Dominos is one of the most popular pizza chains in the world. Their hand-tossed and thin crust pizzas are beloved by many. However, for people with dairy allergies or sensitivities, determining if Dominos crust is safe to eat can be challenging. In this in-depth article, we will examine the ingredients in Dominos pizza crusts and determine if they are dairy-free or contain milk-derived ingredients. We will also look at potential cross-contamination issues in Dominos kitchens and any certification or labeling related to dairy on Dominos menus. Read on to get the full scoop on whether you can enjoy Dominos crust dairy-free!
The Main Ingredients in Dominos Pizza Crusts
The main ingredients used in Dominos pizza crusts include:
- Enriched wheat flour (flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Water
- Soybean oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pre-ferment (wheat flour, water, yeast)
- Yeast
Enriched wheat flour contains niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin and folic acid – nutrients added to refine white flour to replace those lost during processing.
These core ingredients in Dominos pizza dough do not contain any obvious milk derivatives. However, when we look at some of the less prominent ingredients, there are a few potential concerns.
Minor Ingredients to Watch Out For
While the main ingredients appear dairy-free, Dominos crust contains some additional ingredients that those with milk allergies need to pay attention to:
- Natural Flavors – The exact source of natural flavors is proprietary. They may potentially contain dairy.
- Soy Lecithin – Added as an emulsifier. May be derived from milk sources.
- Enzyme Blend – May contain chymosin, an enzyme derived from rennet.
These minor ingredients introduce the possibility of hidden milk products in Dominos pizza crust. Without transparent information from the company about the sources of these additives, those with dairy allergies cannot say definitively that the crust is safe to consume.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Beyond the ingredients themselves, there is also a risk of cross-contamination with milk products during the pizza preparation process at Dominos:
- Dough is prepared in facilities that also handle dairy ingredients like cheese
- Pizzas with regular cheese are cooked alongside potential dairy-free crusts
- The same equipment and utensils are used for all pizzas
Even if Dominos crust contained no direct dairy ingredients, contact with kitchen tools and surfaces exposed to milk products could introduce traces of dairy not listed on the label.
No Certification or Labeling for Dairy-Free Status
Unlike brands that certify products as “dairy-free” or “vegan”, Dominos provides no clear guarantees:
- No dairy-free certification from an independent organization like Dairy-Free Certification LLC
- No label of “dairy-free” or “vegan” on menus or packaging
- Vague statements about “may contain” milk rather than definitive dairy-free claims
Without third-party certification or unambiguous labeling, Dominos provides limited transparency about whether crusts are definitively dairy-free.
Contacting Dominos About Ingredient Sourcing and Preparation
Given the uncertainty around potential dairy in ingredients and cross-contamination, your safest bet is to directly ask Dominos about their practices:
- Call and ask whether they can guarantee a 100% dairy-free crust due to ingredients and kitchen procedures.
- Inquire about the possibility of special preparation of a dairy-free crust in a separate facility or on thoroughly cleaned equipment.
- Ask if staff can check labels or confer with suppliers about the sources of natural flavors, soy lecithin and enzymes.
Reaching out to your local store is the best way to get definitive answers on whether Dominos can accommodate dairy-free diets. Be specific about your needs so they understand the seriousness of your allergy.
Ordering Tips for Those with Dairy Allergies
If you decide to order Dominos pizza based on the information you get from the store about their dairy-free procedures, keep these tips in mind:
- Mention your severe dairy allergy when ordering over the phone or online.
- Ask for your pizza to be prepared away from any dairy products.
- Request that it be cooked on clean or new pans and cut with clean utensils.
- Confirm the order is dairy-free upon pickup or delivery.
Proactively communicating about cross-contamination can help mitigate risks from kitchen tools and surfaces.
Trying an Alternative Crust
Rather than rely on Dominos to accommodate a dairy-free crust, another option is to order pizza with an alternative crust:
- Gluten-Free Crust – Dominos offers a gluten-free crust that may be dairy-free. Check ingredients to confirm.
- Vegan Cheese Pizza – Order veggie pizza with vegan cheese alternative. The crust paired with vegan cheese is likely dairy-free.
- Build Your Own Pizza – Create a custom pizza with sauce, veggies and confirmed dairy-free ingredients only.
Pursuing these alternatives improves the chances you’ll end up with a pizza you can safely enjoy.
Considering Non-Pizza Options from Dominos
If uncertain about the crust, consider ordering from the Dominos menu items that are more likely dairy-free:
- Sandwiches using dairy-free buns and condiments
- Chicken wings or dipping sauces
- Sides like breadsticks, salads, or pasta with dairy-free dressing
- Desserts with dairy-free chocolate or fruit
Sticking to non-pizza items reduces concerns around potential cross-contamination from cheese-laden pizzas.
Trying Dairy-Free Pizza Crust from a Specialty Store
Rather than gamble on Dominos crust, a foolproof option is to purchase or make your own guaranteed dairy-free pizza crust:
- Find prepared crusts at stores like Whole Foods made with verified dairy-free ingredients
- Make your own simple crust from dairy-free store-bought dough or mixes
- Use gluten-free blends from brands like Bob’s Red Mill to craft a sturdy dairy-free crust
Going the specialty route gives you maximum control over ingredients and preparation.
Pizza Delivery Chains Reportedly More Dairy-Friendly
Research indicates some other popular pizza chains may be more accommodating than Dominos for dairy-free crusts:
- Papa Johns – Provides dairy-free pizza training for staff. Uses cleaner preparation. Less risk of cross-contamination.
- Pizza Hut – Can make crust without butter or cheese. Uses separate pans and utensils.
- California Pizza Kitchen – Trained staff. Gluten-free crust lacks dairy. Less cheese = lower contamination risk.
Consider these chains if you want pizza delivery with a crust you feel more confident will be dairy-free.
The Takeaway on Dominos Crust
Determining if Dominos pizza crust contains dairy comes down to:
- Uncertainty around “natural flavors” and other minor ingredients
- Risk of cross-contamination from kitchen equipment and processes
- No clear labeling or certifications for dairy-free status
The best path forward depends on your level of sensitivity:
- If you have anaphylaxis, avoid Dominos crusts altogether or use extreme caution.
- If you have mild lactose intolerance, the small amounts from cross-contamination may be tolerable.
- Those in the middle should inquire thoroughly with their local store.
Ultimately, exercise caution and gather as much information possible if you want to enjoy Dominos pizza without dairy. And know there are other delivery options that offer greater peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
Is Domino’s pizza crust dairy-free? Here’s the bottom line:
- Domino’s crust contains enriched wheat flour, water, oil, sugar, salt, and yeast as main ingredients which appear dairy-free.
- But “natural flavors,” soy lecithin, and enzymes may pose concerns around hidden milk-based ingredients.
- Risk of cross-contamination from preparation alongside cheese pizzas.
- No certification or labeling clearly indicating dairy-free status.
- Those with severe dairy allergies should avoid Domino’s crust or inquire directly with their local store.
- Trying alternative crust or non-pizza menu items are safer options.
- Other pizza chains may offer better dairy-free accommodations.
While not definitively containing dairy, the lack of transparency around ingredients and kitchen practices makes Domino’s a risky choice for those with milk allergies. Using caution and considering other options is advised.
