Is Neapolitan Pizza Vegan?

What is Neapolitan pizza?

The art of making a Neapolitan pizza is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, as well as being a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed food in Europe. It has a dough kneaded by hand and is baked in a wood-fired oven for around 90 seconds, but what else does this very special pizza comprise of? 

What’s on a Neapolitan pizza?

A Neapolitan pizza is simple in theory, but there are a few ingredient specifications that have to be followed for it to truly be considered a pizza Napoletana. The tomatoes must be either San Marzano or Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio, both of which are grown in volcanic soil, south of Mount Vesuvius. 

The protected ingredients don’t stop there. The cheese has to be Mozerella di Bufila campana, a protected cheese form marshland dwelling water-buffalo in areas surrounding Naples.  

Is Neapolitan pizza vegan?

No, traditionally a Neapolitan pizza isn’t suitable for vegans because one of its main ingredients is dairy-based cheese, Mozerella di Bufila campana. However, if you’re thinking of making a pizza inspired by Naples at home, you can use your favourite plant-based mozzarella instead – making it vegan-friendly and delicious.

If this post has made your tummy rumble but you’re in need of a bit more inspiration, check out this post of the 10 best vegan pizza toppings. 

Send more vegan questions our way via the comments section below.