Papa Murphy’s Pizza is a popular take-and-bake pizza chain known for its fresh ingredients and customizable options. With a wide range of toppings and crust choices, it’s easy to create a pizza that suits your taste preferences. But amid concerns about the healthfulness of fast food and takeout options, many people wonder: Is Papa Murphy’s Pizza a healthy choice?
Before diving into the nutritional aspects of Papa Murphy’s Pizza, it’s important to understand what defines a “healthy” pizza. While pizza often gets a bad reputation for being high in calories, fat, and sodium, it can actually be a balanced meal when made with the right ingredients and portion sizes.
The Ingredients Matter
One of the key factors in determining the healthfulness of a pizza is the quality of its ingredients. Papa Murphy’s prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, including 100% whole-milk mozzarella cheese, dough made from scratch daily, and a variety of fresh vegetables and meats.
Whole-milk mozzarella cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein, but it can also be high in saturated fat and calories. However, using whole milk cheese instead of processed cheese blends can result in a richer flavor and better texture.
The dough is the foundation of any pizza, and Papa Murphy’s offers several options, including original, thin, and gluten-free crusts. While the original and thin crusts are made with enriched wheat flour, the gluten-free crust is made with rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, making it a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.
When it comes to toppings, Papa Murphy’s offers a variety of options, including traditional favorites like pepperoni and sausage, as well as healthier choices like fresh vegetables and grilled chicken. Opting for vegetable toppings can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your pizza without adding excess calories or fat.
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Customization Is Key
One of the benefits of ordering from Papa Murphy’s is the ability to customize your pizza to suit your dietary preferences and health goals. Whether you’re looking to cut back on calories, reduce your intake of saturated fat, or increase your consumption of vegetables, you can tailor your pizza to meet your needs.
For example, if you’re watching your calorie intake, you can opt for a thin crust pizza with light cheese and plenty of vegetable toppings. If you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake, you can ask for less cheese or choose lower-sodium toppings like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.
Additionally, Papa Murphy’s offers a variety of side dishes and salads that can complement your pizza and add nutritional value to your meal. Options include salads made with fresh greens, vegetables, and house-made dressings, as well as sides like cheesy bread, garlic knots, and chocolate chip cookie dough.
Consider Portion Sizes
While Papa Murphy’s pizzas are known for their generous portions, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes when indulging in pizza. A single slice of pizza can contain anywhere from 200 to 400 calories or more, depending on the size of the slice and the toppings chosen.
To keep your pizza meal on the healthier side, aim to fill half of your plate with vegetables and limit yourself to one or two slices of pizza, depending on your calorie needs and activity level. You can also pair your pizza with a side salad or vegetable dish to add volume and nutritional value to your meal.
If you’re looking to save calories, you can also opt for Papa Murphy’s “Mini Murph” pizza kit, which allows you to make your own personal-sized pizza at home. These kits come with pre-portioned dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, making it easy to create a customized pizza that fits your dietary needs.
Nutritional Considerations
When it comes to the nutritional profile of Papa Murphy’s Pizza, it’s important to consider factors like calories, fat, sodium, and fiber. While the exact nutritional values vary depending on the size and toppings of the pizza, here’s a general overview of the nutritional content of some popular Papa Murphy’s pizzas:
Original Crust Pepperoni Pizza (1 slice, large): Approximately 320 calories, 16g fat, 7g saturated fat, 680mg sodium, 31g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 13g protein.
Thin Crust Garden Veggie Pizza (1 slice, large): Approximately 210 calories, 8g fat, 4g saturated fat, 460mg sodium, 27g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 9g protein.
Gluten-Free Crust Chicken Garlic Pizza (1 slice, large): Approximately 240 calories, 10g fat, 4g saturated fat, 490mg sodium, 28g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 10g protein.
As you can see, the nutritional values vary depending on factors like crust type and toppings. While some pizzas are higher in calories, fat, and sodium, others are lower in these nutrients and provide a good source of protein and fiber.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Papa Murphy’s Pizza can be a healthy option when enjoyed in moderation and customized with nutritious toppings. By choosing whole-milk mozzarella cheese, whole grain crusts, and plenty of vegetable toppings, you can create a balanced meal that satisfies your cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.
However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and to balance your pizza with plenty of vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods. By making informed choices and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, you can enjoy Papa Murphy’s Pizza as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
FAQs
What’s the caloric content of a slice of Papa Murphy’s pizza?
A single slice of Papa Murphy’s pizza can vary in calories depending on the toppings, but generally, a slice can range from 200 to 400 calories.
What’s the healthiest pizza option at Papa Murphy’s?
Opting for a pizza with vegetable toppings like spinach, mushrooms, and peppers on a thin crust without extra cheese or fatty meats would be the healthiest choice at Papa Murphy’s.
Does Papa Murphy’s use real cheese?
Yes, Papa Murphy’s uses real cheese. They typically use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for their pizzas, ensuring a genuine cheese flavor and texture.