Pieology is a popular build-your-own pizza restaurant with locations across the United States. One of the signature features of Pieology is the option to choose from a variety of crusts, including a gluten-free crust.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause negative health effects and symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue.
A gluten-free diet, which avoids foods containing gluten, is an important way for those with gluten issues to manage their condition. This means avoiding breads, pastas, and baked goods made with gluten-containing grains.
Pieology’s gluten-free crust
Pieology offers a gluten-free crust option so that those avoiding gluten can still enjoy pizza. The restaurant states that this crust is made without wheat, barley, rye, and triticale.
According to Pieology’s website, the gluten-free crust is made with rice flour, tapioca flour, eggs, canola oil, and yeast. It does not contain any fillers or preservatives.
The nutritional information for the gluten-free crust is as follows:
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (80g) | 150 | 3.5g | 28g | 3g |
As you can see, while not as low in carbohydrates as a nut flour or cauliflower crust, Pieology’s gluten-free crust is significantly lower in carbs than a traditional pizza crust.
How is it prepared?
The gluten-free crusts are prepared in a designated space of Pieology’s kitchen to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten. They are stretched and prepared on aluminum pizza pans that have been thoroughly cleaned.
Workers change their gloves and thoroughly wash equipment between preparing gluten-free pizzas and those with regular crusts. The pizzas are baked on separate oven racks as well.
How does it taste?
Taste is subjective, but reviews of Pieology’s gluten-free crust indicate it has a pleasant flavor and texture. Since it contains eggs, oil, and yeast, it is soft and chewy rather than crunchy or cracker-like. The rice flour contributes neutral flavor and carbohydrates for browning.
Those who have tried it say the crust has a mild flavor on its own that complements the pizza toppings nicely. The texture is softer and slightly doughier than a thin pizza crust, but not thick or bready.
Some reviewers say it tastes and feels just like a regular pizza crust, while others can tell it is made with gluten-free ingredients. However, most agree that it is one of the better gluten-free crusts from a pizza chain.
Is Pieology’s gluten-free crust safe for celiacs?
Those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity often wonder if a restaurant’s gluten-free offerings are truly gluten-free and safe for them. This concern is understandable when the consequences of exposure can be quite serious.
While there is always some risk of cross-contamination when gluten-free and regular items are prepared together, Pieology seems to take a number of important steps to keep their gluten-free crust as safe as possible:
- It is prepared in a designated gluten-free area of the kitchen, away from regular pizza making.
- Employees use designated pans and tools when making gluten-free pizzas.
- Workers thoroughly wash hands, change gloves, and clean equipment when switching between pizzas.
- Gluten-free pizzas are baked on separate oven racks.
The restaurant also clearly lists potential sources of gluten for transparency to customers with gluten issues. There is always a chance of cross-contact when gluten-free items are prepared alongside wheat-based foods. But Pieology’s strict procedures show they are making an effort to prevent it.
Reviews of the gluten-free crust
Here are some reviews of Pieology’s gluten-free crust from those who have tried it:
“I was so excited to learn Pieology has gluten-free crusts! I ordered a simple cheese pizza with the GF crust and was really impressed. The texture reminds me of a thinner, flatter pizza crust, but still has some softness and chewiness. It tasted great and I didn’t feel sick afterward. I will definitely be back!”
“I’ve tried my fair share of gluten-free pizza crusts and Pieology’s is one of the best I’ve had. It tastes good and holds up with all the toppings. I really appreciate that they take so many steps to avoid cross-contamination as well. It gives me peace of mind that I can enjoy pizza safely!”
“Normally I just do a salad when out with friends at a pizza place. But the gluten-free crust at Pieology is so good that I don’t feel like I’m missing out. It’s not mushy or anything. Just reminds me of thinner pizza place crust. I gravitate toward lighter toppings since the crust can’t hold a ton of weight, but it tastes great.”
“Overall a pretty good gluten-free pizza experience. The crust tastes decent and doesn’t fall apart. I did notice it baked up smaller than their regular crust. And the parts that were thinner tended to be crunchy. Not bad though, I’d order it again.”
“I have celiac so am super sensitive to cross-contamination. I was nervous at first but didn’t react at all to their gluten-free pizza. The crust is more flatbread-like but had nice flavor. It made the pizza feel more balanced compared to others with a gluten-free crust. I really appreciate their awareness and safely preparing it.”
Benefits of Pieology’s gluten-free crust
Here are some of the benefits Pieology’s gluten-free crust offers to those avoiding gluten:
- It gives gluten-free customers another pizza option besides a salad.
- The taste and texture are better than many restaurant gluten-free crusts.
- It allows customers to customize their pizzas with various toppings.
- Those with celiac disease and gluten issues don’t have to feel left out when dining with a group.
- It gives gluten-free customers peace of mind knowing separate tools and prep areas are used.
Downsides to consider
While Pieology’s gluten-free crust offers benefits, there are some downsides to keep in mind as well:
- It contains carbohydrates so is not suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
- There is always a slight risk of cross-contamination when gluten-free and regular items are prepared together.
- It may be more expensive than a regular crust.
- Those with gluten issues have to make adjustments like avoiding thicker/heavier toppings.
- It still lacks some of the taste and texture of a regular wheat crust.
How to order
If you would like to try Pieology’s gluten-free pizza crust, here are some tips for ordering:
- Clearly tell the staff you need a gluten-free crust when placing your order.
- Consider lighter toppings since the crust can become soggy under heavy items.
- Request slices to be cut with a clean pizza cutter to avoid cross-contact.
- Ask staff to change gloves or utensils if they were just handling regular pizza.
- Inform staff if you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive.
- Examine your pizza when served to ensure proper toppings, crust, etc.
Don’t be afraid to kindly ask questions or make requests to ensure your gluten-free pizza is prepared safely. The staff should be knowledgeable and happy to accommodate you.
Gluten-free dining tips
In addition to ordering a gluten-free crust at Pieology, here are some other tips for safely eating gluten-free at restaurants:
- Research the menu online first and call ahead with questions if needed.
- Come at less busy times when kitchen staff may be less rushed.
- Start with naturally gluten-free foods like salads and grilled meats.
- Ask for dressings and sauces on the side.
- Request that your meal be prepared in a clean area and with fresh water.
- Politely double check that staff understands your request and the severity of your intolerance.
- Send food back that you suspect came into contact with gluten.
- Tip well when staff is able to accommodate your needs.
Dining out gluten-free requires vigilance and speaking up for yourself. With planning and thoughtful questions, you can enjoy safe gluten-free meals including pizza with a crust like Pieology’s.
Is Pieology gluten-free crust healthy?
Whether Pieology’s gluten-free crust is a healthy option depends on your dietary needs and restrictions. While it eliminates gluten, here are some other factors to consider regarding the nutrition:
- It is higher in carbohydrates and lower in nutrients than a vegetable-based crust.
- The white rice flour is less nutritious than whole grain options.
- Oil is used in place of high fat cheeses.
- Low protein compared to other protein-rich crusts.
- No fiber like a veggie crust would provide.
On the plus side, it is lower in calories and fat compared to some gluten-free pizza crusts. The use of rice flour provides needed binding and structure.
While not the healthiest gluten-free crust out there, Pieology uses simple whole food ingredients to create a tasty alternative. Those strictly following low-carb or high protein diets may want to choose a different crust or minimize higher carb toppings.
Gluten-free pizza crust alternatives
Those seeking a potentially healthier gluten-free pizza crust may want to explore the following options:
Cauliflower crust
Cauliflower crusts replace wheat flour with riced cauliflower, providing a veggie-packed, low-carb option. They are often bound with eggs and cheese. Cauliflower contains nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Just watch sodium levels in packaged versions.
Nut flour crust
Crusts made from almond, coconut, or other nut flours offer more fiber, protein, and healthy fats compared to traditional dough. However, they are often more expensive and can be high in calories.
Protein crust
High protein, low carb crusts made with eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, etc. provide a boost of protein. But this can alter the taste and may affect how the crust bakes up.
Vegetable crust
Using vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots creates a flavorful crust loaded with nutrients and fiber. Relying solely on veggies for binding can make the crust more delicate.
Pulse flour crust
Bean, lentil, chickpea and other pulse flours provide an extra dose of plant protein and fiber. Strategically blending with nut meals helps bind and adds flavor.
While tastier than a traditional wheat crust, Pieology’s gluten-free option isn’t the most nutritious. Those wanting a healthy boost may want to DIY a vegetable or high protein crust at home.
Should you choose Pieology’s gluten-free crust?
Pieology offers a convenient gluten-free pizza option for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Their strict preparation and handling procedures also make it one of the safer choices for those highly sensitive.
The taste and texture of the gluten-free crust receive positive reviews overall. It hits the spot when you are craving pizza and don’t want to feel left out due to dietary restrictions.
However, individuals seeking a lower carb, high protein, or nutrient-dense crust may want to look at alternative recipes. The white rice flour base does not offer much besides a binding function.
In the end, the choice depends on your needs and preferences. Pieology’s gluten-free crust is a tasty option for the occasional pizza indulgence. But you can also explore creative recipes to make gluten-free pizza an even healthier part of your regular diet.
Conclusion
Pieology offers a gluten-free crust so that those avoiding gluten can enjoy customize pizza creations. Made with rice flour, tapioca flour, yeast, eggs, and oil, it provides a soft, mild-flavored base for pizzas.
The crust earns positive reviews for its taste and texture, which mimic traditional pizza more closely than many gluten-free options. Those with celiac disease also appreciate the steps Pieology takes to prevent cross-contamination in their kitchen.
While not the most low-carb or nutrient-dense option out there, Pieology’s gluten-free crust is a tasty choice for occasional pizza. With mindfulness and planning, you can also craft pizzas at home with vegetable, protein, or alternative gluten-free crusts to better suit your dietary needs.
Gluten-free diners no longer have to miss out on pizza nights. With options like Pieology’s crust and creative recipes, you can find or make gluten-free pizzas that everyone at the table will enjoy.
