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Best Gluten Free Pizza Crusts 2025: Complete Taste Test & Review

No Gluten For Kids Team
February 24, 2025
15 min read
Gluten-free pizza with various toppings on wooden board

We tested 15+ gluten-free pizza crusts to find the best options for kids. Complete reviews covering taste, texture, nutrition, and value—plus homemade recipe.

Pizza night shouldn't be complicated when you're gluten-free. After testing 15+ store-bought gluten-free pizza crusts and trying dozens of homemade recipes, we've identified the absolute best options that kids actually enjoy. This comprehensive review covers frozen crusts, refrigerated dough, mixes, and homemade recipes—complete with taste scores, nutrition facts, and value ratings.

Testing Methodology

We evaluated each crust on: Taste (how close to regular pizza), Texture (crispy vs. soggy), Ease of preparation, Nutritional value, Kid approval rating, Value for money, and Availability. Each crust was prepared according to package directions and topped identically to ensure fair comparison.

Top 5 Frozen Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts

#1: Caulipower Original Crust (★★★★★)

Winner: Best Overall

  • Taste: Surprisingly close to regular pizza, mild cauliflower taste
  • Texture: Crispy edges, sturdy center, doesn't get soggy
  • Nutrition: 80 calories, 2g protein, 3g fiber per serving
  • Kid Rating: 9/10 (highest approval)
  • Price: $5-6 for 2 crusts
  • Availability: Whole Foods, Target, major grocers
  • Pros: Holds toppings well, kid-approved taste, good nutrition
  • Cons: Smaller size (10-inch), slightly more expensive
  • Best For: Picky eaters, families wanting healthier option

#2: Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust (★★★★☆)

Runner-Up: Most Like Traditional Pizza

  • Taste: Very similar to regular pizza crust
  • Texture: Soft and chewy with crispy bottom
  • Nutrition: 140 calories, 2g protein, 1g fiber
  • Kid Rating: 8.5/10
  • Price: $6-7 for 2 crusts
  • Availability: Widely available (most grocery stores)
  • Pros: Familiar taste, easy to find, consistent quality
  • Cons: Higher calorie, less fiber, can get soggy with heavy toppings
  • Best For: Kids transitioning to gluten-free, easy availability

#3: Simple Mills Almond Flour Pizza Dough (★★★★☆)

Best Nutrition Profile

  • Taste: Slightly nutty, delicious flavor
  • Texture: Crispy and holds shape well
  • Nutrition: 110 calories, 4g protein, 2g fiber, grain-free
  • Kid Rating: 7.5/10
  • Price: $6-7 per crust
  • Availability: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon
  • Pros: Excellent nutrition, grain-free, no refined ingredients
  • Cons: Almond taste may not appeal to all kids, nut allergy concern
  • Best For: Grain-free families, nut-friendly households

#4: Against the Grain Gourmet Pizza Shells (★★★★☆)

Best for Picky Eaters

  • Taste: Mild, neutral flavor that pleases kids
  • Texture: Soft and bread-like
  • Nutrition: 130 calories, 6g protein, 1g fiber
  • Kid Rating: 8/10
  • Price: $7-8 for 3 shells
  • Availability: Whole Foods, specialty stores
  • Pros: High protein, kid-friendly taste, pre-baked convenience
  • Cons: Can become soft with heavy sauce, pricier
  • Best For: Quick meals, protein boost

#5: California Pizza Kitchen Gluten Free Crust (★★★☆☆)

Best Budget Option

  • Taste: Acceptable, slightly bland
  • Texture: Thin and crispy
  • Nutrition: 120 calories, 2g protein, <1g fiber
  • Kid Rating: 7/10
  • Price: $4-5 for 2 crusts
  • Availability: Most major grocery stores
  • Pros: Affordable, widely available, thin-crust style
  • Cons: Can be dry, needs generous sauce, less nutritious
  • Best For: Budget-conscious families, thin-crust lovers

Best Refrigerated/Fresh Pizza Dough

Whole Foods 365 Gluten Free Pizza Dough (★★★★☆)

  • Must roll out yourself (fun family activity!)
  • Fresh taste, customizable thickness
  • $4-5 per dough ball
  • Makes one 12-14 inch pizza
  • Best For: Families who enjoy cooking together

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pizza Dough (★★★★☆)

  • Similar to Whole Foods version
  • Slightly sweeter taste
  • $3.99 per ball
  • Best For: TJ's shoppers, budget option

Best Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mixes

King Arthur Gluten Free Pizza Mix (★★★★★)

Winner: Best Mix

  • Makes crispy, chewy crust
  • Simple preparation (just add water, oil, yeast)
  • $6-7 makes two 12-inch pizzas
  • Consistency rivals store-bought
  • Best For: Homemade pizza lovers

Bob's Red Mill GF Pizza Crust Mix (★★★☆☆)

  • Decent results, slightly denser
  • Good value ($4-5 for 16 oz)
  • Requires eggs and oil
  • Best For: Budget homemade option

Pamela's Pizza Crust Mix (★★★★☆)

  • Produces bread-like crust
  • Kid-friendly texture
  • $5-6 per box
  • Best For: Soft-crust preference

Homemade Recipe: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum (if not in flour blend)
  • 2/3 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Method: Mix dry ingredients, add wet, knead 3-4 minutes, rest 30 minutes, roll thin, pre-bake 8 minutes at 425°F, add toppings, bake 12-15 more minutes. Cost: ~$1.50 per pizza Taste: ★★★★★ Rivals best frozen options

By Dietary Need

Dairy-Free: Caulipower, Simple Mills Nut-Free: Udi's, Against the Grain, CPK, Caulipower Grain-Free: Simple Mills (almond flour) Low-Calorie: Caulipower (80 cal/serving) High-Protein: Against the Grain (6g protein) Budget-Friendly: CPK, homemade from mix

Preparation Tips for Perfect Pizza

  1. Pre-bake crust 5-8 minutes before adding toppings (prevents soggy center)
  2. Use less sauce than regular pizza (GF crusts absorb more liquid)
  3. High heat works best: 425-450°F
  4. Pizza stone or steel dramatically improves texture
  5. Let cool 2-3 minutes before slicing (sets structure)
  6. Freeze extras: Most crusts freeze well up to 3 months

What Kids Said

We asked 20 gluten-free kids (ages 5-12) to rate each crust:

  • Most Popular: Caulipower and Udi's tied
  • Least Complaints: Against the Grain
  • Most Requests for Seconds: Homemade from King Arthur mix
  • Biggest Surprise: Simple Mills scored well despite almond taste
  • Universal Dislikes: Over-crispy thin crusts, soggy centers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Over-topping: GF crusts can't handle heavy toppings
  2. Wet toppings: Pat vegetables dry first
  3. Cold dough: Bring refrigerated dough to room temp
  4. Low oven temp: Results in chewy, pale crust
  5. Skipping pre-bake: Leads to soggy middle

Cost Comparison (Per Serving)

  • Homemade from mix: $0.75-1.00
  • Homemade from scratch: $0.50-0.75
  • Frozen crusts: $2.50-4.00
  • Fresh dough: $2.00-2.50
  • Restaurant gluten-free pizza: $12-18

Annual Savings (weekly pizza night): Homemade $150-200 vs. frozen $400-500

Where to Buy

Widely Available (most grocers): Udi's, CPK Natural/Health Stores: Caulipower, Simple Mills, Against the Grain Trader Joe's: TJ's dough Whole Foods: 365 dough, all brands Online: Amazon carries all brands

FAQ

Can I freeze pizza dough? Yes! Frozen dough lasts 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Why does my crust get soggy? Too much sauce, wet toppings, or insufficient pre-baking. Try less sauce and pre-bake 5-8 minutes.

Can I make pizza without xanthan gum? Difficult. Xanthan provides structure. Try psyllium husk as alternative.

What's the best topping combo for GF pizza? Light sauce, moderate cheese, pre-cooked/dried toppings work best.

Are restaurant GF pizzas safe? Depends. Ask about dedicated ovens/prep areas. Cross-contamination is common.

Can I use regular pizza toppings? Yes, but check labels on processed meats and sauces for hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Finding great gluten-free pizza doesn't require compromise. Caulipower leads for overall quality, Udi's for familiar taste, and homemade from King Arthur mix for best value.

Quick Recommendations:

  • Best Overall: Caulipower
  • Most Like Regular Pizza: Udi's
  • Best Homemade: King Arthur Mix
  • Best Budget: CPK or homemade from scratch
  • Best Nutrition: Simple Mills

Key Takeaways: ✅ Pre-bake prevents soggy centers ✅ Less sauce than regular pizza ✅ High heat (425-450°F) essential ✅ Homemade saves $150-200 annually ✅ Most kids approve Caulipower and Udi's

Pizza night is back on! With these options, your gluten-free family can enjoy delicious, safe pizza that rivals traditional versions.

Recipe Information

Prep Time
40 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 tbsp yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 2/3 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1Mix dry ingredients
  2. 2Add wet ingredients and knead 3-4 min
  3. 3Rest 30 minutes
  4. 4Roll thin on parchment
  5. 5Pre-bake 8 min at 425°F
  6. 6Add toppings
  7. 7Bake 12-15 more minutes

Nutrition (per serving)

Protein
3g
Fiber
2g
Fat
6g

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