
Buddy's Pizza, a Detroit-style pizza joint, has been serving up square, thick, and delicious pizzas since 1946. With a focus on providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for all, Buddy's offers a gluten-free crust option and takes measures to prevent cross-contact. While their original cheese pizza contains milk and wheat, they do offer dairy-free cheese as an alternative. This pizzeria is a beloved institution in Detroit, with a family-owned, small-town feel and a commitment to accommodating dietary needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dairy-free cheese available | Yes |
| Gluten-free crust available | Yes |
| Yeast-free crust available | Yes |
| Calories | 410 |
| Carbs | 41g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
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What You'll Learn

Buddy's Pizza has dairy-free cheese
Yes, Buddy's Pizza offers dairy-free cheese. This is great news for those who are lactose intolerant or choose to exclude dairy from their diet. The dairy-free cheese option means that more people can enjoy the famous Detroit-style pizza that Buddy's has to offer.
Buddy's Pizza has been a Detroit institution for decades, with the original Buddy's Pizza opening in Detroit, Michigan, in 1946. It has since expanded to 9 full-service and 3 carry-out locations in the greater Detroit area. The pizza is square, thick, and absolutely delicious, with a fluffy, gluten-free crust option that is also yeast-free.
Buddy's Pizza takes gluten intolerance and allergies very seriously. They have a strict protocol to prevent cross-contamination, including sterilizing workspaces, changing gloves and utensils, and using fresh sauces and toppings for gluten-free orders. They even bake gluten-free pizzas on the top rack, lined with foil, to prevent cross-contact with other pizzas.
While the gluten-free crust option is a great offering, it is important to note that their gluten-free crust contains dairy. This means that while those with dairy intolerances or allergies can enjoy the pizza with dairy-free cheese, the gluten-free crust option is not suitable for those who require dairy-free options.
Buddy's Pizza also offers a range of other gluten-free options, including salads and soft drinks. The staff are knowledgeable and accommodating, and they have a separate gluten-free menu with various toppings to choose from.
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But their gluten-free crust contains dairy
While Buddy's Pizza offers dairy-free cheese, their gluten-free crust contains dairy. This may come as a surprise to customers who are looking for a pizza option that is entirely free of dairy products. The gluten-free crust, despite being a popular choice for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, is not suitable for those avoiding dairy.
The presence of dairy in the gluten-free crust is an important detail to note, especially for those with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions. It highlights the need to carefully review the ingredients and allergen information provided by the restaurant. While Buddy's Pizza has a dedicated gluten-free menu and takes steps to prevent cross-contact, the gluten-free crust may not be a viable option for those avoiding dairy.
One of the challenges of dining out with dietary restrictions is navigating the potential presence of allergens in unexpected places. In the case of Buddy's Pizza, their gluten-free crust may seem like a safe option at first glance. However, upon further inspection, the presence of dairy in the crust becomes apparent. This underscores the importance of thorough research and communication with the restaurant staff about one's specific dietary needs.
It is worth noting that Buddy's Pizza has multiple locations, and their practices may vary slightly across these locations. While their gluten-free crust may contain dairy, it is always advisable to confirm the ingredients used at the specific location you plan to visit. Additionally, it is encouraging to see that Buddy's Pizza offers dairy-free cheese, demonstrating their awareness and accommodation of diverse dietary needs.
In conclusion, while Buddy's Pizza makes efforts to cater to various dietary restrictions, their gluten-free crust containing dairy serves as a reminder to remain vigilant when dining out with food allergies or specific dietary preferences. It is always best to be cautious and communicate clearly with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal aligns with your dietary needs and expectations.
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They have a separate gluten-free menu
Buddy's Pizza, a Detroit-style pizza restaurant, offers a gluten-free menu. While the menu is limited, with pizza being the only gluten-free option, it is a safe and tasty choice for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The gluten-free pizza is cooked on aluminium foil to prevent cross-contamination, and it is served with its own pizza cutter. The crust is thick and soft, and the pizza is available in a small size, which is big enough for one hungry person or a snack for three.
The gluten-free pizza at Buddy's has received positive reviews, with many praising the taste and texture of the crust. It is described as bread-like and fluffy, a nice change from the thin, cardboard-like gluten-free crusts found elsewhere. The pizza is also a good value, priced at $9.99, and it comes with a variety of toppings to choose from.
In addition to the gluten-free pizza, Buddy's also offers dairy-free cheese, accommodating various dietary restrictions. However, it is important to note that their gluten-free crust contains dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
The staff at Buddy's Pizza are also knowledgeable and accommodating to customers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. They are aware of the precautions necessary to prevent cross-contamination and are willing to answer any questions or address any concerns.
Overall, Buddy's Pizza provides a safe and enjoyable dining experience for those seeking gluten-free options. Their dedicated gluten-free menu and attentive staff make it a popular choice for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that they can indulge in a delicious pizza without compromising their health.
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They take precautions to prevent cross-contact
While Buddy's Pizza does offer dairy-free cheese, the gluten-free pizza crust contains dairy. However, they take several precautions to prevent cross-contact, ensuring a safe dining experience for customers with food allergies or intolerances.
Firstly, they sterilize their workspace before preparing gluten-free pizzas. When a customer orders a gluten-free pizza, they change gloves and use clean utensils, ensuring no cross-contamination occurs. Gluten-free pizzas are baked on the top rack, lined with foil, further separating them from other pizzas. Additionally, each location employs a staff member specifically trained in food allergy preparation protocols, ensuring that proper procedures are followed.
Buddy's Pizza also provides customers with a fresh pizza cutter, allowing them to cut their own pizza and reducing the risk of cross-contact. This extra step gives customers with allergies added peace of mind.
The staff at Buddy's Pizza are also knowledgeable and accommodating. They are happy to guide customers through their allergen and gluten-free options, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
While the risk of cross-contact is always present in any kitchen, Buddy's Pizza takes several precautions to minimize this risk. Their attention to allergen safety is commendable and allows customers with dietary restrictions to enjoy their pizza with confidence.
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The Detroit-style pizza is thick and square
Buddy's Pizza's Detroit-style pizza stands out not only for its thick, square shape but also for its soft and fluffy gluten-free crust. The gluten-free option is a testament to Buddy's Pizza's dedication to accommodating various dietary needs without compromising on taste. The pizza is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, from the sterilisation of the workspace to the use of clean utensils and gloves when handling gluten-free orders.
The gluten-free crust, made with buttermilk, is cooked on aluminium foil to prevent cross-contamination in the oven. The result is a crust that is not only safe for those with gluten intolerance but also remarkably tasty and dough-like, a rare find in the world of gluten-free pizza. The crust is then topped with fresh sauce and toppings, allowing customers to customise their pizza according to their preferences.
Buddy's Pizza takes food allergies seriously, and each of their locations employs a staff member trained in food allergy preparation protocols. This commitment to safety and inclusivity has earned them praise from customers with dietary restrictions, who can confidently indulge in the Detroit-style pizza without worrying about cross-contamination. The thick, square pizza is a signature offering that has helped solidify Buddy's Pizza as one of the nation's best pizza places, according to the Food Network in 2003.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Buddy's Pizza offers dairy-free cheese. However, it is important to note that their gluten-free pizza crust contains dairy.
In addition to dairy-free cheese, Buddy's Pizza also offers a gluten-free crust option. Their gluten-free pizzas are prepared with strict cross-contamination protocols, including the use of separate utensils and fresh sauces and toppings. They also have a dedicated staff member trained in food allergy preparation at each location.
While Buddy's Pizza may not have specific dairy-free dessert options, they are located near Dairy Twist Cafe in Walled Lake, which offers gluten-free and dairy-free soft-serve ice cream and cones.

























