Frederic Melton
While pizza is often considered a go-to comfort food, those with dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance or milk allergies may find themselves missing out on the fun. Fortunately, there are now several options for those who want to enjoy a slice without the dairy. Many pizza places offer cheeseless pies, and some even provide dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as soy or rice cheese, or vegan cheese made from plant-based ingredients. For those who don't mind getting creative in the kitchen, making your own lactose-free pizza with real cheese is also an option, with aged cheeses like provolone being a suitable substitute for traditional mozzarella.
Do any pizza places have lactose-free cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose-free cheese options | Provolone, Fontina, Soy cheese, Rice cheese, Vegan cheese |
| Pizza places with lactose-free cheese | Papa Murphy's, zPizza, Blaze Pizza, Pie Five |
| Lactose-free pizza alternatives | No-cheese pizza, Dairy-free crusts, Gluten-free crusts, Keto-friendly crustless pizzas |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza places with vegan cheese options
There are several pizza places that offer vegan cheese options, either as a direct substitute for dairy cheese or as part of a specifically vegan pizza. Here are some examples:
Mod Pizza
Mod Pizza is a firm favourite across the US, with locations in multiple states, including around 70 in its home state of Washington and more than 110 in Texas. Each of its restaurants offers a "build-your-own pizza" model, and there are plenty of plant-based toppings to choose from, including dairy-free cheese and plant-based meats.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom will swap any of its regular cheese options for vegan cheese from Follow Your Heart.
Papa Murphy's
With more than 1,000 locations across the US, Papa Murphy's is another favourite spot for pizza. The chain has partnered with Violife to offer vegan cheese on its Garden Veggie pizza and create-your-own options.
Fresh Brothers
This popular chain has multiple locations across California, including several spots in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Fresh Brothers offers three vegan options, all of which are loaded with Field Roast Mozzarella. The options are Vegan Da Works (with vegan sausage and pepperoni), Vegan Cheese, and Vegan Pepperoni.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Uno's, as it is also known, specializes in Chicago-style pizzas, which it serves across Illinois as well as multiple other states, including New York, Florida, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Its extensive menu includes a Vegan Cheese Pizza, which is topped with Daiya dairy-free mozzarella, and a Vegan Cheeseburger Deep Dish with Beyond Meat.
Papa John's
Papa John's offers vegan pizza with original, New York Style, or Thin Crust. You can add BBQ, Buffalo, or Original Pizza Sauce, and choose from a variety of vegan toppings. Every pizza comes with Special Garlic Dipping Sauce and a pepperoncini, both of which are vegan.
Local Restaurants
Some local restaurants may also offer vegan cheese options. For example, if you're in New York, one source recommends Artistic Pizza near Washington Square and NY Dosas, also in Washington Square.
No-Cheese Pizza
If you don't want to use vegan cheese alternatives, you can also order a no-cheese pizza from almost any pizza restaurant. You can choose your favourite sauce and toppings to create a delicious, cheese-less pizza.
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Lactose-intolerant-friendly cheeses
While pizza is often associated with cheese, it is still possible to enjoy pizza when lactose intolerant. Many pizza places will offer pizzas without cheese, and you can load up on other toppings and sauces to add flavour.
However, if you are missing the cheese, there are some lactose-intolerant-friendly cheeses that you may be able to tolerate. Firstly, it is important to note that not all lactose intolerance is the same, and some people may be able to tolerate certain cheeses that others cannot. Aged, hard cheeses are often better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, as they have a lower lactose content. This is because the lactose breaks down as the cheese ages. However, older cheeses tend to be less melty. Some aged cheeses that may be suitable include:
- Provolone—this is a good substitute for mozzarella, although it has a stronger taste and less stringy texture.
- Cheddar—cheddars aged for 1.5-2 years will have very low lactose content, although they may not be as melty.
- Parmesan—while one source states that Parmesan is lactose-free, another states that it caused them issues.
- Swiss cheese—some Swiss cheeses can take as little as four months to become lactose-free.
- Jarlsberg—this Norwegian Swiss cheese is a good option if you are looking for a flavorful, melty cheese.
- Muenster—this semi-soft cheese has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and typically contains between 0-1.1% lactose.
Some people who believe they are lactose intolerant may actually be sensitive to casein, a protein found in cheese. If this is the case, then there are some cheeses with lower casein content that may be suitable, such as ricotta. However, if you are sensitive to both types of casein, then vegan cheese may be the best option.
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Dairy-free pizza crusts
One option for a dairy-free pizza crust is to use a gluten-free flour blend. It is important to choose a blend that already contains starches and xanthan gum, such as a cup-for-cup rice flour blend, to avoid a gummy texture. Preheat your oven and pizza pan, and use gluten-free flour, instant yeast, gluten-free baking powder, and salt for the dough. This recipe creates a thick and chewy crust.
Another recipe for a dairy-free and gluten-free pizza crust includes active dry yeast, water, sugar, olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt. It is important to ensure that the sugar is vegan, as some brands may contain animal bone char. This dough requires about an hour of rising time. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour.
For those who are gluten-free and dairy-free, there are options for thick and chewy crusts that are soft on the inside and tough on the outside. One recipe includes gluten-free flour, rapid yeast, and maple syrup or granulated sugar instead of honey. You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as Violife or Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds, to top off your pizza.
Making your own dairy-free pizza crust allows you to customize your pizza and enjoy it with your favorite toppings, whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a delicious alternative to traditional pizza.
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No-cheese pizzas
Nowadays, many pizza places offer the option of a no-cheese pizza upon request. You can choose from a variety of sauces and toppings to create a delicious, dairy-free pizza. For example, you could try a pizza with a tomato sauce base, topped with artichokes, tomatoes, spinach, fried eggplant, onion, and chicken. If you're feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, basil, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
If you're making a no-cheese pizza at home, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different sauces, such as BBQ sauce or curry, and load up on toppings like grilled vegetables, caramelized onions, mushrooms, olives, pineapple, or even anchovies. For a spicy kick, add some jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you're looking for a creamy texture, try using navy beans or cannellini beans as a base instead of cheese.
When it comes to the pizza dough itself, you can get creative and use a cauliflower or whole wheat crust, or even try a bagel bites version. Don't forget to add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to take your no-cheese pizza to the next level.
So, whether you're dining out or cooking at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a delicious and cheesy-free pizza.
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Dairy-free cheese alternatives
One option is to opt for aged cheeses like provolone, which has a very low lactose content due to the ageing process. While not an exact match for mozzarella, provolone can be a good substitute, as its stronger taste and less stringy texture can work well on a pizza.
There are also several dairy-free cheese alternatives available on the market, which vary in terms of taste, texture, and melt. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Violife Foods: This brand offers a dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and preservative-free cheese alternative. It has a creamy texture and melts well, resembling traditional mozzarella. However, some people may find the texture slimy, and it has a strange smell when in the bag.
- Follow Your Heart: This dairy-free cheese alternative has a good melt and has been described as tasting "normal."
- Miokos Pourable Mozzarella: This is a unique pourable cheese made from a cashew sauce. It has a smooth and creamy texture, but some people may not like the flavour. It is popular with the vegan and dairy-free communities.
- Whole Foods 365 brand: This dairy-free cheese alternative has a good taste but does not melt well and is not creamy.
- So Delicious: This option does not melt well, is not creamy, and only has an okay taste.
- Trader Joe’s Almond-based mozzarella: This cheese alternative is 99% lactose-free but does not melt well and has a mushy texture.
- Miyoko’s: This dairy-free mozzarella has a spotty coverage, but it still provides plenty of cheesiness. It has a thicker, tangier, and bolder flavour.
- Albertsons store brand: This dairy-free mozzarella has a good flavour but does not nail the texture of melty cheese. It has a subtle umami flavour and a slightly soft texture with a powdery finish.
- Moocho: This dairy-free mozzarella has mixed reviews, with some people finding it too sticky, while others like its creamy texture. It has a sharper flavour and is soft, melty, and a little gooey and sticky.
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Frequently asked questions
Papa Murphy's Pizza offers dairy-free, plant-based, and lactose-free cheese on their pizzas. Blaze Pizza, Pie Five, and zPizza are some other pizza chains that offer vegan cheese options.
Yes, some alternatives to cheese on pizza include soy cheese, rice cheese, and hummus. You can also try using aged cheeses like provolone, which has a very low lactose content.
There are many tasty toppings that can be used on a pizza for lactose intolerant people. Some options include artichokes, tomatoes, spinach, fried eggplant, onion, chicken, basil, olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
Most pizza places offer cheeseless pies, and many also offer dairy-free crusts. You can also look for pasta with marinara sauce or a sub sandwich.
