Newk’s Eatery offers a variety of pizza crust options, including a cauliflower crust. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, knowing whether this crust is gluten-free is important.
What is Newk’s cauliflower crust?
Newk’s cauliflower crust is a pizza crust made with cauliflower, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of Italian seasonings. It was introduced as a gluten-free, high protein alternative to Newk’s regular pizza crust options.
The cauliflower crust is available on any Newk’s pizza for an additional $2. It can be paired with any of Newk’s pizza sauces and a variety of toppings.
Is Newk’s cauliflower crust certified gluten-free?
Yes, Newk’s confirms that their cauliflower crust is certified gluten-free to less than 10 ppm. It is safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Newk’s states that the cauliflower crust is certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO tests products to ensure they contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
10 ppm is the recognized safety standard
For people with celiac disease, ingesting gluten can cause damage to the small intestine and resulting symptoms. Research indicates that most people with celiac disease can safely consume foods that test below 10 ppm of gluten. This is why 10 ppm is the recognized safety standard for certifying gluten-free foods.
What precautions does Newk’s take?
To prevent cross-contamination, Newk’s states that they follow procedures such as:
- Using dedicated gluten-free preparation areas and tools
- Changing gloves before handling gluten-free items
- Using separate cutting boards for gluten-free pizzas
- Carefully cleaning all areas that come into contact with dough
Employees are also trained on Newk’s procedures for safely preparing gluten-free items.
Tips for ordering
When ordering a Newk’s pizza on a cauliflower crust, keep the following tips in mind:
- Clearly state that you need a gluten-free cauliflower crust due to an allergy or sensitivity
- Verify with the staff that they understand it needs to be prepared gluten-free
- Check your pizza when you receive it to make sure it is on a cauliflower crust
Being clear about your gluten-free needs when ordering, and double checking your order, can help prevent mistakes.
Reviews from gluten-free customers
Here are some reviews from gluten-free customers who have tried Newk’s cauliflower crust pizza:
Positive experiences
“I was so excited to learn Newk’s offers a gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust. I ordered it for lunch and didn’t have any issues. Their practices for avoiding cross-contamination seem to work.” – Mary S.
“I have celiac disease and am always thrilled when I find a pizza place that has legit gluten-free crust options. Newk’s cauliflower crust is tender and delicious. I appreciate that they take food allergies seriously.” – Frank R.
Negative experiences
“I ordered a cauliflower crust pizza from Newk’s but when I got home I realized they had given me a regular crust by mistake. This is the only time I’ve had an issue after ordering gluten-free from them several times.” – Julia T.
“The first cauliflower pizza I got from Newk’s tasted great and I had no reactions. The second time though, I unfortunately got sick after eating it. I suspect cross-contamination. It really depends who is making it.” – Steve L.
Are other menu items gluten-free?
In addition to the certified gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust, Newk’s also offers other gluten-free menu options. These include:
- Salads with gluten-free dressing
- Sandwiches on gluten-free bread
- Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
Newk’s has a full gluten-free menu available showing all menu items that are gluten-free as prepared. They also have menus noting which items can be modified to be made gluten-free.
What about allergen information?
Newk’s provides allergen information on their website and menus to help guests make informed choices. Their menus identify allergens present by each menu item.
On their main allergen and nutritional information page, you can also filter menu items by specific allergens like gluten. This shows all Newk’s menu items that are gluten-free.
Summary
In summary, Newk’s cauliflower pizza crust is certified gluten-free to less than 10 ppm by the GFCO. This makes it safe for most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Newk’s follows procedures to prevent cross-contamination when preparing gluten-free items.
Reviews indicate most customers have positive experiences with Newk’s gluten-free offerings, including the cauliflower crust. But there are occasional reports of errors resulting in gluten exposure. Being clear about your needs when ordering can help prevent issues.
Newk’s provides gluten-free menus and allergen information to help guests make informed choices. In addition to pizza, they offer other gluten-free items like salads, sandwiches, and cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newk’s cauliflower crust safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, Newk’s cauliflower crust is considered safe for most people with celiac disease since it is certified gluten-free to less than 10 ppm. Consuming under 10 ppm is unlikely to cause issues for people with celiac.
What are the ingredients in Newk’s cauliflower pizza crust?
The ingredients are cauliflower, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. No wheat-based flours are used.
Can you order a Newk’s pizza half with cauliflower crust and half with regular crust?
No, Newk’s does not allow half-and-half pizzas due to the high risk of cross-contamination. All pizzas must be entirely cauliflower crust or entirely regular crust.
Does Newk’s offer vegan or dairy-free gluten-free crusts?
No, at this time the only gluten-free crust Newk’s offers is the cauliflower crust, which contains eggs and Parmesan cheese. Those with vegan or dairy-free diets would need to avoid it.
Is Newk’s cauliflower crust healthy?
Compared to a traditional white flour pizza crust, Newk’s cauliflower crust can be a healthier option. It is low in carbohydrates and calories and contains extra nutrients from cauliflower. However, it is still a pizza crust so moderation is key.
The Future of Gluten-Free Dining
The increasing popularity of gluten-free diets has led more restaurants like Newk’s to expand their gluten-free offerings. This makes dining out easier and safer for those avoiding gluten.
Some positive signs for the future include:
- More restaurants providing dedicated gluten-free menus
- Increased training for restaurant staff on gluten-free protocols
- More high-quality gluten-free replacement foods like cauliflower pizza crusts
- Improved labeling and visibility of gluten-free items on menus
While gluten-free dining can still present challenges, the situation is improving as restaurants adapt to better accommodate gluten-free customers.
Challenges that remain
However, some key challenges around gluten-free dining remain, including:
- Risk of cross-contamination in kitchens
- Lack of understanding among restaurant staff
- Not enough gluten-free options at some restaurants
- Questions around how strictly gluten-free protocols are followed
Continued training and awareness will help meet these challenges and make eating out easier for gluten-free diners.
Conclusion
Newk’s cauliflower crust pizza provides a delicious gluten-free option for those who need to avoid gluten. From a certified gluten-free crust to detailed procedures for avoiding cross-contamination, Newk’s makes an effort to safely accommodate gluten-free diners.
As with any restaurant, there are occasional reports of errors resulting in gluten exposure. However, overall Newk’s receives positive reviews for their gluten-free offerings. By being informed and clearly communicating your needs, you can enjoy Newk’s cauliflower crust pizza or other gluten-free menu items with confidence.
