California Pizza Kitchen is known across the country for its innovative and out-of-the-box pizzas. Whether you’re looking for an Asian-inspired pizza or one covered in fresh veggies, this California-based chain has got it. Often seen as a step up from fast food chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut, CPK serves delicious pizzas topped with creative ingredients. However, a pizza chain isn’t likely to grab the attention of a vegan, since it’s safe to assume that most pizzas will be topped with cheese. California Pizza Kitchen is no exception, but it does have a number of vegan options along with its cheese-topped ones. Vegan Unlocked has done the work for you, compiling a secret menu, vegan menu and editor’s picks to make sure no vegans leave disappointed. From veggie-topped pizza to flavorful pasta, CPK’s got it.
The Vegan Unlocked Research Team analyzed all 92 items on the California Pizza Kitchen menu. We found a few delicious on-menu options and a custom creation.
California Pizza Kitchen scores 2.7 out of 5 stars, so even though it doesn’t have a plethora of vegan options, there are enough to satisfy a hungry vegan in a pinch.
This score is calculated based on the amount of vegan offerings on California Pizza Kitchen’s menu “as is” or with an easy substitution, a restaurant vegan customizability score, and finally, the amount of vegan options vs non-vegan options. Learn more about Vegan Unlocked Ratings.
Secret Menu
California Pizza Kitchen is one of many restaurants whose menu was not created with vegans in mind. However, this doesn’t mean that vegans shouldn’t enjoy any of the delicious meals! Part of being vegan in the world is being resourceful when it comes to menus, as this allows vegans to enjoy food at any number of restaurants. Although many menu items at California Pizza Kitchen include cheese, it can be as simple as holding off on this to enjoy a yummy plant-based meal. These custom creations will have you as happy as your cheese-loving friends!
In the mood for something simpler? Scroll on to find California Pizza Kitchen’s vegan menu items and our editors’ top picks just below this section.
California Club Pizza
This tasty pizza includes a hearth-baked crust with avocado, wild arugula, fresh tomatoes, plant-based chicken, torn basil and Romaine. To order, ask for the California Club and hold the bacon, cheese, and mayo, and sub chicken with plant-based chicken.)
What Else is Vegan at California Pizza Kitchen?
Meals
- Roasted Veggie Salad (with olive oil dressing)
- Tomato Basil Spaghetti
- Banh Mi Power Bowl (no chicken, no dressing)
- Plant-Based BBQ Chicken Pizza (no cheese)
- Wild Mushroom pizza (no cheese)
- California veggie pizza (no cheese)
- Santa Fe Power Bowl (no chicken, no dressing)
Appetizers, Kids, Sauces, Add Ons
- Dakota Smashed Pea + Barley Soup
- Lettuce Wraps with Chinese vegetables and no rice sticks
- White Corn Guacamole + Chips
- Crispy Artichoke Salad (no cheese, olive oil dressing)
- California Olive Oil with Mediterranean Herbs and Sourdough Baguette
- Fusilli Pasta with tomato sauce or olive oil
- Fresh fruit
- Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Editors’ picks: What are the best vegan options at California Pizza Kitchen?
The most flavorful vegan dish is the modified Banh Mi Power Bowl.
The Plant-Based BBQ Chicken Pizza (no cheese) is the most crowd-pleasing vegan meal.
White Corn Guacamole + Chips is the most budget-friendly vegan option at California Pizza Kitchen at only $8.19.
Note: Vegan Unlocked is a tool dedicated to helping people find plant-based options. We are not an allergen resource and want to encourage our friends with allergies to proceed with caution. We cannot control and don’t always know when cross-contamination occurs. See California Pizza Kitchen’s allergen menu here. Regarding cross-contamination of vegan foods with animal products, this is completely up to your comfort level as an individual. Read our stance on cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked California Pizza Kitchen Questions
Does California Pizza Kitchen have vegan cheese?
No, sadly California Pizza Kitchen has no vegan cheese.
Is CPK pizza dough vegan?
All dough is vegan except for the Cauliflower Crust.
Is CPK plant-based chicken vegan?
Yes, California Pizza Kitchen’s plant-based chicken is vegan.
You can find out more about California Pizza Kitchen by visiting their website here.
Dining at California Pizza Kitchen soon?
Be sure to tag Vegan Unlocked and share your vegan meal or custom creation to be entered into our monthly giveaway!
California Pizza Kitchen’s vegan menu was brought to you by…
Lydia Greene
Lydia Greene is a freelance writer with a passion for food and travel. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking in the woods near her home in Portland, Oregon, cooking up a tasty meal or dreaming up her next adventure.
Cristina Garrido
Cristina is a vegan cook and recipe developer. She’s worked in several vegan kitchens, as a collaborator for different cooking blogs and now works as a consultant helping restaurants interested in making their menus more vegan-friendly. She’s passionate about cultural foods and culinary innovations. Her non-food related interests include thrifting, sustainability and exploring her new adoptive country, Portugal.
