Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-deep-dish-pizza-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Pizza Vegetarian? (Rennet & Hidden Toppings)

Pizza looks like a safe default, but the cheese and the toppings decide it. Even a plain cheese
pizza can be non-vegetarian, because the cheese may use animal rennet. Here is how to check.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Pizza can be vegetarian, but not always: the cheese may be made with animal rennet.
> - Parmesan is always animal-rennet; mozzarella varies by brand.
> - Pepperoni, sausage, ham and anchovies are the meat toppings to skip.
> - For vegan, choose plant-based cheese or a marinara pie.

**TL;DR: Pizza can be vegetarian, but not always**: the cheese is often made with animal rennet,
and classic toppings include pepperoni, sausage and ham. A plain cheese or vegetable pizza is
vegetarian; vegan pizza needs plant cheese.

## The two things to check

1. **The cheese**: mozzarella can be rennet-based (animal) or microbial. Parmesan/Parmigiano is
   **always** animal-rennet. "Cheese pizza" is therefore usually *vegetarian but not vegan*.
2. **The toppings**: pepperoni, sausage, ham, anchovies and bacon are not vegetarian.

The dough and tomato sauce are usually vegan.

## How to order vegetarian or vegan

- **Vegetarian:** vegetable or plain cheese pizza: ask if the cheese is microbial-rennet if that matters to you.
- **Vegan:** plant-based cheese (or no cheese) + vegetable toppings.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Cheese or vegetable pizza (skip the meat toppings).
- **Vegan?** Plant cheese + veggies, or a marinara-style pie.

See our [Deep Dish Pizza dish guide](/food/united-states/country-united-states-deep-dish-pizza/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*