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Is Little Caesar's Gluten Free?

Little Caesars is a popular pizza chain that has been around since 1959. The chain is known for its affordable prices and "hot and ready" pizzas that are ready to go when customers arrive. However, for those who have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding a pizza chain that offers gluten-free options can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore whether Little Caesars offers gluten-free options and what those options are.

[[[ NOTE this site usually shares info and recipes that are both gluten and dairy free. However, we have part of our audience who can have one or the other, so occasionally, you'll see posts that only focus on one allergen. Clearly this post is about gluten free and gluten discussion. We have NOT discussed if Little Caesars is dairy free- but the answer is NO, Little Caesar's is not dairy free. You may find other posts similar to this where we focus on one allergen over the other as this is helpful to some of our audience. Thank you for your understanding and know that we are just trying to help the allergen community as a whole in as many ways as possible.]]]

While Little Caesars has not traditionally offered gluten-free options, they recently introduced a gluten-free pizza option in 2022.

However, it is important to note that the chain has stated that their gluten-free pizza is not suitable for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

This is because the pizza is prepared in the same area as their traditional pizzas, which means there is a risk of cross-contamination.

Despite this limitation, the introduction of a gluten-free option is a step in the right direction for those who are looking for more options when it comes to dining out with gluten sensitivities.

It is also important to note that not all Little Caesar's locations will offer a gluten free crust option (in fact, it's not offered anywhere near our location at all).

Question marks with the question is Little Caesar's Gluten Free.

Is Little Caesars Gluten Free?

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is what gives bread its elasticity and chewiness. However, for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, consuming gluten can lead to various health problems.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed.

This can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and various health problems.

Gluten free flour with the words gluten free carved in it.

Little Caesars Menu Items

Unfortunately, Little Caesars does not offer any gluten-free pizzas or pizza crust options at all locations. They have the few test locations, but as mentioned earlier, they said they are not safe for celiac or gluten-sensitive customers. They also have a high risk of cross contamination, making them not a safe place to order from.

However, they do offer a few menu items that do not contain wheat.

It's important to note that these items may still come in contact with gluten during preparation, so they are not suitable for people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

Here are some of the Little Caesars menu items that do not contain wheat:

  • Caesar Wings (Oven Roasted, Buffalo, BBQ, Garlic Parmesan)
  • Crazy Bread
  • Crazy Sauce
  • Italian Cheese Bread
  • Italian Cheese Bread with Pepperoni
  • Zesty Cheese Bread

It's important to note that Little Caesars does not claim that any of their food is gluten-free, and they do not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.

Therefore, cross-contamination may occur, and people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should avoid eating at Little Caesars.

In conclusion, Little Caesars does not consistently offer any gluten-free pizza options, and their menu items that do not contain wheat are not suitable for people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance due to the risk of cross-contamination.

A green gluten free stamp on paper with the stamper on its side.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

Cross Contamination Risks

When it comes to Little Caesars and gluten-free options, cross-contamination is a major concern. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing food or surfaces.

This can happen during preparation, cooking, or serving. As a result, even if a menu item is labeled as gluten-free, it may not be safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Little Caesars does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen or equipment, which increases the risk of cross-contamination.

According to several sources, including Celiac.com and Rachael Roehmholdt, a certified gluten-free coach, the risk of cross-contamination with gluten is high in a Little Caesars restaurant.

This is because they do not make any statements about any of their food or ingredients being gluten-free, and they don't have strict precautions and rules in place to prevent cross-contamination.

Prevention Measures

Unfortunatley, Little Caesar's says that they do not follow any cross contamination prevention measures so this is NOT a safe place to get food that may even be gluten free if you have celiac or are severely sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Little Caesars Nutritional Information

Little Caesars offers a variety of menu items, including pizza, sides, desserts, and drinks. It is important to note that their nutritional information may vary based on the location and specific ingredients used.

For example, their ExtraMostBestest pizzas are touted as the chain's best value, with either pepperoni, cheese, or sausage toppings. One slice (⅛ of a pizza) contains approximately 280-320 calories, 12-15 grams of fat, and 11-13 grams of protein.

Their sides, such as Crazy Bread and Italian Cheese Bread, range from 150-190 calories per serving. Meanwhile, their desserts, such as the Cinnamon Loaded Crazy Bites, contain about 310 calories per serving. They also offer a variety of drinks, including Pepsi and Mountain Dew.

A big pepperoni pizza with a slice being removed.

Little Caesars Caesar Wings

If you're looking for a tasty side dish to go with your pizza (from somewhere else or homemade), Little Caesars' Caesar Wings might be just what you need. These wings come in a variety of flavors, and there are even some gluten-free options available. (Just remember the cross contamination risk)

Caesar Wing Flavors

Little Caesars offers four different flavors of Caesar Wings: Oven Roasted, Buffalo wings, BBQ wings, and Garlic Parmesan wings.

The Oven Roasted flavor is a classic, with a simple seasoning that lets the flavor of the chicken shine through.

The Buffalo flavor is a bit spicier, with a tangy sauce that packs a punch. The BBQ flavor is sweet and smoky, while the Garlic Parmesan flavor is rich and savory.

Gluten-Free Caesar Wings

According to Little Caesars' website, all of the Caesar Wing (chicken wings) flavors are gluten-free, as long as you don't order them with the Caesar Dips.

It's important to note that while the Caesar Wings themselves are gluten-free, they may come into contact with gluten during preparation. Little Caesars does not have a separate kitchen or cooking area for gluten-free items, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.

If you have a severe gluten allergy or sensitivity, it's best to avoid the Caesar Wings altogether. But if you're just looking to cut back on gluten or try something new, the gluten-free Caesar Wings are a great option.

Overall, Little Caesars' Caesar Wings are a tasty and convenient side dish that can add some variety to your order. With four different flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone. And if you're looking for gluten-free options, the Caesar Wings are a good choice, as long as you're aware of the potential for cross-contamination.

Little Caesars History

Founding of Little Caesars

Little Caesars is an American multinational pizza chain that was founded in 1959 by Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian Bayoff in Garden City, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The first Little Caesars store was a small, single-unit storefront that offered pizza for pickup only.

Mike Ilitch was a former baseball player who had a passion for pizza. He and his wife Marian Bayoff, who was also an entrepreneur, started the business with the goal of providing affordable, high-quality pizza to their customers.

Expansion and Growth

In the years following its founding, Little Caesars grew rapidly, expanding across the United States and eventually becoming a global brand. Today, Little Caesars has over 5,000 stores in the United States and around the world.

One of the keys to Little Caesars' success has been its innovative approach to pizza-making. In 1985, the company introduced the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, which travels around the country providing free, hot pizza to the hungry and homeless, as well as disaster survivors.

In 1988, Little Caesars added a square deep dish pizza, called Pan!Pan!, to its menu. As part of the two-for-one deal, customers can get two Pan!Pan! pizzas or Mix or Match® with a round pizza.

Despite its growth, Little Caesars has remained committed to its roots as a family-owned business. Today, the company is still run by the Ilitch family, and its focus on quality, affordability, and customer service remains as strong as ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients in Little Caesars gluten free crust?

Little Caesars does not offer a gluten-free crust option. Unfortunately, they do not have any gluten-free pizza crust options on their menu at more than just the test locations.

Does Pizza Hut have gluten free pizza?

Yes, Pizza Hut offers gluten-free pizza options. They use Udi's certified gluten-free crust and offer a variety of toppings to choose from. However, it is important to note that cross-contamination can occur during the preparation process, so those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should exercise caution.

What are the ingredients in Little Caesars pizza crust?

Little Caesars' pizza crust contains wheat flour, water, sugar, yeast, and vegetable oil. Therefore, it is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Is Little Caesars crazy bread gluten free?

No, Little Caesars' crazy bread is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour and is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

So, if I can't have a pizza from Little Caesar's because of gluten, what regular crust should I use? 

We like the thin crust pizza you can make using King Arthur's pizza crust mix. Alternatively, if you want a thicker crust, we use the Bob's Red Mill Pizza Crust mix to make a variety of pizzas and enjoy a nice thick crust on our homemade own pizza with all your favorite gluten-free toppings! 

It's so easy to enjoy your favorite homemade pizza with your fave pizza toppings while eating a gluten-free diet when you make your own food and not rely on fast food. Sure it's more convenient, but in the end it's not worth risking cross contamination over.

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