Patrick Oconnell
As America's largest pizza chain, Domino's offers a variety of options for vegetarians and vegans. The pizza chain has confirmed that their shredded provolone, pizza cheese (mozzarella), and feta cheeses are made with rennet derived from a non-animal source. However, their Parmesan-Asiago blend, which is used in the Pacific Veggie Pizza, contains lipase enzyme from an animal source. While Domino's does not specify the source of rennet in other cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan, they have stated that all enzymes used in their cheese are from non-animal sources. The company accommodates dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan needs, by using clean cutters and fresh prep tubs to prevent cross-contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian options available | Yes |
| Vegetarian options guaranteed to be meat-free | No |
| Vegan options available | Yes |
| Vegan cheese available | No |
| Vegetarian cheese type | Mozzarella, American, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Provolone |
| Vegetarian cheese source | Non-animal rennet |
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What You'll Learn
- Domino's pizza cheese is made from a non-animal rennet and microbial-based enzymes
- Vegetarian pizzas may be contaminated with meat products during busy periods
- Domino's offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly toppings
- The Alfredo sauce at Domino's contains enzymes from a beef source
- Domino's does not specify the source of rennet in some cheeses, which may contain animal rennet
Domino's pizza cheese is made from a non-animal rennet and microbial-based enzymes
Domino's uses a blend of Mozzarella, American, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, and Provolone cheeses. In 2012, a customer with similar concerns about the source of rennet in Domino's cheeses received the following response:
> Domino's Pizza Diced Cheese for Pizza is a specially produced cheese made exclusively for our use. It is a natural dairy product, produced from cultured, pasteurized milk, rennet; and salts of calcium and/or sodium. The type of rennet used in the production of this cheese is restricted to a microbial-based rennet or a genetically-engineered rennet.
In 2021, Domino's confirmed that their pizza cheese is made from a non-animal source:
> All of the enzymes in our mozzarella cheese are from a non-animal source. As far as our other cheeses, Domino’s purchases from many suppliers and does not specify the source of all ingredients. The source could vary from time to time based on availability.
Domino's has many options suitable for vegetarians and some for vegans too. However, there is no guarantee that a vegetarian pizza will not be contaminated with meat products, especially during busy periods. To avoid contamination, customers can ask for a clean cutter to be used and request that new prep tubs are opened.
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Vegetarian pizzas may be contaminated with meat products during busy periods
Domino's offers a variety of vegetarian options, including pizzas that can be customized with various crusts, sauces, and toppings. However, there have been concerns about the suitability of their pizzas for strict vegetarians due to potential cross-contamination with meat products.
During busy periods, there is a higher risk of cross-contamination in Domino's kitchens. Employees may rush through orders, increasing the chance of meat products coming into contact with vegetarian pizzas. While Domino's has procedures to prevent cross-contamination, the effectiveness of these measures depends on individual stores' adherence to protocols and their staffing levels.
Some Domino's stores have distinct cutters and prep tubs for vegetarian and meat pizzas, reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination. However, during busy periods, these precautions may be overlooked, and employees might not thoroughly wash their hands or change cutters between orders.
In addition to cross-contamination, there are concerns about the source of enzymes in some cheeses used by Domino's. While the company has stated that the enzymes in their pizza cheese are from non-animal sources, they have not provided clear information about all the cheeses they use. Some cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar, may contain animal-derived rennet, depending on the supplier.
To ensure that their pizza is truly vegetarian, customers can specify their dietary requirements when ordering. Requesting information about the ingredients and asking for measures to prevent cross-contamination can provide peace of mind. While Domino's offers vegetarian options, it is essential for strict vegetarians to be vigilant during busy periods when the risk of meat contamination may be higher.
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Domino's offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly toppings
Domino's offers a wide range of vegetarian-friendly toppings, ensuring that customers with various dietary preferences and restrictions can enjoy their favourite pizzas. While the specific options may vary by location, Domino's commitment to providing vegetarian choices remains consistent.
For those who enjoy a classic cheese pizza, Domino's offers a variety of cheese blends that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Their shredded provolone, pizza cheese (mozzarella), and feta cheeses are made with rennet derived from non-animal sources, making them suitable for vegetarians. Additionally, their Parmesan shake-on (grated parm) rennet is also sourced from non-animal origins and does not contain lipase. This attention to ingredient sourcing ensures that vegetarian customers can confidently indulge in their cheesy creations.
The Pacific Veggie Pizza is another popular vegetarian option, featuring a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and feta cheeses. While there have been concerns about the use of animal-derived enzymes in the Parmesan-Asiago cheese on this pizza, Domino's has clarified that the rennet in this particular cheese is derived from non-animal sources as well. Customers who wish to avoid any cheese on the crust rim can also make that specification when ordering.
In addition to cheese, Domino's offers a plethora of meat-free toppings that can be loaded onto any pizza. Vegetarians can choose from a variety of vegetables, including roasted red peppers, baby spinach, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and black olives. These toppings not only add flavour and texture to the pizza but also contribute to a well-balanced meal, ensuring that customers can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meat-free option.
While Domino's has been criticised for their reluctance to introduce vegan cheese and meat substitutes to their menu, they have emphasised that their pizzas can be customised to accommodate various dietary preferences. For example, vegans can opt for a thin or gluten-free crust, select specific sauce options, and choose from a variety of non-meat, non-cheese toppings. Despite the lack of dedicated vegan cheese options, Domino's commitment to customisation allows customers to create their own unique meatless pizzas.
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The Alfredo sauce at Domino's contains enzymes from a beef source
Domino's Pizza offers a variety of options that cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. While they offer vegetarian pizzas, it is important to note that their Alfredo sauce contains enzymes from a beef source. This information came to light through an inquiry made by VRG Blog in 2021, where they reached out to Domino's regarding the ingredients in their Pacific Veggie Pizza and Alfredo sauce.
In response to VRG Blog's inquiry, Domino's Customer Support representative, Katie, confirmed that the Alfredo sauce does contain enzymes from a beef source. However, she also stated that all enzymes used in the cheese are from a non-animal source. This clarification led to further questions as it was unclear whether she was referring to the cheese in the Pacific Veggie Pizza or another product.
Domino's sources their cheeses from multiple suppliers, and the specific sources of ingredients may vary based on availability. While they confirmed that their shredded provolone, pizza cheese (mozzarella), and feta cheeses are made with rennet derived from a non-animal source, the Parm/Asiago blend used in the Pacific Veggie Pizza contains lipase enzymes from an animal source. This blend is applied to the hand-tossed crust of the pizza.
It is important to note that Domino's has taken steps to accommodate customers with various dietary restrictions. In a separate Reddit discussion, a Domino's worker mentioned that they always use clean cutters and fresh prep tubs to avoid cross-contamination when dealing with allergy, religious, or vegetarian orders. Customers can also specify their dietary requirements when placing an order, and Domino's will adhere to these requests.
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Domino's does not specify the source of rennet in some cheeses, which may contain animal rennet
Domino's Pizza offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options to cater to different dietary needs. While the company strives to accommodate its customers, some concerns have been raised regarding the source of rennet in their cheese products.
Rennet is a crucial component in cheese production, and its source can be animal, vegetable, or artificial. Domino's uses a blend of cheeses, including mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, feta, Parmesan, and Parmesan-Asiago. While they have stated that their pizza cheese, mozzarella, and feta do not contain animal-derived enzymes, they have not provided clear information about the source of rennet in all their cheese products.
In 2021, The VRG Blog reached out to Domino's to inquire about the specific enzyme types and sources used in their Pacific Veggie Pizza, which contains provolone, mozzarella, and feta cheeses. In response, Domino's Customer Support representative Ramea stated that "all of the enzymes in our mozzarella cheese are from a non-animal source." However, regarding their other cheeses, Ramea noted that Domino's purchases from multiple suppliers and does not specify the source of all ingredients, which could vary based on availability.
This lack of specificity in the answer prompted further inquiries, and it was discovered that Domino's shredded provolone, pizza cheese (mozzarella), and feta cheeses are made with rennet derived from a non-animal source. However, the Parmesan-Asiago blend used in the Pacific Veggie Pizza contains lipase enzyme from an animal source, while the rennet is non-animal derived. This inconsistency in ingredient sources across different cheeses in Domino's products raises concerns for vegetarians and those with specific dietary restrictions.
While Domino's has asserted that most of its products do not contain animal-derived enzymes, the company's response regarding the source of rennet in some cheeses remains unclear. This ambiguity may be due to their reliance on multiple suppliers and the potential variation in ingredient sources based on availability. As a result, customers who wish to avoid animal-derived rennet may need to seek alternative options or contact Domino's directly for more detailed information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Domino's offers vegetarian cheese pizzas. However, they purchase cheese from multiple suppliers, and the source of the cheese may vary depending on availability. Therefore, it is best to specify your requirements and request no animal-derived ingredients when ordering.
Domino's uses a blend of Mozzarella, American, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, and Provolone cheeses. The company states that their pizza cheese is made with rennet derived from a non-animal source.
Domino's employees have stated that they always use clean cutters and fresh prep tubs when dealing with allergy, religious, or vegetarian requests. However, some stores may be less accommodating during busy periods, so it is essential to communicate your requirements clearly when ordering.
Yes, Domino's has several vegetarian options besides pizza, including bread dishes like stuffed cheesy bread (without bacon and jalapeño), bread twists, and Parmesan bread bites.
Yes, Domino's offers vegan options as well. Vegans can order any pizza with a thin or gluten-free crust, a tomato or barbecue-based sauce, and no cheese. Vegan customers can also choose from various non-meat, non-cheese toppings to load up their pizza.
