Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, but your crust choice matters now more than ever. As demand grows for better-for-you options, whole grain, whole wheat, and multigrain crusts are attracting more interest from health-conscious customers. Here’s what you need to know about each type, plus how to use them to build interest and boost foot traffic.
Reasons to Try Whole Grain, Whole Wheat, and Multigrain Pizza Crust on Your Menu
Dough Styles That are Seen as “Healthy” Continue to Generate Demand
70% of Americans consider whole grains beneficial to health and 73% think they should eat more whole grains. Those perceptions are driving behavior, too, as more than a quarter of Americans seek out whole grain claims like “100 whole grain” (29%) and “made with whole grains” (26%).
These Styles Bust the Myth that Pizza Isn’t Good for You
People love pizza. That’s just a fact. But pizza is often seen as a comfort meal, a convenience item, or something you can only enjoy on a cheat day. But with the right ingredients, pizza crust is pretty much the ideal vehicle for nutrient-rich ingredients like chicken, leafy greens, bell peppers, and tomatoes. And when you pair these toppings with a grainy crust, health-focused customers will be lining up for more.
What is whole grain pizza dough?
Pizza dough made with whole grain means that the grain is present in the same form it started with. It’s complete (AKA whole) with its original parts: the bran, endosperm, and germ. These three parts contain all kinds of stuff the human body benefits from, like antioxidants, B vitamins, fiber, protein, minerals, and healthy fats.
What is whole wheat pizza dough?
Whole wheat products (like pizza dough) are made with just one type of whole grain. Like whole grain, it means the entire grain is present in the finished product. The difference is that “whole grain” can refer to many grains (like barley, rye, brown rice, or oats), while whole wheat refers specifically to wheat.
In other words, whole grain is the umbrella term, and whole wheat is one specific type under it. It’s like pizza compared to Neapolitan-style pizza.
What is multigrain pizza dough?
Multigrain refers to a product made with more than one type of grain. While that sometimes overlaps with whole grain, the two aren’t always the same. Some multigrain products use whole grains, but others are made with refined grains, which are grains that have been processed to improve texture but strip away much of their fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the process. In short, multigrain can include whole grains, but it doesn’t guarantee them. It varies from product to product.
The consumer perception of multigrain dough is positive, and it can be a “healthy” choice, but experts suggest not assuming multigrain = good for you. Nutrition pros invite consumers to read labels to be sure that what they’re eating matches their preferences. At AK Pizza Crust, we provide detailed ingredient lists for all our products so you can answer your customers’ questions. Tip: If the word “whole” appears before the grain type and the grains are among the first ingredients listed, the crust contains whole grain.
Are these types of pizza crust actually better for you?
We’re not doctors, so we’re not going to answer “yes” definitively. However, there is plenty of research that supports the idea that grain-rich foods are good for you. Consider the following:
- Grain foods are important sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) 2020–2025 have recommended making half of dietary grains whole grains
- Whole wheat provides dietary fiber that supports digestion, helps manage cholesterol, and makes you feel fuller longer
We also believe that all pizza is beautiful, and that whole grain, whole wheat, and multigrain aren’t the only ways to enjoy food that nourishes your body. Enriched flour, even if it’s not whole grain, can contribute to a wholesome diet.
- The beneficial health effects of grain foods are not limited to whole grains, as foods made with enriched flour contain vitamins B1, B2, and B3, along with folic acid
How do whole grain and multigrain pizza crusts taste?
We might not be able to make absolute claims about health, but we can talk about flavor. Whole grain (including whole wheat) and multigrain crusts each bring distinct flavors, textures, and chew compared to traditional white flour dough.
Whole Grain Crust Flavor and Texture
- Nutty, earthy taste
- Denser than white flour crust
- Doughy, chewy bite
Multigrain Crust Flavor and Texture
- Nutty, earthy taste
- Chewy and occasionally crunchy
- Slightly more texture from varied grains
How do these “alternative” doughs perform?
Whole Grain/Whole Wheat Crust Performance Attributes
- Hold up well under heavy or moisture-laden toppings
- Crusts can lack moisture if not prepared properly
- Darker appearance with visible grains provides a wholesome look
- Ideal for middle-thickness pizzas
- Great for school and institutional settings with nutritional requirements
Multigrain Crust Performance Attributes
- Aren’t usually super crispy
- Well-suited to extra ingredients like butter, honey, or malt
- Can lack moisture if not prepared properly
- Creamy or pale-yellow appearance with visible grains
- Ideal for middle-thickness pizzas
- Great for foodservice settings in single-slice formats
Marketable Words and Phrases to Excite Your Customers
When putting grainy crusts on your menu or website, or educating staff so they can sell pizza to customers, wording can do a lot of legwork. Try:
- Packed with wholesome grains
- Made with whole grains you can see and taste
- Crafted with hearty, honest ingredients
- Real ingredients, big flavor
- Feel-good ingredients, full-on flavor
- Wholesome by nature, delicious by design
- Essential nutrients to power your mind and body
- As good for you as it is tasty
- The taste you love with the nutrients you need
- A smarter slice
Partner with AK Pizza Crust for Customized Pizza Products
At AK Pizza Crust, there’s no limit to what we can create together. We offer whole grain and multigrain dough balls as well as custom crusts that empower you to create recipes that are uniquely yours. We always prioritize your goals, too, whether you’re solving for specific nutritional guidelines, streamlining operations, or improving consistency across shifts and locations (or all the above).
Still hungry for knowledge? Explore our guide to pizza crust types, like thick, thin, Brooklyn, Detroit, boardwalk, and more.
