Is Zalat Pizza Halal?

Zalat Pizza is a Texas pizza chain with about 30 locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin ^[2]. Its menu includes bold toppings, such as a butter chicken pizza ^[2].

Zalat answers the halal question in its own FAQ. When asked about halal pepperoni, the company says it does not offer halal meats or options at this time ^[1]. That is a clear statement, and it covers every meat on the menu, not only pepperoni.

So even if a topping is made from beef or chicken, it is not halal at Zalat. Halal depends on how the animal was slaughtered and handled, not only on which animal it is. Our pages on pepperoni and beef explain this in more detail.

If you want to eat at Zalat with friends, a meat-free pizza is the only option to look at. Zalat offers a vegan cheese swap on any pizza, and a 10-inch gluten-free crust that is also vegan ^[1]. Zalat notes that the gluten-free crust is not guaranteed free of cross-contamination ^[1].

A few points to think about:

• Regular cheese. Many cheeses are made with enzymes called rennet, which can come from animals. Scholars differ on cheese made with animal rennet. Zalat's FAQ does not say what enzymes its cheese uses, so ask, or choose the vegan cheese.
• Shared ovens and prep. Meat and meat-free pizzas are made in the same kitchen. Zalat does not claim any separation for halal reasons.
• Sauces. Ask staff about sauce ingredients if you are unsure.

Our page on whether cheese pizza is halal covers these questions for pizza in general.

For most big chains, we write "not certified" because the company says nothing at all about halal. Zalat is different. It has looked at the question and said it does not offer halal meats ^[1].

That makes things simple. You don't need to ask each branch whether it uses halal pepperoni, because the company has already answered. If Zalat ever adds halal meat, its FAQ is where the change should appear first. Check it before you order, since menus and suppliers can change.

If you want a pizza with halal meat toppings, look for a shop that shows a halal certificate. Pizza Twist, an Indian-fusion pizza chain with Texas locations, advertises halal options, though what it offers varies by store. Compare the big chains on our Domino's, Pizza Hut and Little Caesars pages.

Wherever you order, ask whether halal toppings are kept apart from other meats and baked on clean trays.