Freschetta’s gluten-free pizza crust is made from a blend of rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum. These ingredients allow the crust to be stretchy and pliable like a traditional pizza crust, while remaining free of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that causes issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Freschetta’s gluten-free crust provides a tasty, pizza-like experience for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients in Freschetta Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
Here is a closer look at the main ingredients used in Freschetta’s gluten-free pizza crust:
Rice Flour
Rice flour is made from finely ground rice. It provides structure and bulk to the gluten-free pizza crust, while keeping it light and crunchy. Rice flour contains starch but no gluten, making it a safe ingredient for gluten-free diets.
Potato Starch
Potato starch adds moisture and binds ingredients together in the crust. It helps make the crust pliable so it can be stretched out thin like traditional pizza dough. Potato starch is gluten-free.
Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour, also called tapioca starch, comes from the root of the cassava plant. It adds chewiness to the texture of the crust. Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is added to help hold the gluten-free crust together. Since there is no gluten development in the dough, xanthan gum acts as a binder. It also helps create a stretchy, dough-like texture.
Benefits of Freschetta Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
Freschetta’s gluten-free crust offers several benefits:
- Provides a pizza-like experience for those avoiding gluten
- Has a tender, crunchy texture
- Mimics the stretchiness of regular pizza dough
- Contains no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten
- Made in a certified gluten-free facility
- Compatible with multiple Freschetta pizza toppings
The rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch combination produces a crust that is remarkably similar to a traditional, glutenous crust. Xanthan gum gives it the pliability needed to stretch and top like normal pizza dough. Those avoiding gluten do not have to miss out on enjoying pizza night thanks to this tasty crust option.
Nutrition Info for Freschetta Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
The nutrition information for Freschetta’s gluten-free crust is provided below. Data is based on one 1/6th slice of a 12-inch pizza crust:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
The gluten-free crust is low in calories, fat, and sugar. The higher sodium content comes from salt, which is used for flavor. When topped with sauce and low-sodium ingredients, the sodium can be balanced out. Each slice of crust contains 23 grams of carb-heavy ingredients like rice flour and tapioca starch. The fiber and protein content are low per slice.
Purchasing Freschetta Gluten-Free Pizza
There are a few ways to purchase Freschetta gluten-free frozen pizzas:
- Find them in the frozen food aisle at grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, Target, Walmart, etc.
- Order online for delivery from sites like Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart
- Click the “Where to Buy” locator on Freschetta’s website to find local retailers
- Check the freezer section at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club
Freschetta offers three gluten-free pizza options:
- Gluten Free Four Cheese Pizza
- Gluten Free Uncured Pepperoni Pizza
- Gluten Free Spinach & Roasted Mushroom Pizza
They can be found along with other Freschetta gluten-free items like cheese breadsticks. Prices may vary by retailer, but generally range from $8.99 to $11.99 for a 12-inch pizza.
Baking Instructions
To bake Freschetta gluten-free pizza:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Remove plastic wrap from pizza and place on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until crust is lightly browned.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The gluten-free crust will be soft coming out of the oven but will crisp up as it cools. For a crisper crust, bake 2-3 minutes longer. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the crust soggy.
Allergy Information
Freschetta clearly labels their gluten-free pizzas as such and produces them in a certified gluten-free facility. Their crust contains no wheat, barley, or rye ingredients. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can generally tolerate the crust well. However, it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider when introducing new foods into a gluten-free diet.
Aside from gluten, Freschetta notes that their gluten-free pizzas contain:
- Milk
- Soy
- Eggs
Those with dairy, soy, or egg allergies will want to avoid consuming the crust and check the ingredients lists for the gluten-free pizza toppings, which vary. People with other food intolerances or allergies should also carefully inspect the ingredients.
Taste Reviews
Here’s what people are saying about the taste of Freschetta’s gluten-free pizza crust:
- “I was so happy to learn Freschetta makes gluten-free pizza now! I tried the pepperoni kind and loved it. You can’t even tell the crust is gluten-free.”
- “I ate Freschetta gluten-free for the first time the other night and was blown away! The crust was so delicious and crispy.”
- “My family and I really enjoyed the four cheese gluten-free Freschetta pizza. Even my kids said they liked the crust. Win!”
- “I’m obsessed with the gluten-free Freschetta spinach mushroom pizza! Whoever created that crust nailed it…just the right amount of crispness and doughiness.”
- “The Freschetta gluten-free crust is pretty good but does get soggy if you load up the toppings. I wish it was a little crispier.”
The consensus seems to be that Freschetta nailed the gluten-free pizza crust texture and taste. Those who like a super crispy crust indicate it can get a little soggy under heavier toppings. Baking the pizza an extra 2-3 minutes may help increase crispness. Overall, most reviewers are pleasantly surprised that it tastes so similar to “real” pizza crust.
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Alternatives
Beyond Freschetta, there are a few other brands offering frozen gluten-free pizza crusts:
- Udi’s: Udi’s makes gluten-free pizza crusts and pizzas like Cheese, Margherita, and Pepperoni. Their crust also contains rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum.
- Amy’s Kitchen: Amy’s Kitchen offers gluten-free Rice Crust Cheese and Rice Crust Margherita pizzas. Their crust is made with rice flour, tapioca starch, and ingredients like olive oil and yogurt.
- Against the Grain: Against the Grain has gluten-free pizza options with crusts made of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum.
- Calise & Sons: Calise & Sons Bakery sells parbaked gluten-free pizza crusts in flavors like original and multigrain made with sorghum flour, milk, and yeast.
There are also recipes available online to make homemade gluten-free pizza crusts if desired. Ingredients often include flours like brown rice, almond, coconut, cassava, and chickpea flours combined with xanthan or guar gum. Making the crusts from scratch allows for total control over ingredients.
Should You Try Freschetta Gluten-Free Pizza?
Freschetta’s gluten-free crust is made with simple whole food ingredients and tastes impressively close to regular pizza crust. The rice flour base provides substance while the tapioca starch lends an authentic chewy texture. Xanthan gum binds it all together. Customer reviews indicate the crust has just the right amount of crunch and foldability to mimic traditional pizza.
Those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or who avoid gluten for other reasons can enjoy Freschetta’s gluten-free pizzas without worry. They are produced in a facility free from gluten cross-contamination and clearly labeled. People with other food allergies like dairy will need to watch the ingredients.
Overall, Freschetta gluten-free pizza presents an easy, tasty way for those avoiding gluten to have pizza anytime. The crust holds up well to varied toppings and bakes up with a pleasing flavor and texture. Based on reviews, it’s certainly worth giving this gluten-free pizza brand a try.
Conclusion
Freschetta’s gluten-free pizza crust gives those avoiding gluten a delicious way to enjoy a nostalgic food. Rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum combine to mimic the stretch, bite, and satisfaction of regular pizza crust. Customer reviews indicate Freschetta nails the gluten-free crust, providing the perfect crispy-chewy vehicle for favorite pizza toppings. Made in a dedicated facility and clearly labeled, those with celiac disease and gluten issues can indulge worry-free. While a few crust tweaks like extended bake time may be needed, Freschetta’s gluten-free offering stacks up impressively against the real deal. Thanks to brands like Freschetta, gluten-free diners don’t have to miss out on pizza night.
