Quick Answers
BJs Wholesale Club offers a gluten-free pizza crust as an alternative for customers who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The main ingredients in BJs gluten-free pizza crust are rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. These ingredients replace the wheat flour typically used in traditional pizza dough. BJs gluten-free pizzas are prepared in a designated area of the kitchen and follow procedures to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. The sauce, cheese, and toppings on BJs gluten-free pizzas are also gluten-free.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption. Approximately 1% of the population has celiac disease, while non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect up to 13% of people. The only treatment for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet excludes any foods or ingredients that contain gluten. This means avoiding grains like wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often contaminated with gluten during growing or processing. Gluten can hide in many processed and packaged foods, so it’s important to read ingredient labels carefully. A gluten-free diet relies on naturally gluten-free grains and starches like rice, corn, potatoes, tapioca, buckwheat, quinoa, and millet. Legumes, fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy are also gluten-free (provided they are not processed or seasoned with gluten-containing ingredients).
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
Making gluten-free pizza crust can be challenging because the properties of wheat flour that give structure and chewiness to traditional pizza dough are difficult to replicate. Gluten-free flours and starches have different properties when hydrated and heated. Rice flour and tapioca flour provide structure, while potato starch lends binding power and elasticity. Xanthan gum or guar gum are typically added to help with cohesiveness and prevent crumbling. Eggs often serve as a binder. Baking soda or yeast give rise to the crust. Gluten-free dough requires careful hydration and kneading to achieve the right texture.
BJs Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Ingredients
According to the BJs website, the ingredients in their gluten-free pizza crust are:
- Rice Flour
- Potato Starch
- Tapioca Flour
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Xanthan Gum
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Ascorbic Acid
Rice flour provides the main structure and bulk to the crust. Potato starch and tapioca flour lend binding, elasticity, and flexibility. Yeast gives rise to the crust. Xanthan gum acts as the glue to hold the crust together. The sugar, spices, and acids all add complementary flavors. The combination of these gluten-free flours, starches, and gums allows the crust to stretch and chew like a traditional wheat crust, providing customers with a tasty gluten-free pizza option.
Preparation of Gluten-Free Pizzas at BJs
To prevent cross-contamination for customers with celiac disease, BJs takes steps to keep gluten away from their gluten-free pizzas. The pizzas are assembled in a designated gluten-free area of the kitchen, away from regular pizza preparation. Employees change gloves, thoroughly clean surfaces, and use new utensils when handling gluten-free pizzas. Gluten-free crusts are stored separately. The sauce, cheese, and toppings are also kept gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Certification
BJs’ gluten-free pizza crust carries the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) certification. Foods bearing this logo must contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. The GFCO audits and certifies manufacturers to ensure compliance with strict standards at all stages, from ingredient sourcing and processing to packaging and labeling. Consumers who see the GFCO logo can trust that the product will meet their dietary needs.
Other Gluten-Free Options at BJs
In addition to gluten-free pizza, BJs offers a wide range of other gluten-free foods labeled with the GFCO logo:
- Gluten-free cauliflower crust pizzas
- Sandwiches on gluten-free bread
- Gluten-free bagels, buns, and muffins
- Gluten-free desserts like cakes, cookies, and brownies
- Gluten-free snacks like pretzels, crackers, and chips
- Gluten-free pancake and waffle mixes
- Gluten-free pastas and baking mixes
BJs also labels gluten-free foods sold in the regular bakery, deli, and grocery sections. All their kitchens follow protocols to avoid cross-contamination of gluten-free items. BJs clearly identifies gluten-free options on menus and tags to assist customers with celiac disease or food allergies.
Other Considerations
While BJs gluten-free crust and pizzas are safe for celiac disease when prepared properly, they may not be suitable for customers with additional food sensitivities beyond gluten. The crust contains milk, soy, and eggs. Kraft cheese on the pizzas also contains milk. For vegans, BJs offers Daiya dairy-free cheese as an alternative topping. Those with nut allergies should ensure no pesto or other nut-based sauces are used. BJs notes that they cannot guarantee zero risk for those with severe allergies due to potential inadvertent cross-contact.
Nutrition Information
| BJs Gluten-Free Pizza (1 slice) | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Pizza | 260 | 8g | 38g | 8g |
| Pepperoni Pizza | 290 | 13g | 33g | 11g |
| Vegetable Pizza | 240 | 7g | 39g | 7g |
BJs gluten-free pizzas provide a comparable nutrition profile to traditional pizzas. They are a fiber-rich, protein-containing meal balanced with carbohydrates and fats. Those monitoring carbohydrates or calories may opt for veggie toppings over meats and limit slice intake. Overall, BJs gluten-free pizza allows those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy a pizza meal.
Cost Analysis
BJs charges a premium for gluten-free pizzas compared to traditional pizzas. A large traditional cheese pizza is $9.99 ($0.40 per ounce), while a large gluten-free cheese pizza is $12.99 ($0.52 per ounce). This 30% price markup is common among gluten-free specialty products, as the alternative flours and strict preparation protocols cost more. Producing gluten-free foods requires dedicated facilities and equipment to achieve safe separation from gluten. When factoring in the medical necessity and health benefits of gluten-free foods for celiac and gluten sensitive consumers, the added cost is justified.
Consumer Reviews
Customer reviews of BJs gluten-free pizza are overwhelmingly positive. The most frequent praise is that the crust has great texture and “chew” for a gluten-free pizza. Customers say it tastes fresh, crunchy and holds up well when eating. They appreciate that it does not fall apart or get soggy like some gluten-free pizzas. Many reviews say BJs gluten-free pizza tastes just like “real” pizza and does not sacrifice flavor or quality. Most customers are impressed it is a frozen pizza that surpasses restaurant gluten-free pizzas. They also compliment the size for feeding large families or parties. The few critical reviews cite problems with undercooking or slight rubberiness of the crust. Overall, BJs scores top marks from gluten-free consumers for their pizza.
Comparison to Other Gluten-Free Pizzas
| BJs | Amy’s | Against the Grain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust Ingredients | Rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch | Brown rice flour, tapioca starch | Water, rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch |
| Popular Toppings | Pepperoni, cheese, vegetables | Cheese, vegetables | Pepperoni, sausage, vegetables |
| Crust Texture | Crispy, chewy | Crispy, but can be brittle | Soft, pillowy |
| Availability | BJs clubs and website | Natural grocers, Whole Foods | Select retailers |
BJs gluten-free pizza holds up well to competitors. It has a crispy, sturdy crust complimented by classic pizza toppings. Amy’s is another top choice, though can be more brittle. Against the Grain features a softer crust. While BJs pizza requires a club membership, it provides a great balance of quality, accessibility, and affordability.
Conclusion
BJs Wholesale Club offers gluten-free pizza that rivals traditional pizza in terms of taste, texture, and toppings options. The crust is made with a blend of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour to mimic the chewiness of wheat dough. Strict prep protocols and certification protect against gluten cross-contact. BJs provides a wide selection of gluten-free products beyond pizza to accommodate those with celiac disease or food allergies. Customer reviews rave about the quality and enjoyment of BJs gluten-free pizza for families requiring specialty diets. While priced higher than traditional pizzas, BJs gluten-free pizza provides celiac and gluten-sensitive consumers a delicious way to enjoy a pizza night.
