For those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those who choose to avoid gluten for other health reasons, finding delicious pizza options can be challenging. At Freshslice Pizza, we're proud to offer gluten-free crusts that don't compromise on taste or texture. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about our gluten-free options.
Understanding Gluten and Why It Matters
Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, consuming gluten poses no health issues. However, for those with celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder), even small amounts of gluten can trigger serious health problems. Others may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms without the intestinal damage associated with celiac disease.
According to the Canadian Celiac Association, approximately 1 in 133 Canadians are affected by celiac disease, with many more experiencing some form of gluten sensitivity. This significant portion of the population often finds themselves excluded from enjoying one of Canada's favorite foods: pizza.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi that promote nutrient absorption.
Our Gluten-Free Crust: What Makes It Special
Developing a gluten-free pizza crust that matches the taste and texture of traditional pizza crust was no small feat. After extensive testing and refinement, we're proud of what we've accomplished with our gluten-free option.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Our gluten-free crust is made with a carefully selected blend of:
- Rice flour
- Tapioca starch
- Potato starch
- Psyllium husk (for binding and fiber)
- Olive oil
- Yeast
- Honey
- Salt
This combination creates a crust that's crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and capable of holding up to all your favorite toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart.
"After trying countless gluten-free pizzas that tasted like cardboard, Freshslice's gluten-free option was a revelation. For the first time in years, I can enjoy pizza with my family without feeling like I'm missing out." — Maria T., Freshslice customer living with celiac disease
Our Preparation Process: Preventing Cross-Contamination
For those with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can cause health issues. We take several important steps to minimize this risk:
Dedicated Preparation Area
Our gluten-free crusts are prepared in a separate area of our kitchen to prevent flour contamination.
Specialized Tools
We use dedicated tools and utensils that are only used for gluten-free pizza preparation.
Staff Training
Our staff undergoes specific training on the importance of preventing cross-contamination and the proper procedures for preparing gluten-free orders.
Clean Baking Surface
Gluten-free pizzas are baked on a clean, dedicated pizza stone or on aluminum foil to prevent contact with surfaces that have touched regular crusts.
Careful Topping Selection
We ensure that all toppings used on gluten-free pizzas are stored and handled to prevent cross-contamination.
Important Note for Those with Celiac Disease
While we take extensive precautions to prevent cross-contamination, our kitchens do process regular wheat flour. For those with severe celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity, there is always a small risk of cross-contamination. Please speak with our staff about your specific needs when ordering.
Nutritional Benefits of Our Gluten-Free Crust
Beyond being safe for those avoiding gluten, our gluten-free crust offers several nutritional advantages:
- Lower in Calories: Our gluten-free crust has approximately 15% fewer calories than our regular crust.
- Higher in Fiber: The addition of psyllium husk provides beneficial dietary fiber.
- Lower Glycemic Index: This means it causes a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to traditional wheat crusts.
- Naturally Dairy-Free: Our base gluten-free crust recipe is also dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance (just be sure to choose dairy-free toppings).
Perfect Pairings: Topping Recommendations
While our gluten-free crust works wonderfully with any of our toppings, here are some combinations that particularly complement its unique flavor profile:
Mediterranean Delight
Olive oil base, feta cheese, kalamata olives, spinach, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Classic Pepperoni Perfection
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and premium pepperoni – sometimes simplicity is best!
BBQ Chicken
BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a sweet and savory experience.
Ready to Try Our Gluten-Free Pizza?
You can select the gluten-free crust option when ordering any of our signature pizzas or when building your own custom creation.
Order Gluten-Free Pizza NowFAQs About Our Gluten-Free Pizza
Is there an additional charge for gluten-free crust?
Yes, there is a small additional charge of $3.00 for our gluten-free crust due to the higher cost of ingredients and specialized preparation.
What size is the gluten-free pizza?
Our gluten-free pizzas come in a 10-inch size, which serves 1-2 people.
Can I order gluten-free pizza for delivery?
Absolutely! Gluten-free options are available for both pickup and delivery orders.
Are all your toppings gluten-free?
Most of our toppings are naturally gluten-free, but some specialty items like meatballs may contain gluten. Our staff can provide specific information about topping ingredients upon request.
Is your gluten-free crust vegan?
Our gluten-free crust contains honey, so it is not vegan. However, it is vegetarian and dairy-free.
