Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza launched two new pizza crusts and four “lifestyle” pies to meet the dietary demands of today’s consumers. The keto crust closely resembles Blaze’s original pizza crust but contains just 6 grams of net carbs, while the cauliflower crust is vegetable-based; both are gluten-free. The four pies—Keto, Protein, Vegan and Vegetarian—make up the new Life Mode line and are available only through Blaze Pizza’s app and online.
Blaze’s goal in developing a keto crust was to make pizza an option for the increasing number of consumers following low-carb and ketogenic diets. But the challenge was to achieve the key desirable attributes in a crust while minimizing the less desired characteristics when carbohydrates are reduced, said Brad Kent, executive chef for the chain. “Key attributes include a light crisp texture with some chew that holds up to the toppings. Plus, it has to still be good to eat when the pizza cools off,” he told Restaurant Business.
The Keto Pizza follows the low-carb trend with a topping of spicy red sauce, mozzarella, bacon, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach, but the Vegan is plant-based, featuring vegan cheese and vegan chorizo, along with assorted vegetables. The Vegetarian is also plant-forward, with its cauliflower crust and veggie toppings, but it also includes mozzarella and ricotta, while the Protein is geared to meat eaters: It’s topped with meatballs, ham, grilled chicken and cheese.
The Life Mode pizzas were so named because they feature specific builds to fit a variety of lifestyles, said Kim Freer, Blaze Pizza’s marketing director. Similar tie-ins are behind Chipotle Mexican Grill’s Lifestyle Bowls and Mooyah’s Lifestyle Burgers. Marketing diet-friendly menu items as lifestyle choices seems to be a growing trend.
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