low-Carb Pizza Crusts


Crust Type	Primary Ingredients	Carb Content (Approx.)	Best For	Texture Profile	Notes
Fathead Dough	Mozzarella, cream cheese, almond flour, egg	~6g net carbs per serving	Keto, bread-like texture	Chewy, pliable, holds up well to toppings	Can be slightly rich and cheesy
Cauliflower Crust	Cauliflower, egg, cheese	~2-14g net carbs per serving	Gluten-free, lower calorie	Crispier than fathead, more neutral flavor	Carb count varies greatly by brand; check labels
Almond Flour Crust	Almond flour, egg, olive oil	~3g net carbs per slice	Crispy, thin crust fans	Thin, crispy, not very pliable	Requires careful rolling, freezes well
Chicken Crust	Ground chicken, cheese, spices	Near-zero carbs	High-protein, keto	Dense, savory, meat-like base	Very filling, pairs well with robust toppings
Cottage Cheese Crust	Cottage cheese, egg	Very low-carb (low fat cottage cheese)	Quick prep, high protein	Soft, can be spread thinly for crispier edges	Simple ingredients, no flour needed

Conclusion: Savoring Your Low-Carb Pizza Journey

Living a low-carb lifestyle no longer means banishing your favorite foods, and pizza is no exception. With a growing number of innovative crust options available, from homemade recipes to restaurant-ordered bowls, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without derailing your diet. By focusing on low-carb crusts like cauliflower, fathead, or almond flour, and loading up on keto-friendly toppings like meats, cheeses, and non-starchy vegetables, you can create a pizza that is both flavorful and guilt-free. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a takeout enthusiast, finding which pizza is low-carb has never been more achievable.

For more low-carb eating inspiration and recipes, the authoritative source Diet Doctor offers a wealth of resources on low-carb and keto diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fathead dough, made from mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, almond flour, and egg, is widely considered to have the most bread-like and chewy texture, making it a favorite for mimicking a traditional pizza crust.

Yes, many grocery stores now carry pre-made cauliflower and other low-carb crusts in the frozen food section. Popular brands offer options, but always check the label for ingredients and carb counts, as some may contain extra starches or flours.

A 'meatza' is a low-carb pizza that uses a crust made from ground meat, such as chicken or beef, mixed with cheese and seasonings. It is an excellent, protein-packed option that is nearly carb-free.

While thin crust pizza is lower in carbs than regular or pan pizza, it is typically still made with wheat flour and can be too high in carbohydrates for strict low-carb diets like keto. It is best to choose a specific low-carb alternative crust.

When making low-carb pizza, choose a sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own. Other great alternatives include pesto, olive oil with garlic, or an alfredo sauce, which typically have lower carbohydrate content.

Yes, you can make a low-carb pizza without specialty flours. A cottage cheese and egg crust is a simple, flourless option, as is a 'meatza' crust made from ground meat.

Yes, vegan low-carb crusts can be made using almond flour or flaxseed meal. Some recipes for almond flour crust use flaxseed meal combined with water as an egg replacement, though most fathead dough uses cheese.