For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating a strictly gluten-free diet is essential. This can make dining out challenging, as many restaurants offer limited gluten-free choices. Mod Pizza aims to provide gluten-free customers with plenty of customization options to enjoy. Keep reading to learn all about Mod’s gluten-free offerings.
What is Gluten?
Before diving into Mod Pizza’s gluten-free options, it helps to understand what exactly gluten is. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten is harmless and does not cause any issues when consumed. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine.
This damage interferes with the body’s ability to absorb key nutrients from food. In celiac disease, the immune system attacks the intestine when gluten is present. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity leads to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue after gluten consumption, but without the intestinal damage seen in celiac disease.
The only treatment for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is adhering to a 100% gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods and ingredients containing wheat, barley, rye, and contaminating grains like oats. On a gluten-free diet, symptoms subside and the intestine can heal.
Gluten-Free at Mod Pizza
Mod Pizza understands the importance of accommodating guests who require gluten-free meals. They offer a range of gluten-free crusts, meats, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces to build a customized gluten-free pizza.
Mod’s gluten-free crust is prepared in a designated area of the kitchen to avoid cross-contact with gluten. The 10-inch crust is made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca flour, and eggs. Mod Pizza does not recommend their gluten-free crust for severe celiac disease, given the potential for trace exposure in their kitchens. Those highly sensitive should exercise caution.
In terms of toppings, all meats at Mod are naturally gluten-free, including classics like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. Vegetables are fresh-cut in the kitchen daily and do not contain gluten. The restaurant offers several gluten-free sauces, like red sauce, yellow sauce, pesto, and BBQ. Many cheeses are also gluten-free, but guests should confirm when ordering.
Cross-Contact Risks
While Mod Pizza makes an effort to accommodate gluten-free diets, there are some risks of cross-contact to consider. The restaurant uses shared equipment and preparation areas for gluten-free and non-gluten-free crusts. So traces of gluten could come in contact with the gluten-free crusts.
Employees follow procedures to reduce cross-contact, like changing gloves after handling regular dough. But Mod does not have dedicated gluten-free preparation space in their facilities. Keep this in mind when deciding whether the gluten-free crust meets your dietary needs.
There is also a chance of gluten exposure from eangers who customize their own pizzas. For example, a customer using the same serving utensils for regular and gluten-free crusts. Or topping regular crust pizzas next to a gluten-free order. Be aware that cross-contact from other guests can occur in the build-your-own pizza format.
Ordering Gluten-Free at Mod Pizza
To order a gluten-free pizza at Mod, follow these steps for best results:
- Inform staff you need a gluten-free pizza when ordering. This cues them to take extra care in avoiding cross-contact.
- Select a gluten-free crust and certified gluten-free toppings and sauces.
- Watch that staff change gloves and wash hands before preparing your pizza.
- Verify they use fresh, clean cutlery to move your gluten-free pizza.
- Check that they use separate, designated pizza cutters for gluten-free pies.
You can further reduce the chance of gluten exposure by ordering your pizza first before regular crust pies. This minimizes the equipment touching potentially contaminated surfaces beforehand. Visiting the restaurant during off-peak hours may also limit cross-contact from other guests customizing pizzas.
Keep in mind that while employees take steps to avoid cross-contact, they cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment. If you are highly sensitive, consume the pizza with caution.
Other Gluten-Free Menu Items
In addition to gluten-free pizza, Mod Pizza also offers gluten-free salad and garlic strips. The Modern Salad contains mixed greens, chopped vegetables, and gluten-free balsamic vinaigrette. The garlic strips are fried in dedicated fryers separate from breaded menu items. Mod’s gelato options are also free of gluten-containing ingredients.
However, the restaurant notes cross-contact is still possible for these menu items. Salad ingredients are prepped and stored alongside gluten-containing foods. And the fryers may expose garlic strips to traces of gluten over time. Use your best judgement on whether these items work for your needs.
Kids’ Menu
Mod Pizza caters to kids with their mini pizza options. They offer gluten-free crust on kids’ pizzas, using the same 10-inch crust as the regular menu. Follow the same ordering steps outlined earlier to request a gluten-free crust. Kids can then customize with gluten-free toppings and sauces.
The kids’ menu also includes drink and gelato combos. Gelato choices are gluten-free, though acidic beverages like soda may irritate those with celiac disease. Stick to smoothies or milk-based drinks as a potentially safer option.
Allergy Information
On Mod Pizza’s website, you can download allergen and nutrition guides for reference. This includes their complete ingredient statements, letting you evaluate gluten-free status. The guides break down common allergens like wheat, soy, dairy, and nuts for each menu item.
In-store, you can ask staff for an allergen list and gluten-free menu. They may also have separate ingredient and nutrition pamphlets available upon request. Being informed before ordering enables you to steer clear of hidden gluten-based ingredients.
Online Ordering
When ordering online for delivery or carryout from Mod, start by selecting a gluten-free pizza crust. In special instructions, write that you need the order prepared gluten-free to prevent cross-contact. Stick to certified gluten-free toppings too.
Keep in mind that ordering online likely increases the chance of cross-contact versus ordering in-store. Employees fulfilling online orders work quickly to meet volume. They may inadvertently expose your pizza to gluten in the process. Evaluate your own sensitivity levels in deciding whether to order online.
Gluten-Free Pizza Topping Ideas
Building the perfect gluten-free pizza comes down to creative toppings. Here are some delicious ideas to try on a Mod gluten-free crust:
- Pepperoni and red sauce
- Sausage, caramelized onions, and BBQ sauce
- Chicken, bacon, roasted red peppers, and pesto
- Shrimp, garlic, spinach, and white sauce
- Steak, mushrooms, green peppers, and yellow sauce
- Mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, spinach, and red sauce
- Artichokes, olives, tomatoes, and feta
Mix and match your favorite gluten-free meats, veggies, and cheeses for a custom pizza. Sauces like olive oil, BBQ, buffalo, ranch, salsa, and balsamic vinaigrette are also safe bets.
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free at Mod Pizza
If you follow a gluten-free diet, keep these tips in mind when visiting Mod Pizza:
- Study the menu and nutrition information online to identify gluten-free options.
- Ask staff to change gloves and equipment between regular and gluten-free pizzas.
- Opt for fresh vegetable toppings from the make line, rather than pre-cooked toppings like chicken.
- Go during off-peak hours when restaurant traffic is lower.
- Tell staff it is a gluten allergy, rather than preference, to prompt extra care.
- Bring your own packaged gluten-free toppings to add if desired.
- Avoid the shared shakers for parmesan and red pepper flakes.
With proper precautions, those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can enjoy safe, customized meals at Mod Pizza. Just be clear when communicating your needs to staff.
Conclusion
Mod Pizza provides gluten-free diners with plenty of options to build pizzas to their own taste and dietary requirements. Their gluten-free crust, plus diverse meats, veggies, cheeses, and sauces allow you to get creative with flavors. While Mod cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment, they work to reduce cross-contact through kitchen procedures.
By choosing certified gluten-free ingredients, communicating with staff, and taking extra care ordering, those avoiding gluten can safely eat at Mod. The custom pizza concept gives flexibility to have a meal tailored specifically to your needs. Just weigh the potential for trace cross-contact based on your own sensitivity. Overall, Mod Pizza does its best to welcome gluten-free guests with accessible menu choices.