Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Daiya, but all opinions are completely my own.
Since I’m a dietitian, do I eat pizza? Heck ya! But, if I’m going to eat pizza, it’s got to be delicious! I work with special dietary needs folks, including food allergies and vegans, every single day at my job. I totally get their frustration when it comes to eating out at restaurants. I understand the challenges from the restaurant side, as well as the customer side, so when there’s an establishment that goes above and beyond to incorporate special dietary needs into their brand and culture, it warms my heart!
I had the opportunity to dine at Blaze Pizza in Pasadena, California recently to eat some amazing thin crust pizza that I was able to design myself. Blaze makes their dough from scratch, which was formulated by Chef Brad Kent, one of the top Zagat-rated pizza chefs in America. I talked with Brad for a while and was super impressed that not only is he an accomplished chef, but he also has a food science background and is passionate about creating a product that is free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
Blaze also has a great online allergen tool called the special diets wizard that lists nutritional info and ingredients. Just remember that restaurants don’t exist in antiseptic bubbles. If you have a serious special dietary needs, ALWAYS ask to speak to the Chef on duty.
I kept my pie BYO (Build your own) so that I got to be in control! You can choose your own ingredients, including tons of fresh veggies, to put on top of the perfectly cooked thin crust. They also have a higher rise or gluten free version. On top of the antioxidant rich tomato sauce, I added mushrooms, artichokes, spinach, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, basil, olives, balsamic drizzle and VEGAN cheese. Wait, huh? This cheesy lover intentionally ordered vegan cheese? Yep, and it was fantastic!
Blaze Pizza is now offering Daiya’s new Cutting Board Collection Shreds. These shreds are new and improved, with a well-rounded, cheesy flavor. Not only did it taste great, but it looked and melted like real cheese. I was seriously blown away. Honestly, if I had given that pizza to my carnivorous husband, I don’t think he would have known it was vegan!
The Cutting Board Collection Shreds are free of dairy, gluten, nut and soy, are 100% plant-based and made with non-GMO ingredients. They are perfect for those who follow a plant based diet, but are also a great choice for those with food allergies. Check out the shreds here .
Fun fact: the levels of potassium and phosphorous are low enough in Cutting Board Shreds so that renal patients can eat it and enjoy!
I learned that I and all of my colleagues have been pronouncing the name of the Daiya company wrong for years now. It’s Day-a, not Deye-a ! Duh!
Blaze has 237 restaurants nationwide and all are adding the Daiya shreds at no additional charge! From someone who currently works in the restaurant world, I can tell you that it’s not often that a restaurant won’t upcharge for a premium product! If you don’t have a location near you, a tasty pizza can be made at home! Just use a flour tortilla, GF tortilla, english muffin or pita round cut in half. Top with sauce, Daiya Cutting Board Collection Shreds and toppings. Buon Appetito!
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That pizza looks delicious. Love the concept of a BYO pizza with allergen-friendly options!
yes, it’s very cool! Thanks Kaleigh!
Any plant based pizza is my ideal pizza! Pinned and tweeted:)
Thanks Monika! I think you’ll really like their pizza!
I really love BLAZE! It’s delicious every time I eat it and just adore all of those veggies they let me pile on. Fun to meet the guy behind it in this post!
Chef was great to talk to and is very pro dietitian which makes me like him even more! 🙂
Ok that pizza looks awesome! I’ve never liked the non-dairy cheese (real cheese all the way for me) but maybe I need to try it again on this type of pizza since you the cheese lover said it was great 🙂 Looks like there are a few Blaze locations in downtown Philly that I’ll have to check out!
Me too Deanna! I’ve never liked non dairy cheese until I tried these new Cutting Board Shreds!
We got a Blaze pizza about 2 years ago in Jacksonville,FL. Love them!
It’s a really fun place and love that we get to choose whatever toppings we want!
Love Blaze Pizza! So glad they have non-dairy options!
It’s really great that they’re making an effort to accommodate so many dietary needs and preferences!
How fun! This is such a brilliant concept for pizza night!
daiya did a great job on this new cheese! I really want to test it out on my husband to see if he notices that it’s not dairy cheese!
Awesome review girl! Definitely need to get myself to Blaze pizza!
Thanks so much Abbey! Yes, I think you’ll love it!
Looks so delish! Will have to try!
Thanks Amy! You should definitely give it a try!
I havd GOT to find a Blaze so I can try this… it looks SOOOO delicious! That’s an adorable photo of you too Lindsey! 😉
Thanks Catherine! Kind of random, but I just heard it last night…..LeBron James is an investor in Blaze Pizza!