Best Gluten-Free Pizza Worth Trying

There’s no doubt gluten sensitivity is on the rise. While approximately 6% of the U.S. population is reportedly gluten intolerant, an estimated 25% of Americans follow a gluten-free diet.^[1]

For those with Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that impacts 1 in 133 Americans, avoiding gluten is even more pertinent as the symptoms can be even more severe. But even for those who have a mild intolerance to gluten, avoiding it entirely is often a safe bet.

Fortunately, the food industry has come a long way in accommodating gluten-free diets, allowing people with Celiac and gluten sensitivity to enjoy their favorite foods, like pizza. But as with most gluten-free products, the compromise comes at a cost in terms of how good it tastes and the price tag. 

So, what is the best gluten-free pizza worth trying? Below, we dish out our favorite picks along with some food for thought on what you should look for, from ingredients to taste.

What To Look For In The Best Gluten-Free Pizza?

When searching for the perfect gluten-free pizza, several crucial factors should be taken into consideration. The base of any great pizza starts with its crust, and in the gluten-free world, this becomes even more critical.

Crust Base and Ingredients

The foundation of your gluten-free pizza typically comes from one of these alternatives:

• Rice, tapioca, and sorghum flour blends are common in commercial options, offering a more traditional pizza texture.
• Cauliflower crust offers a low-carb, nutrient-rich option that’s become increasingly popular for its light, crispy texture.
• Almond flour provides a protein-rich, nutty-flavored base that’s particularly satisfying.
• Chickpea flour delivers a dense, flavorful foundation with additional protein benefits.

Cross-Contamination Risk

For those with Celiac disease, cross-contamination poses a serious concern. While many major chains (e.g. Papa John’s and Domino’s) offer gluten-free options, they’re often prepared in shared spaces. The safest choices come from dedicated facilities or manufacturers who specialize in gluten-free food production.

Texture and taste profile

The best gluten-free pizza should achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a slightly chewy interior. The crust shouldn’t become soggy under toppings, and its flavor should complement rather than overwhelm your chosen toppings. The hallmark to the best-tasting gluten-free pizzas are those that minimize the chalky texture common in many gluten-free products.

Price Point and Portion Size

Gluten-free pizzas typically cost 30-50% more than traditional options, with frozen varieties ranging from $8-15. When evaluating cost, consider the price per serving rather than just the sticker price, as sizes can vary significantly between brands and establishments.

Additional Dietary Considerations

Many people avoiding gluten often have other dietary restrictions. Look for options that accommodate multiple dietary needs, such as dairy-free alternatives for lactose intolerance or clean ingredient lists without artificial preservatives. The best manufacturers understand these overlapping requirements and formulate their products accordingly.

What Gluten-Free Pizzas Are Worth Your Dough?

After extensive research and countless taste tests, we’ve identified the top gluten-free pizzas that deliver on both taste and dietary requirements. These selections balance nutrition, flavor, and value while meeting strict gluten-free standards. Here are our top picks that deserve a spot in your freezer or on your plate.

1. Amy’s Veggie Crust Pizza

Amy’s innovative crust combines organic cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet potatoes with tapioca starch and brown rice flour, creating a nutrient-dense base. Each serving provides 10g of protein, 4g of fiber, and only 320 calories.

While manufactured in a facility that processes wheat, Amy’s Veggie Crust Pizza is made in a dedicated gluten-free processing room with strict protocols in place. Available flavors include Cheese, Spinach, Italiano 4 Cheese, and Vegan Meatless Pepperoni.

Consumer reviews consistently praise its crispy texture and vegetable-forward taste, though some note concerns about cross-contamination risks for those with severe sensitivities. Priced at around $12 for a 9.1-ounce pizza, it’s positioned at the premium end of the frozen pizza market, but many feel the quality justifies the cost.

2. Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza

Udi’s relies on a traditional blend of brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch for their crust. Their pizzas come in several varieties, including Four Cheese, Uncured Pepperoni, Margherita, and Sweet Potato Crust options. The brand is certified gluten-free, and each pizza is a good source of calcium and protein.

While Udi’s maintains dedicated gluten-free facilities for their retail products, it’s worth noting that their restaurant partnerships (such as with Pizza Hut and Papa Murphy’s) have faced criticism for cross-contamination concerns.

Udi’s gluten-free pizzas typically retail for around $8-$10 for a 10-inch size, making them a more affordable option in the gluten-free category. Reviews particularly praise the authentic pizza-like chew and reliable crust integrity, though some find the texture slightly dry.

3. Against the Grain Gourmet Pizza

Against the Grain takes a unique approach with its crust, using tapioca starch as the primary base ingredient combined with milk, eggs, and three types of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan) baked directly into the crust. This cheese-forward foundation creates a distinctly different texture from traditional gluten-free crusts, offering a puffy, golden exterior that’s more reminiscent of Brazilian cheese bread than typical pizza crust.

The brand offers several varieties including Three Cheese, Pepperoni, and Pesto, with both 10-inch and 12-inch size options. While not certified gluten-free, their dedicated facility maintains strict protocols.

Nutritionally, these pizzas are higher in fat and protein due to the cheese-based crust. Priced between $13-$14, Against the Grain Gourmet Pizza is among the more expensive options, though many consumers feel the unique taste and texture justify the cost.

4. Banza Gluten-Free Pizza

Banza revolutionizes the gluten-free pizza space with its chickpea-based crust, offering a protein-rich alternative that packs an impressive nutritional punch. Each serving provides 16-17g of protein, 7g of fiber, and is made in a certified gluten-free facility. Their lineup includes Four Cheese, Margherita, Supreme, and Plant-Based Supreme varieties, all featuring a custom sauce blend with basil oil and roasted garlic.

The nutritional profile is particularly noteworthy, with each Banza pizza containing around 390-400 calories per serving and zero added sugars. The crust ingredients are straightforward: chickpeas, water, tapioca, cocoa butter, and olive oil, with minimal additives. While some consumers note the texture is more similar to a quiche crust than traditional pizza dough, many appreciate its unique, satisfying qualities.

Priced between $9-$11 depending on variety and retailer, Banza positions itself in the mid-to-premium range of the gluten-free pizza market. The pizzas can be found at major retailers, including Whole Foods, Target, and through online retailers, making them widely accessible across the country.

5. Caulipower Pizza

As America’s #1 selling cauliflower pizza brand, Caulipower offers a stone-fired crust made from a blend of cauliflower, brown rice flour, corn starch, and tapioca starch. Their lineup includes Margherita, Uncured Pepperoni, and Three Cheese varieties.

Each pizza provides a lower-carb alternative to traditional pizzas, with the entire uncured pepperoni pizza containing clean ingredients free from artificial preservatives and added nitrates.

Reviews consistently praise the crispy texture, though some note the higher price point of around $8-11 per pizza. The brand has gained popularity for offering a satisfying pizza experience while keeping calories in check, with most varieties ranging between 330-370 calories per serving.

Benefits of Eating Gluten-Free Pizza

While eliminating gluten from your diet has become increasingly popular, it’s important to understand the genuine health benefits that come with choosing gluten-free alternatives like specialized pizzas. Research has shown several advantages, particularly for those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.

Here are the key health benefits of choosing gluten-free pizza:

• Reduced inflammation: Gluten can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, particularly in the digestive tract and joints. Choosing gluten-free pizza can help minimize these inflammatory reactions, potentially reducing joint pain and digestive discomfort.
• Better digestive health: Gluten-free options can help eliminate common digestive issues like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. This is particularly beneficial for those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease, but even those without these conditions may experience improved digestion.^[2]
• Improved energy levels: Many people report increased energy levels when switching to gluten-free options. This may be due to better nutrient absorption and improved digestive function when gluten is removed from the diet.
• Enhanced insulin control: Gluten-free alternatives often have a lower glycemic index, which can help maintain steadier blood sugar levels. This improved insulin control can be particularly beneficial for those managing diabetes or trying to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
• Clearer skin: Some individuals experience improvements in skin conditions when eliminating gluten from their diet. This is likely due to the reduction in inflammation throughout the body, which can manifest in clearer, healthier-looking skin.^[3]

Remember that while these benefits can be significant, they’re most pronounced for individuals with genuine gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease. For others, the benefits may vary, but choosing gluten-free pizza can still be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Citations

1. Igbinedion SO, Ansari J, Vasikaran A, Gavins FN, Jordan P, Boktor M, Alexander JS. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: All wheat attack is not celiac. World J Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct 28;23(40):7201-7210. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i40.7201. PMID: 29142467; PMCID: PMC5677194.
2. Cenni S, Sesenna V, Boiardi G, Casertano M, Russo G, Reginelli A, Esposito S, Strisciuglio C. The Role of Gluten in Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Review. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 27;15(7):1615. doi: 10.3390/nu15071615. PMID: 37049456; PMCID: PMC10096482.
3. Vats V, Makineni P, Hemaida S, Haider A, Subramani S, Kaur N, Butt AN, Scott-Emuakpor R, Zahir M, Mathew M, Iqbal J. Gluten Intolerance and Its Association With Skin Disorders: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Sep 1;15(9):e44549. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44549. PMID: 37790051; PMCID: PMC10544948.