Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical or lifestyle reasons. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, eating gluten can cause serious health issues, so having gluten-free options when dining out is extremely important.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a popular pizza chain with over 250 locations across the United States and abroad. With pizza being their specialty, a common question for those following a gluten-free diet is: Does CPK have gluten-free pizza?
The Answer
The short answer is yes, California Pizza Kitchen does offer gluten-free pizza options on their menu. CPK has a specific gluten-free crust that they use to make pizzas for guests who require gluten-free meals.
So if you need a gluten-free pizza, you can definitely find one at your local CPK. Keep reading for more details on their gluten-free crust and pizza toppings.
Details on CPK’s Gluten-Free Crust
CPK’s gluten-free crust is made without any wheat, barley, rye, or triticale. It is instead made with rice flour, tapioca flour, and eggs. CPK states that their suppliers certify that the gluten-free crust ingredients test below 5 PPM for gluten.
This gluten-free crust comes in CPK’s standard 10-inch size. It is thin and crispy, quite similar to their regular artisan pizza crust. CPK prepares the gluten-free pizzas in a designated gluten-free area of the kitchen to avoid any cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Pizza Toppings
Any of CPK’s pizza toppings can be added onto a gluten-free pizza crust. Their diverse selection of toppings includes:
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Chicken
- Ham
- Bacon
- Pineapple
- Green peppers
- Mushrooms
- Black olives
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Artichoke hearts
- Jalapeños
- Fresh basil
- Spinach
You can create any pizza combination you desire on the gluten-free crust. Some popular gluten-free pizza options are:
- Pepperoni pizza
- Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple
- Margherita pizza with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella
- Veggie lover’s pizza
The cheeses, sauce, and other toppings are the same ones used on CPK’s regular pizzas. The kitchen takes care to avoid cross-contamination when making gluten-free pizzas.
Pricing
The gluten-free crust is priced the same as CPK’s regular 10-inch crust. So in terms of base pricing, you can order a gluten-free pizza without paying more.
The cost of the pizza toppings you select will be added onto the base price. Expect to pay around $12 – $16 for a gluten-free pizza, depending on the toppings.
This pricing is on par with CPK’s competitors. For the quality, most gluten-free diners find CPK’s pizzas well worth the price.
Availability
The gluten-free crust is available at all CPK locations in the United States. However, availability can vary slightly in other countries. Be sure to check with your local CPK restaurant if gluten-free pizza will be offered.
You can order a gluten-free pizza at CPK for dine-in or take-out. CPK also allows online ordering and delivery through third-party services like DoorDash and GrubHub. The gluten-free crust should be available through all standard ordering methods.
One thing to note – the gluten-free crust is prepared fresh daily since it has a shorter shelf life. So restaurants may run out later in the day if they underestimate demand. Your best bet is to call ahead to confirm gluten-free crust availability if dining later in the evening.
Making Special Requests
When ordering, be sure to clearly state that you need your pizza on a gluten-free crust. Also mention if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy so they take extra precaution in the kitchen.
You can request that they change gloves, use fresh utensils, and avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing items when preparing your food. CPK staff are accustomed to accommodating gluten-free diners and should be more than willing to take any necessary precautions.
Feel free to ask your server any questions about how your gluten-free pizza will be handled. This can help add an extra layer of assurance.
Dining Experience
Here is what you can expect when dining at CPK and ordering a gluten-free pizza:
- Knowledgeable servers who understand gluten-free needs
- Pizza prepared in designated gluten-free area of the kitchen
- Freshly made gluten-free crust with thin and crispy texture
- Wide range of toppings to customize your gluten-free pizza
- Same flavorful pizza experience as regular CPK pizzas
- Peace of mind knowing strict processes are followed
CPK’s atmosphere is also great for gluten-free diners, as their restaurants are spacious with an open kitchen layout. This allows you to clearly see how your food is being prepared and avoid cross-contamination.
CPK vs Other Gluten-Free Pizza Chains
How does CPK compare to other popular pizza chains when it comes to gluten-free options? Here is a brief overview:
Domino’s
- Offers a 10-inch gluten-free pizza crust
- Limited toppings compared to CPK
- Pizza prep practices not as allergy-friendly
Papa John’s
- Offers a 10-inch gluten-free crust
- Standard pizza toppings available
- Fewer specialty pizzas than CPK
Pizza Hut
- 10-inch gluten-free crust recently introduced
- Low number of locations with gluten-free crust
- Less training on gluten-free processes
Blaze Pizza
- Build-your-own pizza model like CPK
- Gluten-free crust available in 11-inch size
- Open kitchen design for transparency
Overall, CPK ranks well in terms of gluten-free pizza options compared to major pizza chains. Very few gluten-free diners leave disappointed with their CPK experience.
CPK Gluten-Free Options Beyond Pizza
While CPK has become a go-to for gluten-free pizza, they offer many other gluten-free menu items beyond pizza:
Salads
- Thai Crunch Salad
- Classic Caesar Salad
- California Club Salad
- BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Entrees
- Shrimp Scampi
- Double Decker Cheeseburger
- Fire-Grilled Ribeye
- Glazed Pork Chops
Sides
- Seasonal Farmstand Vegetables
- Sautéed Spinach
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Rosemary Potatoes
- Fresh Fruit
So if your family wants pizza but you need a gluten-free meal, CPK has you covered with plenty of choices. Be sure to look over their full gluten-free menu.
Kid’s Menu
For families dining with kids, CPK also provides a gluten-free option as part of their kid’s menu. The kid’s gluten-free cheese pizza features the same crust but is a bit smaller at 6 inches. It comes with an entree, side, and drink for one fixed price.
This makes the restaurant very accommodating for gluten-free kids and their parents. Kids don’t have to feel left out or settle for a salad while everyone else enjoys pizza.
Dessert
CPK’s gluten-free options extend into dessert as well. While they do not offer a gluten-free pizza cookie as one of their signature desserts, there are lots of other gluten-free sweets to enjoy.
Some examples include:
- Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
- Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Fresh Berries with Whipped Cream
- Ice Cream
Be sure to check for the latest dessert offerings when dining. CPK pastry chefs are constantly improving the gluten-free sweets menu.
Gluten-Free Beer and Wine
What pizza meal is complete without a cold beer or glass of wine? Thankfully, CPK also carries some gluten-free alcoholic beverage options.
On the beer front, common gluten-free brands like Omission, Redbridge, and Glutenberg are available. For wine, there are plenty of gluten-free choices across red, white, and sparkling varieties.
Just confirm with your server that the beer or wine you want to order is gluten-free. And as always, remember to enjoy responsibly!
Allergy Protocols and Training
When a restaurant offers gluten-free menu items, you also want the peace of mind that proper protocols are in place to avoid cross-contamination.
CPK appears to excel in this area. They have clear processes for making pizzas and other foods for guests with gluten sensitivities.
All team members undergo allergy training to understand the severity of celiac disease and gluten allergies. They learn how to prevent gluten exposure through:
- Designated kitchen prep areas
- Sanitizing surfaces and tools
- Avoiding cooking mistakes like using wrong flours
- Changing gloves between orders
Managers and chefs strictly oversee these processes and train staff to be very meticulous. It gives diners confidence that care is taken to prevent gluten getting into your food.
Gluten-Free Certifications
In addition to staff training, CPK restaurants follow guidelines set by gluten-free certification programs:
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) – CPK is certified by GIG, meaning they adhere to standards for gluten-free preparation and kitchen protocols.
- Allergen Safe – This certification focuses specifically on safely preparing allergen-free foods like gluten-free. Annual facility audits are required.
These certifications show that CPK is committed to doing right for gluten-free guests. The standards enforced by these groups add even more assurance that your health needs are taken seriously.
Reviewing Customer Feedback
Beyond certifications, we can look directly at customer reviews to gauge how well CPK accommodates gluten-free diners:
Positive Reviews
- “The gluten-free pizza here tasted amazing and the waitstaff were so knowledgable about their ingredients and prep procedures.”
- “I’ve never gotten sick eating their gluten-free pizza so I know they take cross-contamination very seriously.”
- “We love coming here as a gluten-free family. The kids love being able to order pizza just like everyone else for a change.”
Negative Reviews
There are very few negative reviews specifically regarding CPK’s gluten-free offerings. The few complaints revolve around:
- Getting the wrong order (not making a pizza gluten-free when requested)
- Long wait times to prepare gluten-free pizzas
- A very occasional symptom flare-up due to possible cross-contamination
However these types of complaints seem quite rare overall.
Final Verdict
Based on thorough research of their protocols, certifications, and customer feedback – California Pizza Kitchen appears to excel at making gluten-free guests feel welcomed and safely accommodated.
They have a long history of catering to gluten-free diners and are constantly improving processes. There are certainly risks anytime you dine out gluten-free, but CPK seems to mitigate that risk extremely well.
In summary, if you’re looking for a delicious gluten-free pizza in a dining atmosphere that understands allergies, CPK is a very strong choice. While availability of the gluten-free crust can occasionally be limited, most guests highly recommend the experience.
So if the craving for pizza strikes, you can feel confident that CPK can provide a safe and tasty gluten-free meal. Be sure to clearly communicate your needs to restaurant staff and use caution, but enjoy your pizza!
