They both taste great, and we’re not complaining, but it got us thinking what’s the difference, if any, between a flatbread and a pizza? We started our quest by turning to the dictionary and then Google.
According to Merriam Webster:
Definition of pizza
a dish made typically of flattened bread dough spread with a savory mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked — called also pizza pie.
Definition of flatbread
a bread (such as focaccia or naan) that has a wide surface and little thickness.
Hmmmm. That doesn’t really give us an answer does it? So, we turned to Google and found out that quite a few people are wondering the same question that we are. What’s the difference between a flatbread and a pizza? And, although there exists no general, firm consensus, we saw some patterns that we’ll detail here.
The Crust
The key element of both a flatbread and pizza, and also the one area we saw the biggest disagreements about. Both rely on the fundamental building blocks of a good dough: flour, water and salt. But what about yeast? For many people, a flatbread is made with unleavened dough and a pizza has yeast and is a leavened dough.
But what about pita bread? This is clearly called a flatbread, but also uses yeast.
So, yeast is not the determining factor. What about texture of the crust? Again, there are not defined parameters, but we think this attribute gives us a good indication on whether something is a pizza of flatbread.
In general, pizza crusts have a chew to them. Even the thinnest, most cracker-like crust of a St. Louis-style pizza still has a chew to it. Conversely, most flatbreads are crispy and without a chew.
The Toppings
Fifteen years ago, this discussion would have ended here. Pizzas have a red sauce, white cheese and one or many of a select list of approved meats and vegetables. Flatbreads were a crust and a blank canvas. Put anything you want on there, and you don’t even need a sauce.
That was then. Today, pizzas don’t follow the rules anymore. White sauces, BBQ sauces, cauliflower crusts and more. Pizzas are experimental, moving in on the turf once reserved just for flatbreads, and further confusing the question of what’s the difference between the two.
The Shape
Now we’re getting somewhere. This one is fairly straight forward. Pizzas are round, square or rectangular. Pizzas are not oval, which is traditional for flatbreads. Flatbreads also can be rectangular, but they’re generally narrow rectangles, unlike the shape of a Detroit-style pizza.
The Pan
Following up on the shape conversation, you can clearly see from our flatbread pans how shape plays a significant role in determining if a product is a pizza or a flatbread. We have flatbread pans available in narrow rectangles, with either rounded or squared corners. Our pizza pans are round, square and rectangular. The materials to bake are very similar, as are the options for perforated or solid-bottom pans.
So, have we answered the question: What’s the difference between a pizza and flatbread? We’re the first to admit, not definitively. However, look beyond the toppings for your answer and focus on the shape of the crust and its bite.
FAQs
The main technical different between flatbread and pizza lies in the dough used. Flatbread calls for unleavened dough, or, dough that doesn't use yeast. Pizza requires dough that has been made using yeast and allowed to rise for a certain amount of time.
Is flatbread better than pizza? ›
Flatbread pizza often has a thinner crust compared to traditional pizza. A thinner crust can result in a lower calorie and carbohydrate content, making it a potential choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
What is the difference between flatbread and original crust pizza? ›
In a classic pizza, yeast is added to the dough mixture, which allows it to rise and create a soft, airy texture as it bakes. On the other hand, flatbreads usually lack yeast or any kind of leavening agent, which creates its signature flat and crispy crust.
Is flat bread healthy for you? ›
Other flatbread dough variations include a fat like olive oil or butter. Is flatbread healthy? Yes! It's one of the healthiest breads you can make because it's low in calories and fat but high in fiber.
What's the difference between pita bread and pizza bread? ›
The doughs for both are almost identical, lean doughs made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. The difference is in how they are shaped and baked. Even store bought pizza dough can be used to make pita.
What is the key difference between pizza and flatbread? ›
The main technical different between flatbread and pizza lies in the dough used. Flatbread calls for unleavened dough, or, dough that doesn't use yeast. Pizza requires dough that has been made using yeast and allowed to rise for a certain amount of time.
Are flatbreads healthier than bread? ›
Pita is a flatbread whereas bread comes in loaves. Despite their difference in shape, pita and bread have similar ingredients - largely water, yeast, flour, and salt. Because of the similarity in ingredients, the nutrient profiles of pita and normal bread are basically identical.
Is flat crust pizza healthier? ›
Thin-crust pizza is technically healthier than thick-crust pizza! The lower the calorie and carbohydrate content of a pizza crust, the better. Thin-crust pizza is also lower in salt, sodium, and saturated fat. By elevating your body's insulin levels, eating too much dough might increase your blood sugar levels.
Why is my flatbread pizza soggy? ›
The steam from the base can't escape, so it condenses on your crispy surface and turns it wet and soggy. Use a pizza stone or a pan with holes to get a crispy pizza crust. A pizza stone will keep your pizza hot and its porousness will absorb some condensation.
What made pizza different to other flatbreads? ›
While they seem similar, the key difference between pizzas and flatbreads is that pizza dough contains yeast and is allowed to rise for a time before the dish is baked, per Cooking Clarified.
The Unhealthiest Store-Bought Bread You Can Buy
- Loaf of 12-grain enriched bread - Food Club.
- Loaf of Wonder Bread - Wonder Bread.
- Loaf of sliced bread - Home Pride.
- Loaf of sliced white bread - Pepperidge Farm.
- Loaf of sliced potato bread - Martin's.
- Two packets of sliced sweet bread - King.
Here are our top 7 choices for wholesome, nutrient-dense breads.
- Sprouted whole grain. Sprouted bread is made from whole grains that have started to sprout from exposure to heat and moisture. ...
- Sourdough. ...
- 100% whole wheat. ...
- Oat bread. ...
- Flax bread. ...
- 100% sprouted rye bread. ...
- Healthy gluten-free bread.
But the difference between the two really comes down to the ingredients, they both need flour, water, and salt, but pizza dough has an additional ingredient, yeast. Pizza dough is a leavened dough where flatbread is unleavened, giving it that flat texture.
Which is healthier pita or flatbread? ›
Side-by-side, bread contains a little more fiber and slightly fewer carbs than a pita, making it a somewhat more nutritious option. Pitas are lower in sodium than bread, so that it may be the best option for those eating a low-salt diet.
What is the difference between naan and flatbread? ›
Naan is another flatbread traditionally served in Indian restaurants but the difference is that there will already be a filling inside these flatbread pockets. Naan may be stuffed with curd, fresh desiccated coconut, butter, nigella seeds, and raisins.
What is a healthier version of pizza? ›
Top your pizza with lean protein, like chicken strips, instead of processed meat, like pepperoni. Choose vegetables or fruit (hello, pineapple!) as flavorful toppings. Try cauliflower- or chickpea-crust pizza for more fiber. If you like classic crust, try using whole-grain dough instead of white.
Which is healthier flatbread or tortilla? ›
A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll.
