Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, both for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and those simply looking to cut back on gluten for perceived health benefits. For those following a strict gluten free diet, it’s important to closely inspect product ingredients to ensure they do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains. One popular frozen pizza brand, DiGiorno, offers both regular and gluten free crust options. This leads many to wonder – does DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza actually contain wheat or other gluten sources?
What is gluten and why do some people avoid it?
Gluten refers to certain proteins found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue and nutritional deficiencies if gluten is continuously consumed. The only treatment for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is adhering to a strict lifelong gluten free diet.
Gluten free diets have also grown in popularity among some people without gluten intolerance. Reasons for reducing gluten intake may include perceived health or digestive benefits, efforts to cut back on refined grains, or simply following food trends.
What ingredients are prohibited on a gluten free diet?
In order to be considered gluten free, foods must contain no wheat, barley, rye or hybrid varieties of these grains. Oats are naturally gluten free but are often cross-contaminated with gluten during growing and processing, so purity protocols are required. Other prohibited ingredients include:
- Malt
- Brewer’s yeast
- Wheat starch
- Cereal fillers
- Pasta
- Breading or batter
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Any ambiguous ingredients like “spices”, “flavoring” or “starch” should always be verified gluten free when selecting processed foods. Checking both ingredients and “contains” statements on packaging is important.
Overview of DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza
DiGiorno offers two varieties of gluten free frozen pizza:
- Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza
- Rising Crust Supreme Pizza
Both options feature a gluten free crust made with rice flour and potato starch. They are produced in a dedicated gluten free facility and are certified gluten free by the Gluten Intolerance Group, an independent third-party organization.
Ingredients in DiGiorno gluten free pizza crust:
- Water
- Rice flour
- Potato starch
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Carrot fiber
- Xanthan gum
As you can see, the crust contains no wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients.
Does DiGiorno gluten free pizza contain wheat?
After closely reviewing the ingredients list and certification, it’s clear that DiGiorno’s gluten free pizzas do not contain wheat or other sources of gluten.
The crust is made using gluten free rice flour and potato starch instead of traditional wheat-based pizza dough. All ingredients have been verified gluten free. Proper precautions are also taken to prevent cross-contamination with gluten in the production facility.
So you can rest assured that DiGiorno’s gluten free options are safe to enjoy on a gluten free diet due to the complete absence of wheat and gluten.
What other precautions should you take with DiGiorno gluten free pizza?
Just because the pizza crust is gluten free does not mean the entire pizza can be deemed gluten free. It’s important to check the ingredients in the sauce and topping as well.
For example, a topping like chopped vegetables would be naturally gluten free, while a processed meat like sausage or pepperoni might contain gluten from fillers or flavorings. The pizza sauce may also contain undisclosed gluten sources.
To be safe, best practice is to thoroughly read all ingredients lists on DiGiorno’s gluten free pizzas each time you purchase. While DiGiorno has strict protocols in place for the crust, other ingredients can change over time. Contact the company directly if ever in doubt.
You should also use proper gluten free practices when handling and cooking the pizza to prevent cross-contact:
- Wash hands before preparing
- Use clean utensils and surfaces
- Place pizza on a foil-lined baking sheet or clean pizza stone
- Wash all surfaces after use
Following these tips along with checking all ingredients will allow you to safely enjoy DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza.
What types of wheat are prohibited on a gluten free diet?
All types and varieties of wheat, including ancient varieties like spelt, kamut and einkorn, are prohibited on a gluten free diet. Specifically:
- Common wheat – The most widespread variety used for bread, baked goods, pasta and cereals
- Durum wheat – Typically used for pastas and cereals
- Emmer wheat
- Einkorn wheat
- Farro wheat
- Graham wheat
- Kamut® wheat
- Spelt wheat
- Wheat berries
- Wheat bran
- Wheat germ
- Wheat grass
- Wheat starch
Any product containing the words “wheat” or “gliadin” (a wheat protein) must be avoided. Other prohibited gluten sources beyond wheat include barley, rye and hybridized strains like triticale. Oats may also be contaminated.
Should you consume other DiGiorno pizzas if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid all other DiGiorno pizzas containing wheat-based crusts. Consuming even tiny amounts of gluten can damage the small intestine and trigger adverse health effects.
Some examples of classic DiGiorno pizzas that contain wheat and must be avoided:
- Hand-Tossed Crust
- Crispy Pan Crust
- Stuffed Crust
- Cauliflower Crust
- Whole Grain Crust
Always inspect the ingredients list and allergen statements if consuming any DiGiorno pizzas other than the certified gluten free options. Wheat is typically easy to identify if present. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should contact DiGiorno’s customer service for guidance if uncertain about an ingredient.
Can people without gluten sensitivity safely eat DiGiorno gluten free pizza?
DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza is safe for anyone in the general population to consume, whether following a gluten free diet or not. The gluten free crust simply provides an alternative pizza base made from rice and potatoes rather than wheat. There are no adverse health effects or concerns associated with the gluten free recipe.
Some people without gluten restrictions choose to eat DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza because they:
- Prefer the taste
- Want to cut back on gluten
- Believe it’s healthier
- Find it’s easier to digest
While there’s no proven benefit to eliminating gluten completely if you don’t have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza provides a tasty alternative crust option.
Just keep in mind that going gluten free does not necessarily make a food product healthier overall. Factors like calories, saturated fat, sodium, fiber and nutrients are important considerations as well. As with any processed food, enjoy DiGiorno gluten free pizza in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Does DiGiorno gluten free pizza taste the same as regular pizza?
When it comes to taste and texture, there are some noticeable differences between DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza and their classic wheat-based pizzas:
| Characteristic | Gluten Free Crust | Regular Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Softer, less chewy | Chewier, bready |
| Flavor | Neutral | Wheat flavor |
| Bottom | Less crispy | Crispier |
| Bite | Crumbly | Stretchy |
| Rise | Short, dense | Airy, fluffy |
The gluten free crust has a softer, crumbly texture without the stretch and chew of wheat dough. This gives it a lighter, less bready taste as well. Some people very sensitive to gluten even report the crust has a sweeter flavor.
Preferences for gluten free vs. regular crust are subjective, but many do notice a difference. Those accustomed to a traditional wheat pizza crust may find the gluten free version overly soft at first. Overall, most consumers find DiGiorno’s gluten free pizza to be an acceptable stand-in forwheat-based pizza once its unique texture and flavor are taken into account.
How does DiGiorno’s gluten free crust compare to other brands?
DiGiorno uses a rice flour and potato starch base for their gluten free pizza crust. Here’s how it stacks up against two other popular brands:
| Brand | Base Ingredients | Texture | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiGiorno | Rice flour, potato starch | Soft, dense, crumbly | Neutral, slightly sweet |
| Udi’s | Tapioca, rice flours | Dry, gritty, crumbly | Slightly bitter aftertaste |
| Caulipower | Cauliflower, tapioca, rice flours | Heartier chew, tender | Slight cauliflower undertone |
Udi’s tends to have a drier, grittier mouthfeel due to the tapioca flour, while Caulipower’s addition of cauliflower purée makes its crust more tender. DiGiorno strikes a balance between the two with a soft yet crumbly texture.
Most customers agree DiGiorno offers one of the better packaged gluten free pizza crusts in terms of both taste and texture. But personal preference will determine your favorite brand.
Where can you find and purchase DiGiorno gluten free pizza?
DiGiorno gluten free pizza is sold at many major grocery chains and retailers that carry frozen foods. You can typically find it in the frozen pizza section. Here are some of the more common stores that sell DiGiorno gluten free pizza:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Stop & Shop
- HEB
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
If you don’t see it in stores near you, the pizza can also be ordered online through services like Instacart, Amazon, Walmart Grocery or the DiGiorno website.
DiGiorno gluten free pizza typically costs a few dollars more than the regular versions. Expect to pay around $8 to $10 per pizza depending on the retailer. Larger packs with 2 to 4 pizzas may offer a lower per-pizza cost.
You can maximize savings by looking for digital or newspaper coupons, or waiting for weekly sales or promotions. DiGiorno pizzas frequently go on sale for $5 or less at major grocery chains.
Does DiGiorno have other gluten free offerings besides pizza?
Currently, DiGiorno’s gluten free Rising Crust pizza is the only certified gluten free offering from the brand.
DiGiorno does not make any other gluten free frozen meals or baked foods. So those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid all other DiGiorno products and only consume their gluten free pizza options.
Hopefully in the future, DiGiorno will expand their selection to include more gluten free offerings like pasta bakes, breadsticks and desserts. But for now, their specialty pizzas are the only gluten free items.
Is gluten free pizza from DiGiorno healthy?
Like most frozen pizzas, DiGiorno’s gluten free options are highly processed convenience foods. While gluten free, they are still relatively high in calories, fat, sodium and unhealthy ingredients:
| Nutrition Facts Per Serving | Four Cheese Pizza | Supreme Pizza |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 260 | 280 |
| Total Fat | 9g | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g | 5g |
| Sodium | 730mg | 840mg |
| Carbs | 38g | 36g |
| Fiber | 2g | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g | 3g |
| Protein | 9g | 11g |
Ideally, you’ll want to limit frozen pizzas to an occasional treat in a balanced diet. Those with gluten sensitivity should take care to get plenty of nutrients from other healthier sources like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and dairy if tolerated.
Conclusion
Reading through the ingredients list confirms that DiGiorno’s certified gluten free pizza crust contains no wheat or gluten. The use of separated gluten free facilities and third-party testing further ensures no cross-contamination occurs. So those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy DiGiorno’s specialty Rising Crust pizzas without concern over gluten exposure. Always inspect labels and practice proper handling for assured safety. And bear in mind that while gluten free, these convenient pizzas are still high in fat, sodium and preservatives, meaning they should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
