Toronto-based pizza chain Pizza Pizza has launched a new crust to appeal to keto dieters. The “Keto Uncrust” created in collaboration with Unbun Foods, boasts only two grams of net carbs per slice, ideal for a low-carb diet such as keto. Consumers can choose between three menu options featuring the keto-friendly crust, including customized options. The move is the latest in foodservice to provide consumers with grain-free and low-carb options, in addition to continuous NPD, which is inspired by the trending, high-fat diet.

Low-carb diets peaked in 2003-2005 and then saw a decline, but recruited a heavy loyal user base and low-carb dieting is now well established, notes Naomi Cody, SlimFast VP of Marketing. “We expect to see the same thing here. While some consumers will chase the next hot thing, the weight loss results will speak for themselves, and there will likely always be room for the keto diet moving forward,” she explains.

Pizza Pizza reports that the ketogenic diet is one of the fastest-growing movements in Canadian food and lifestyle. According to a recent study, 15 percent of Canadians are currently participating in the diet or have tried it in the past. Another 18 percent of Canadians are likely to try the keto diet in the future, notes the company.

In the US, these numbers are smaller, with only six percent of consumers reporting that they follow a keto diet, according to the 2019 Food and Health Survey.

According to Innova Market Insights over the period of 2016 to 2017, there was a 76 percent global rise in “keto” product launches (from a small base).

Pizza Pizza customers can order any pizza in the new “uncrust” style, including the Protein Lovers which is topped with pepperoni, bacon strips and Italian sausage. “Consumers shouldn’t need to sacrifice their favorite foods even if some are watching their carb intake,” notes Paul Goddard, CEO of Pizza Pizza.

“We partnered with Pizza Pizza to provide uncompromising options for Canadians,” says Gus Klemos, Founder of Unbun Foods. “With the national launch of the Keto Uncrust, we look forward to bringing our keto and grain-free products directly to Canadians through Pizza Pizza nationwide.”

In food retail, manufacturers are spurring NPD to meet keto needs for the everyday consumer. Last year, TIC Gums released two new hydrocolloid solutions that improve texture and mouthful for keto and plant-based, on-the-go beverages, as well as for ice cream.

Sated by Keto and Co became the first nutritionally complete, ketogenic meal-in-a-bottle to hit the market in December last year. In the same month, Pepsico acquired BFY Brands, the makers of the gluten-free, paleo/keto-friendly snacks PopCorners.

In other pizza industry news, Domino’s has released a plant-based range of meat analog pizza toppings in Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Little Caesar’s began its trial of using “Impossible” sausage by Impossible Foods in the spring last year. The moves by the corporate pizza giants demonstrate an increased need to tailor products to the dietary demands of the consumer.