Why Pinsa Is the New Crust Craze

With its Roman heritage and better-for-you credentials, pinsa is gaining traction on menus across the country. Operators are embracing it as a craveable, artisan alternative to traditional pizza crust. Whether you’re serving casual bites or elevated entrees, pinsa brings versatility and trending flavor to the plate.

Pinsa (pronounced peen-sa) is a Roman-style flatbread with ancient roots and modern appeal. Originally from the Lazio region near Rome, pinsa is made using a mix of wheat, rice, and soy flour and undergoes a long fermentation process, typically up to 72 hours.

The result? A crust that’s light and airy inside, crisp on the outside, and easier to digest than traditional pizza dough. It's also naturally lower in gluten, making it a smart choice for guests looking for a lighter option without compromising on flavor or texture.

In today’s crowded dining scene, standing out matters. Pinsa offers all the comfort and craveability of pizza, but with a rustic, artisan twist that feels elevated and new. Guests love its signature texture and handcrafted look, while operators love its versatility – from pizza builds to shareable apps and even brunch features.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your pizza game or add something different to your small plates lineup, pinsa is a menu win.

Bella Bello by Shamrock Foods brings you two standout pinsa brand options that are easy to work with and deliver consistent results:

• Monte Pollino’s fresh-frozen, pre-baked Pinsa crusts deliver authentic Roman-style flavor with unbeatable convenience. Made in Italy with a soft crumb and well-balanced flavor. Available in oval, round or rectangle shapes.

• Festa Pinsa’s dough is made with a unique blend of 3 flours, yeast, extra-virgin olive oil, and sea salt. We then spread it by hand and par-bake it in special ovens imported from Rome. These processes produce a light, crunchy on the outside, soft in-the-middle dough that has 85% less fat, 100% less cholesterol, and 50% less calories than pizza.

Both arrive par-baked and frozen, so all you need to do is top, bake, and serve with no proofing or special dough handling required.

Pinsa isn’t just for Italian restaurants. Wineries can use it as an elevated flatbread to pair with tasting flights. Bar & grill restaurants can add trendy shareables to their appetizer list. Even brew pubs and cafes can top pinsa with brunch-friendly ingredients or globally inspired flavors.

Its hand-crafted appearance and approachable portion size make it a perfect fit for casual, upscale, or hybrid concepts.

With its blend of tradition, innovation, and ease, pinsa is a smart addition to any menu. Add it as a limited time offer or feature it as your new signature base. Either way, your guests will taste the difference and keep coming back for more.

For more information on these products, reach out to your Shamrock Foods Representative or Bella Bello Specialist.