Are there gluten-free pizza pockets?

Quick Answer

Yes, there are gluten-free pizza pockets available from several brands. The most common gluten-free pizza pocket brands are Against the Grain, Calise & Sons Bakery, and Udi’s. These brands make pizza pockets using gluten-free crusts and fillings so they are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

What are Pizza Pockets?

Pizza pockets are a type of frozen snack or convenience food consisting of a Bread pocket filled with pizza ingredients like tomato sauce, cheese, and Italian seasonings or toppings. Some of the most popular pizza pocket brands are Hot Pockets, Pizza Pops, Pizza Stuffers, and Bagel Bites.

Traditional pizza pockets are not gluten-free because they are made with wheat flour dough. But several brands now offer gluten-free options made with crusts and doughs using gluten-free flours like rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour etc.

Are There Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, there are now quite a few options for gluten-free pizza pockets from specialty gluten-free food brands:

Against the Grain

Against the Grain makes gluten-free pizza pockets in flavors like Pepperoni, Three Cheese, and Supreme. They use a gluten-free crust made with brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch.

Calise & Sons Bakery

Calise & Sons offers gluten-free pizza pockets in four flavors – Cheese, Pepperoni, Italian Combo, and Veggie. Their crust is gluten-free and made with rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum.

Udi’s

The Udi’s brand has gluten-free pizza pockets stuffed with cheese and pepperonis. Their gluten-free crust contains tapioca flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum.

Other Brands

Some other smaller gluten-free brands offering pizza pockets include The Greater Knead, Against the Grain, and Custom Choice Foods. Gluten-free pizza pockets can also be found in the frozen sections of health food stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market.

What are Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets Made Of?

Gluten-free pizza pockets are made with:

  • Gluten-free crust – Usually made with a blend of flours like brown rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, corn starch etc. Binders like xanthan gum or guar gum are added to recreate the stretchy texture of gluten.
  • Tomato sauce – Most brands use plain tomato sauce or pizza sauce seasoned with Italian spices.
  • Cheese – Mozzarella cheese is commonly used. Some versions may also have Parmesan or Romano cheese.
  • Pepperoni – Many pizza pockets include turkey pepperoni made without gluten-containing fillers.
  • Other toppings – Some flavors include Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, bell peppers etc.

Using these gluten-free ingredients ensures the pizza pockets are safe for those avoiding gluten.

Nutrition Info for Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets

Here is the nutrition info per 1 gluten-free pizza pocket for some popular brands:

Brand Calories Fat Carbs Protein
Against the Grain Pepperoni 260 9 g 33 g 11 g
Calise & Sons Cheese 280 12 g 33 g 11 g
Udi’s Pepperoni Pizza Pocket 300 12 g 33 g 15 g

As you can see, gluten-free pizza pockets are higher in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein compared to traditional gluten-containing versions. This is due to the denser texture and addition of binders in gluten-free dough.

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets

Here are some places you can find gluten-free pizza pockets:

Online

Many brands like Against the Grain, Calise & Sons, and Udi’s sell their gluten-free pizza pockets online through their websites. Other online stores like Amazon, Thrive Market, and Gluten Free Mall also carry various brands.

Grocery Stores

Check the freezer section of grocery chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, etc. Call ahead to ask if they stock any gluten-free options.

Natural Food Stores

Health food stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare, etc. usually have gluten-free pizza pockets in the freezer section.

Warehouse Stores

Costco and Sam’s Club sometimes carry brands like Against the Grain pizza pockets. Check their freezer sections.

Convenience Stores

Some convenience store chains like 7-Eleven sell Udi’s gluten-free pizza pockets. Availability depends on location.

Tips for Cooking Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets

Follow these tips for best results when cooking gluten-free pizza pockets at home:

  • Always check internal temperature using a food thermometer. Gluten-free crust may need a higher temperature to fully cook through. Heat to 165°F – 175°F internal temperature.
  • Use a non-stick pan or line pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Don’t overcrowd pan. Leave space between each pizza pocket.
  • Use a flat-bottomed pan like a skillet instead of an air fryer basket. The flat crisping surface gives a better crust.
  • Turn over halfway during cooking so both sides get evenly browned.
  • Let sit for 2-3 minutes before eating to allow filling to cool slightly.
  • Gluten-free pizza pockets may have a shorter shelf life. Eat within 3-5 days and do not refreeze.

Following proper cooking methods helps ensure the gluten-free crust gets fully cooked and comes out crispy.

Gluten-Free vs Regular Pizza Pockets

There are some key differences between traditional pizza pockets and gluten-free versions:

Gluten-Free Regular
Made with gluten-free flours like rice, tapioca, corn Made with wheat flour
No fillers like wheat starch Often contain gluten-based fillers
More expensive Typically cheaper
Smaller selection of flavors Many flavor varieties
Denser, drier texture Lighter, fluffier texture
Harder, crunchier crust Softer, more pliable crust

The main advantage of gluten-free pizza pockets is that they are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The disadvantage is they may have a different texture and flavor compared to traditional wheat-based versions.

Are Frozen Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets Safe?

Frozen gluten-free pizza pockets from reputable brands that test their products for gluten are considered safe for most people avoiding gluten. Here are some tips when choosing frozen options:

  • Look for brands that are certified gluten-free, like Udi’s, Against the Grain etc.
  • Avoid brands that have disclaimer of potential cross-contamination.
  • Stick to major gluten-free brands instead of generic store versions.
  • Check labels carefully for any traces of wheat, barley, rye or malt.
  • Look for facilities that manufacture gluten-free items separately.
  • Do not eat if package is damaged or crumbs are spilling out.

Being vigilant about labels and manufacturing helps minimize gluten exposure from frozen gluten-free pizza pockets. People with celiac disease or wheat allergy should especially use caution.

Recipes for Homemade Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets

While gluten-free pizza pockets can be purchased, many people prefer making them at home from scratch. Here are some tasty recipes to try:

Cheeseburger Pizza Pockets

These savory pockets are stuffed with ground beef, cheese, pickles, and mustard. The recipe uses brown rice flour and tapioca starch for the crust.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Shredded chicken, hot sauce, and blue cheese give these pizza pockets a spicy Buffalo wing flavor. Almond flour is used for the gluten-free crust.

Veggie Lovers Pizza Pockets

Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and dairy-free cheese fill these vegetarian pizza pockets made with a chickpea flour crust.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza Pockets

These are filled with chicken, pineapple, red onions, and barbecue sauce. The crust is a blend of sorghum and coconut flours.

Making your own lets you control the ingredients and customize flavors. Plus it can be cheaper than store-bought options.

Conclusion

Gluten-free pizza pockets make a quick freezer-friendly meal or snack for those avoiding gluten. Brands like Against the Grain, Calise & Sons, and Udi’s offer pizza pockets using safe gluten-free ingredients and manufacturing precautions. Check health food stores, specialty grocers, and online stores when searching where to buy gluten-free pizza pockets near you. With some adjustments to textures and flavors, you can still enjoy a tasty pizza pocket despite food restrictions. Making them at home also lets you experiment with flavors and control ingredients even more. Overall, there are now many options out there for gluten-free pizza pockets.

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