How to Order Pizza Safely with Pancreatitis

Pizza is one of the most challenging foods for people managing pancreatitis, but with careful ordering strategies, you can occasionally enjoy a modified version without triggering a flare-up.

Understanding the Problem

Traditional pizza poses multiple risks:

• High Fat Content: Cheese alone can contain 5-8g of fat per slice
• Processed Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, and bacon add saturated fats and sodium
• Greasy Crust: Some pizza styles are cooked in oil or butter
• Large Portions: Restaurant servings encourage overeating

A typical pepperoni pizza slice can contain 12-15g of fat—far exceeding the 3-5g per meal recommendation for pancreatitis management.

Safe Ordering Strategies

1. Choose Thin Crust

Thin crust pizza has less dough and typically absorbs less oil during cooking. Avoid:

• Deep dish or pan pizza
• Stuffed crust
• Garlic butter crust

2. Order "Light Cheese" or "Half Cheese"

Most pizzerias will accommodate this request. Reducing cheese by half can cut fat content by 40-50%.

3. Skip the Meat

All processed pizza meats are high in fat. Instead, request:

• Grilled chicken breast (ask for no oil)
• Fresh vegetables (mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes)
• Pineapple (yes, really!)
• Spinach or arugula

4. Blot the Grease

Use a paper towel or napkin to blot excess oil from the pizza surface. This simple technique can remove 2-4g of fat per slice.

5. Limit Your Portion

Stick to 1-2 slices maximum, and pair with a large side salad (fat-free dressing) to fill you up with low-risk foods.

Better Alternatives

Make Your Own

The safest option is homemade pizza where you control every ingredient:

• Whole wheat thin crust
• Minimal low-fat mozzarella (or fat-free cheese)
• Tomato sauce (check for added oil)
• Grilled vegetables
• Bake at high heat for a crispy crust without oil

Restaurant Chains That Accommodate

Some chains are more flexible with modifications:

• Blaze Pizza: Build-your-own with portion control
• Mod Pizza: Light cheese option clearly available
• Domino's: "Light cheese" can be requested online

Cauliflower Crust Option

Many restaurants now offer cauliflower crust, which is generally lower in fat. However, always ask about added cheese or oils in the crust—some brands are still high-fat.

Red Flags to Avoid

Never order these high-risk options:

• Meat lovers or supreme pizzas
• White sauce or Alfredo base (extremely high fat)
• Extra cheese
• Fried appetizers alongside pizza
• Breadsticks with butter or cheese

Post-Pizza Monitoring

After eating pizza, even a modified version:

• Monitor for symptoms (pain, nausea, bloating)
• Avoid eating anything else high-fat for 24-48 hours
• Stay hydrated
• Keep a food journal to track your tolerance

The Bottom Line

While pizza should be an occasional treat rather than a regular meal for those with pancreatitis, smart ordering can reduce risk significantly. When in doubt, homemade is always safer—check out our low-fat flatbread recipe as a pizza alternative.

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Pizza Order Checklist:

• ✅ Thin crust
• ✅ Light cheese
• ✅ Vegetable toppings
• ✅ Grilled chicken (oil-free)
• ✅ Blot excess grease
• ✅ 1-2 slice limit

Avoid:

• ❌ Deep dish
• ❌ Extra cheese
• ❌ Processed meats
• ❌ White/Alfredo sauce
• ❌ Eating more than 2 slices