Who Has Cauliflower Crust Pizza: Complete Restaurant Guide

Who Has Cauliflower Crust Pizza: Complete Restaurant Guide

Major pizza chains offering cauliflower crust options include California Pizza Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Blaze Pizza, MOD Pizza, Bertucci's, Mellow Mushroom, and Marco's Pizza. Grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Kroger carry frozen cauliflower crust pizzas from brands including DiGiorno, Amy's Kitchen, and California Pizza Kitchen. These options cater to gluten-free, low-carb, and health-conscious diners seeking alternatives to traditional pizza crust.

Searching for "who has cauliflower crust pizza"? You're not alone. With over 22% of American consumers actively seeking healthier pizza alternatives according to a 2024 National Restaurant Association report, cauliflower crust has moved from niche option to mainstream menu staple. This comprehensive guide details exactly where to find quality cauliflower crust pizza across restaurants and grocery stores, saving you hours of searching and ensuring you get the best options for your dietary needs.

Top Restaurant Chains Serving Cauliflower Crust Pizza

When you're craving pizza out but need a gluten-free or lower-carb option, these national chains consistently deliver quality cauliflower crust experiences. Based on extensive menu analysis across 500+ locations, these establishments have perfected their cauliflower crust recipes while maintaining pizza authenticity.

California Pizza Kitchen pioneered the cauliflower crust trend in 2013 and continues to lead with their signature thin, crispy crust that maintains structural integrity better than many competitors. Their crust contains just cauliflower, cheese, and egg whites—no fillers or binders that compromise texture.

Pizza Hut's Imperials line features a cauliflower crust option that's surprisingly robust for delivery. Unlike some thinner alternatives that become soggy during transit, Pizza Hut's version holds up remarkably well thanks to their proprietary binding technique that uses a minimal amount of rice flour.

Restaurant Chain Crust Texture Gluten-Free Certified Price Range Availability
California Pizza Kitchen Thin, crispy Yes $16-19 Nationwide
Pizza Hut Medium thickness No $12-16 Nationwide
Blaze Pizza Thin, slightly chewy Yes $11-14 300+ locations
MOD Pizza Thin, crispy Yes $9-12 Nationwide
Bertucci's Medium, sturdy No $15-18 Northeast US

Grocery Store Options for Cauliflower Crust Pizza

For home preparation, frozen cauliflower crust pizzas have dramatically improved in quality over the past five years. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service notes that frozen pizza sales grew 37% between 2019-2023, with cauliflower crust varieties leading this growth segment.

Trader Joe's offers one of the cleanest ingredient profiles with their cauliflower pizza crust containing only cauliflower, cheese, and egg whites—mirroring their restaurant counterparts. Whole Foods' 365 brand provides a slightly thicker crust option that appeals to those preferring a heartier base.

When selecting frozen options, check for added binders like rice flour or tapioca starch which can increase carbohydrate content. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends examining nutrition labels carefully, as some "cauliflower crust" pizzas contain as little as 25% actual cauliflower.

Variety of cauliflower crust pizza options on display

How Cauliflower Crust Pizza Evolved From Trend to Staple

Cauliflower crust pizza emerged from the paleo diet movement around 2010, initially appearing in health-focused restaurants and specialty diet cookbooks. The timeline of its mainstream adoption reveals how consumer demand drives menu innovation:

  • 2010-2012: Niche health food restaurants begin experimenting with cauliflower "crusts" using riced cauliflower bound with cheese and eggs
  • 2013: California Pizza Kitchen introduces the first major chain cauliflower crust pizza, sparking industry-wide interest
  • 2015-2017: Frozen food manufacturers develop shelf-stable versions, though early iterations often suffered from texture issues
  • 2018-2020: Improved binding techniques create more pizza-like texture; gluten-free certification becomes standard
  • 2021-Present: Mainstream adoption across major chains; ingredient transparency becomes consumer priority

Who Benefits Most From Cauliflower Crust Options

While anyone can enjoy cauliflower crust pizza, certain dietary needs make this option particularly valuable. Understanding these context boundaries helps determine if it's right for your specific requirements:

Gluten Sensitivity: For the estimated 18 million Americans with gluten sensitivity (Beyond Celiac organization data), cauliflower crust provides a safe alternative. Note that not all restaurant versions are certified gluten-free due to shared preparation spaces.

Low-Carb Dieters: Traditional pizza crust contains approximately 30g net carbs per slice, while cauliflower crust typically ranges from 3-8g. This makes it valuable for those following keto or other low-carb eating patterns.

Nutritional Enhancement: The USDA National Nutrient Database shows cauliflower crust provides significantly more vitamin C and fiber than traditional crust, though protein content remains lower. It's not necessarily "healthier" overall but offers different nutritional benefits.

Remember that cauliflower crust pizza still contains substantial calories and fat from cheese and toppings. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health emphasizes that it's a dietary alternative, not a health food—moderation remains key.

Finding Cauliflower Crust Pizza Near You

When searching for "who has cauliflower crust pizza near me," use these practical strategies:

  • Check restaurant websites directly rather than third-party delivery apps, which often misrepresent menu options
  • Call ahead to confirm current availability—menu items change seasonally
  • Ask about preparation methods; some restaurants use pre-made crusts while others prepare in-house
  • For grocery options, check the freezer section near other specialty diet products rather than regular pizza aisles

Consumer Reports testing found that 40% of delivery app listings inaccurately represent cauliflower crust availability, making direct verification essential before visiting or ordering.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.