Domino's Pizza has launched a gluten-free pizza crust at all of its nearly 5,000 stores in the U.S. It is the first national delivery chain to offer a gluten-free crust.
However, this news comes with a heavy disclaimer (see the video below for full disclaimer)...
The company consulted with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, which offers an official accreditation program to restaurants that serve gluten-free items. Here's where things get a bit tricky though. Domino's explains in a press release:
"While Domino's new Gluten Free Crust is appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity, Domino's and the NFCA do not recommend it for those with celiac disease. Domino's and the NFCA found that while the crust is certified as gluten free, current store operations at Domino's cannot guarantee that each handcrafted pizza will be completely free from gluten."
In short, the gluten-free pizza crust is made in a facility where there is gluten present, so the company doesn't recommend the crust for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. For more FAQs, see Domino's Facebook page.
We would LOVE to hear your thoughts about this, so feel free to post in the comments below! Are you excited? Would you give the pizza a try, knowing that there's a risk of cross-contamination?
Domino's also made a video about the crust that explains why Domino's is so excited about the product, and also discusses the risks of eating the crust if you have celiac disease:
Sorry but it's either gluten free or it isn't! There is no in between. One is not just a little gluten intolerant! I'm not buying it!! Work out the kinks, then we can talk again.... just saying
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:40 PM
I guess then only the crust is gluten free. but not really ..SO IT'S NOT GLUTEN FREE..
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:44 PM
Does anyone know if it will be dairy free as well? I'd love to be able to order her a GF pizza with no cheese. She seems to tolerate "processed in a facility" quite well.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:47 PM
I agree....I have a son who is 4 and has celiac and a husband with Celiac as well...they both are pizza LOVERS!! So sad we can't try it! :(
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:47 PM
My daughter is a celiac there would be great risk in eating the pizza. Could we buy just the crust?
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:50 PM
I'm super excited to try it!! Thanks for the option, Dominos!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:50 PM
Nope! Not buying it either! Either gluten free or not! There is no in between!!!!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:50 PM
I have to agree with Beth. The gluten sensitive individual could still feel the effects of the gluten if the product or facility is not 100% gluten free. I would have to say that I would not purchase the gluten free pizza from Domino's.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:52 PM
I don't get it? It's not gluten free if it's cross contaminated.
That's like claiming to be a sort of pregnant... you either are or you aren't, there is no in between. So you either are gluten free or you aren't and until you figure it out, I wont be ordering.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:52 PM
I don't think you should be able to say it's gluten free when it truly isn't. I feel this is false advertisement and if people such as myself with celiac didn't read this it could make us very ill. Bad call Domino's.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Actually, I'd like to point out Beth that while you are accurate in saying there is no in between for some people I would think it is mostly for those who have celiac disease. I only suffer from a gluten intolerance and as long as I keep my gluten intake to a minimal, I do not experience symptoms. So while many might not be just a little gluten intolerant... some of us are and could in fact eat and enjoy this piza symtom-free.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:53 PM
While I am excited to see more restaurants trying to offer gluten free items on the menu, after reading the heavy disclaimer it is not recommended for those with Celiac Disease. Then what's the point?? I know the gluten free diet has become a fad now but we really need to cater MORE to those with a REAL need to be gluten free, like my 5 year old daughter who has Celiac Disease, not to those who are trying to lose weight. Sorry Domino's but you won't be getting my business.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:56 PM
I am so excited! It gets so frustrating not having options! Thanks Domino's! This will mean so much to so many.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:57 PM
I was super excited to hear that another company is going above and beyond to accommodate others like myself! That is, until I read that they were doing it half-*ssed and processing their "gluten free" crust in the same facilities as their gluten rich products.
Consuming their "gluten free" pizza can WILL contribute to my:
◦Chronic diarrhea
◦Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
◦Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
◦Dermatitis herpetiformis
◦Migraine Headaches
◦Iron deficiency
◦Female infertility
◦Cerebellar ataxia (unexplained dizziness)
◦Depression
◦Thyroid disease
◦Psoriasis
◦Eczema
◦Weight gain
◦Chronic Fatigue
◦Asthma
AND will eventually lead to:
- Bone Loss (Osteoporosis)
- Neurological Damage
- Fibromyalgia & CFS
- Thyroid Disease
- Psychological Disorders
- Cancer (Lymphoma)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you were more accommodating to celiacs, I'm sure your former customers would rejoin your current ones. Thanks for caring so much about my health and well being to do things the RIGHT way, Dominos!
Sincerely,
One of your former patrons.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 2:59 PM
I am gluten sensitive and very excited to try this new option. So far I haven't had a problem with products from facilities where gluten is present because I don't have celiac disease. Hopefully this is a step in the direction of providing a product that will work for those with celiac too.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:02 PM
All they have to do is designate certain pans and utensils to the GF workings. Not that hard. You don't have to change the stoves.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:04 PM
I'm one of the people who is gluten sensitive and cross contamination would put me in bed for days. The other thing not covered in this press release is whether the ingredients such as beef, sausage and pepperoni are gluten-free. I wish I could try it, but I won't. It's not worth being sick for days afterward.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:05 PM
I agree with Elyse. I am not diagnosed with celiac, only gluten intolerance, and as Elyse said I can eat some things containing gluten as long as I don't gorge myself on it. I would be willing to try the gluten-free crust.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:14 PM
They had a thing on Facebook a few months ago wanting suggestions for improvements in their products. My idea was gluten free crust--so you are all welcome ;) Just kidding. I'm excited though. There is only one restaurant that offers gluten free crust here and a small ended up costing me almost $20
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:14 PM
I am allergic to wheat. So this wheat-free pizza sounds great to me, assuming it tastes good as well. I look for to trying it.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:19 PM
It's unfortunate that they're not going all the way and making it totally safe for anyone with celiac disease, but kudos to them for trying to accommodate those who have a gluten intolerance or eat gluten free for other reasons. It's a start. Now I just hope it tastes good!!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:21 PM
How hard would it be to make the necessary changes and really make it gluten-free? Have a special pan, utensils, etc.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:23 PM
I am so excited. I have a gluten sensitivity and can only get pizza at zpizza. As great as it is they don't deliver. It would be great for me to participate in pizza night with the rest of my family. Is it available yet?
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:24 PM
I have mixed feelings about this...my husband has Celiac but he does not show symptoms if he's slipped a little gluten (even a small piece of cake etc..). We both know that even a trace amount is not good for his system, but it's hard because unless he eats a lot of gluten, he isn't symptomatic! UGH! What to do?? I think we would probably try it and see....
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:24 PM
I agree... it's either Gluten-Free or it isn't!! If it IS NOT, then why even bother!! I, for one, will NOT be buying from Domino's!!! You get ONE careless worker and then you have tons of people glutenized. NO THANKS!!!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:29 PM
I am super-excited! We are gluten free for reasons other than a severe disease or severe intolerance. If my children or me eat gluten we do feel some adverse effects including behavior issues and a mild Fibromyalgia flare up but sometimes you have to weigh the positiives and negatives and see if a sanity-saving pizza delivery is going to work for you. I say Amen and Thank You!!!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:35 PM
How much does this sux!!!!!!!!! They get Us all excited, then let Us know it isn't GF. How stupid is Dominos??
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:36 PM
There will be too much flour floating around in the air contaminating all the toppings, sauce and crusts!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:39 PM
Sorry, no good. Cross contamination makes me sick, for weeks and weeks. I start reacting while its still in my mouth. It would be a simple thing to insist on staff training and gluten free ingredients, fresh gloves, and dedicated utensils. Without these things it is simply not worth the risk for me. I was pretty excited until I realized that you aren't seriously considering actually providing gluten free pizza.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:46 PM
I am so hungry for GOOD pizza that I'm willing to give it try
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:57 PM
So?? What's the point then?? If it's not guaranteed to be gluten free, I agree with the majority who have responded-there's no way we're interested. If we're not buying it, why do it??
Thinks this trhough people, and offer GF or not.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 4:00 PM
lot's of us have item's in our kitchens w/gluten because not all family members are gluten-free. i would give this to my gluten-free autistic boys in a heartbeat.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 4:29 PM
No thank you,,do it right or don't offer it!!!!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 4:40 PM
This is a nice gesture by Domino's but really it's not worth it. First it's likely to get cross contaminated & two you must rely on the employees to take pride in doing all they can to eliminate cross contamination. I don't think they pay them nearly enough to care about it. I would rather a company who decides to go GF truly be or it truly is not worth the effort. Most people are not just a "little" intolerant to risk cross contamination.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 5:20 PM
I would not try it with the disclaimer. I am sad that they couldn't try to make gluten free pizza without contamination. I agree with the others. Dominios should not be able to call it gluten free unless it is really gluten free for all Celiac disease patients to eat. This is such a tease.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 5:49 PM
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 10 years ago. I have MacDonalds fries and other chains fries as well. I have no problem and I am sure there was cross contamination there. There is a thing as having different degrees of Celiac Disease. Some have the intestinal problems others skin problems. I tried another pizza chains gluten free pizza and was fine. I think it's awesome that Dominos is aware of the problem and that they are trying to expand their customer base by accommidating some of the food allergy audience. As time progresses maybe Dominos will further help the Celiac Nation and be able to add a truely cross contamination free facility. I w3ill try the pizza and hope for the best. Thanks for trying Dominos.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 6:05 PM
I am a nutritionist planning a gluten free expo. the pizza is great for weight loss but celiacs can provoke law suits for they are very sensitive .its really healthy food for people especially with big stomachs . So I am grateful for this big step forward and hope the negative comments from people who have too high of expectations of these heroic efforts.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 6:16 PM
This is great! I am somewhat sensitive to Gluten, however since I do not have celiac's or a reaction to small amounts of Gluten, I look forward to giving this a try!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 6:16 PM
High expectations, Janet? If they're saying "gluten free " crust, I should expect to eat it and not get sick. That's not high expectations on OUR parts. That's low standards on THEIRS.
Expecting to eat something "gluten free" and not get sick with diarrhea or acid reflux or a migraine or my hands covered in rashes and blisters and worst yet, severe asthma attacks because they essentially MISLABELED their healthier crust as "gluten free" is NOT having too high of expectations. Are you just a nutritionist, or a celiac patient as well? Try on our shoes for once.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:15 PM
But is the Sauce GF as well ????? Most tomatoe sauces have carmel coloring which is a gluten... so did they make their sauce gluten free as well??? if not its BS!
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:23 PM
This is a reply to Ruthi. I work at McDonalds and have Celiac Disease and I can tell you that the french fries are NOT gluten free. They say "Contains Wheat" right on the box they come in off the supply truck. I have no idea how you manage to eat them, but I tried and got sick within an hour. I always tell people who are asking about gluten free products on the menu NOT to eat the french fries.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I really don't think the side affects the next day would be worth trying this pizza for me. Why would you go throught the trouble to make the "gluten-free" crust but not gluten-free utensils and pans to make it with. I think you are just wasting your time by doing this. Godfathers makes their Gluten-free pizza in a Gluten-free facility, shrink wraps it then ships it to the restaurants across the country. Go here to read about this. http://www.godfathers.com/Menu/Gluten-Free/. I sure do hope that Somebody takes the initiative to get the gluten free pizza in the big chains. I don't have a Godfathers near me.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:59 PM
PLEASE come out with a way to make this safe for celiacs. You would tap a market desperate for attention and would be the only national chain helping. Kids with autism on gluten-free diets would also benefit, however it must be gluten-FREE, NOT gluten-sensitive. Major difference. And plus if you think about it.. 1/36 people are allergic to gluten, which means if they are going out to eat, they are choosing a place which caters to gluten free so the whole family can eat, not just the celiacs. Most families with gluten-free members all eat gluten free or mostly because they want to go to one convenient place, not ten. They will choose the restaurant where everyone can eat. Huge untapped market.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:10 PM
I like the direction this is going, but being that I have celiac disease this doesn't seem like a solution to my problem. I am always trying new gluten free things, but if there is a chance that it could get me sick, this isn't any better for me than regular pizza. Thanks for the honesty, but I will try it when it is safe.
Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:22 PM
"While Domino's new Gluten Free Crust is appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity.."
If you suffer from gluten sensitivity, it doesn't matter what degree it is..You must stay away from Gluten.. I admire Domino's for trying to make a gluten free pizza, but come on don't just label it like it is really for any one that can't have gluten. I for one love having a gluten free pizza and in order to do that, I just make my own...then I don't need to worry about cross contamination. So until you can say that your pizza is free of all gluten...Good luck all the way.. gluten eaten by me doesn't make me sick as some, but I guarantee it effects my body in many not so good ways. I have had a liver transplant and it can be traced back to eating gluten products..so being careful is very important....
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 5:48 AM
I think it is WONDERFUL!!! My daughter has a Gluten Sensitivity & doesn't get a reaction from "possible cross-contamination". This will be amazing for her! Can't wait to try it!
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 6:23 AM
Why would they bother saying it is gluten free when it really isn't and they cannot guarantee that it would be made/kept gluten free in any of the franchises! If anyone with a gluten intolerance would eat this then they are putting themselves at risk - people with celiac cannot try it without doing harm to themselves as well! Kind of ridiculous to rush into this just to be the first one - get it right then launch it. I would not take the chance for me or my daughter!
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 8:35 AM
So frustrating! On one hand I want to commend them for starting to go gluten-free, but on the other hand - this isn't enough! Even people with gluten sensitivities can pick up on cross-contamination. I personally wouldn't eat it until they refine their process - have separate tools, toppings, work stations, etc. for the gluten-free pizza.
http://celiacandthebeast.com/2012/05/seriously-dominos-new-gluten-free-pizza-offering/
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:14 AM
My opinion is: IF DOMINO'S IS NOT GOING TO DO IT RIGHT, THEN WHY SPEND ALL THE MONEY ON ROLL-OUT MARKETING AND OTHER 'HOOP-LA' -- WHEN THEY'RE STILL NOT GOING TO GET THE MARKET THEY'RE GOING AFTER!
And, I simply CRINGE when I think about nice gluten free pizza dough being rolled out in their kitchens on top of the same prep counters as 'glutenized' pizza dough - and smacked around with all that wheat flour before being dressed and popped into the oven, again on top of all the gluten residue!
And, did the marketing guru's think about the EDUCATION of all of the kitchen help in all of their company owned and/or franchisee locations? I'm not thinking so!
DID THEY NOT THINK THIS THRU? I mean, it's really noble and commendable of Domino's to 'care' about all of us out here with Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity who now comprise a $6 Billion buying market - but hey, do they think we're all stupid or what?
Their "Gluten Free Pizza" will not catch on with the majority of us - especially those of us subscribing to the "if in doubt - GO WITHOUT!" philosophy - especially in this case where there ARE NOT DOUBTS that the final product will be rolled in wheat flour, cross-contaminated in ways we have never even dreamed about and then CUT with the same slicer as their 'regular glutenized' pizzas.....
I'm not really feeling the love here!
I definitely won't be putting their magnet on my fridge for delivery; nor will I be clipping their coupon deals on it either!
(Oh, and by the way - all I have to do is TOUCH a crumb with gluten in it and within 20 minutes I am transformed into "The Exorcist" spewing projectile vomit everywhere within a 20-foot radius! ...Now, that's a very pretty picture! Just imagine how lovely I become if and when I actually INGEST it!)
Good Luck, Domino's - let us know when you have all the kinks worked out and your product can be GUARANTEED Gluten Free....maybe its easier to open the FROZEN PIZZA market - where we can actually control the handling of the product! Devoting one facility to producing CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS may be the only answer to the Domino's Pizza dilemma!
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:16 PM
I went to the Domino's Corporate website, found the 'customer service' e-mail and sent the following comments directly to them:
"I simply CRINGE when I think about gluten free pizza dough being rolled out on top of the same prep counters as 'glutenized' pizza dough, smacked around with all that wheat flour before being dressed & popped into the oven, again on top of all the gluten residue! Your GF Pizza will not catch on with the majority of us subscribing to the "if in doubt - GO WITHOUT!" philosophy as in this case there ARE NO DOUBTS that the final product will be rolled in wheat flour, cross-contaminated in ways we have never even dreamed about & then CUT with the same slicer as 'regular glutenized' pizzas! I'm not really feeling the love here! I won't be putting a magnet on my fridge for delivery; nor will I be clipping coupon deals on it either!Good Luck, Domino's! Let us know when all the kinks are worked out & your product can be CERTIFIED Gluten Free. Maybe its easier to open the FROZEN PIZZA market, where WE can actually control the handling of the product! Now, that's an idea worth investigating!"
Here's a link directly to the Customer Service E-mail, please don't hesitate to use it - I didn't!
https://info.dominos.com/dominos_pizza/contact.nsf/frmContact?openform
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:48 PM
There's a BIG difference between gluten free and gluten contaminated - and this pizza is NOT gluten free. PLEASE STOP FALSE ADVERTISING, DOMINOS!!
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:42 PM
Just found out about Domino's GF pizza from a friend. I was so excited, so I stopped by our local Domino's yesterday to see if they had a true understanding of what it means to be GF & planned on ordering pizza. Glad I stopped. I was told the crust only is totally GF AND it is prepared in the same area as all other pizzas. I was told they use corn meal to keep the crusts from sticking to the counter, but they do not clean the counters between pizzas preparations. Also, they use the same wire racks to cook the pizzas - no washing done - they just run the racks through the ovens & consider that "cleaning" them. The lady I spoke with was very nice & I told her I appreciated her honesty - but I was definitely disappointed. At least I had the opportunity to educate another person about gluten-free preparation.
There is an Imo's Pizza in Troy, MO that carries GF pizza. I have eaten theirs without any problems. I had the chance to speak with them as well, before I ever ordered a pizza. I chose to wait until they received the "special boxes" they had ordered for cooking the pizzas so they would not touch the same baking surface as regular pizzas. Kudos to them for going the extra mile. Too bad I don't LIVE in Troy! My dad treats me when I visit :-)
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:48 AM
I think it's a GREAT first step. I know from the perspective of the other commenters, you can be a little snobby about it because, well, you have to be. That's me too. But from their perspective, it's a big deal, they're trying. They would have to open up an exclusive gluten free Dominos store in order to be gluten free. Would you go there enough to give them enough business to keep their doors open? Thanks Dominos, keep trying, you're blazing a trail. Maybe Dominos could get a frozen pizza of theirs out at the stores, that could be a great option.
Posted on May 13, 2012 at 7:06 PM
Lets face it - gluten free for someone with celiac means something totally different than for someone who is eating gluten free by choice or because of a current diet plan. You can't blame Domino's for for trying - and I appreciate the disclaimer. It lets me know that they are aware of the situation - and are trying to please the market while protecting those who are truly sensitive to gluten. Lets hope this is a first step - and that if the demand is high enough - other measures can be put in place to create a certified gluten free pizza. We have a small mom-and-pop diner in town that actually put in a gluten free prep area and dedicated oven for their gluten free pizzas - so I know its possible.
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 8:13 AM
My daughter has celiac, and accidently consuming even just a small amount can make her sick for days. So she was very frustrated when we found out that Domino's new gluten-free pizza is not appropriate for people with celiac. But I went to our local Domino's and saw the new crust. It is actually not raw dough. It comes already rolled out, partially cooked, and then frozen. So I asked them to put a crust in the box, then add the toppings. We took it home and baked it at 425 for about 13 minutes. My daughter ate it and has not had any problems. And she said it was really good!! So excited that there was a way to make this work. The small inconvenience of cooking it at home rather than getting it already cooked was worth it! Go to your local store and you will probably find them very willing to work with you. However, you might have to explain any precautions to take, like not setting the crust on the counter, wearing fresh gloves, etc. Hope this helps!
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:55 AM
I tried their new GF pizza last week & it was delicious. It hit the spot for that 'real' pizza craving! I also did exactly what Joyce (who commented just above) did. Asked for them to simply put it in the box w/toppings & I took it home and baked it myself. I did also stress to the employee's that it was important that they kept it free from cross contamination and away from the other glutenous products- they promised they would & were very willing to help.
Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:17 AM
I don't see how they could possibly eliminate cross contamination with minimum wage workers. Sorry Domino's but I don't wan't to get sick.
Eliminating cross contamination would require separate ovens, work zones and clean gloves every time.
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 11:27 AM
I think a lot of this comes down to education in the individual shops. If they're mindful of being careful then you're less likely to get cross-contamination. I've actually had this pizza twice now - the first time with no problems, the second time I had a mild reaction. I'm guessing the staff was different that night. Not something I'll do often since it's a toss up whether I'll get cross-contamination or not, but it was fun to give it a try.
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:04 PM