Pizza is a popular comfort food enjoyed by many, and when it comes to convenience, Papa Murphy’s has made a name for itself with its “take and bake” pizza concept. Instead of being served hot, Papa Murphy’s offers pizza that is prepared fresh and ready to be baked at home. This allows customers to enjoy pizza made with quality ingredients in the comfort of their own kitchens. But, with health concerns becoming more important in our daily choices, many people wonder: is Papa Murphy’s pizza healthy?
This article will take a closer look at the nutritional value of Papa Murphy’s pizzas, examining the ingredients used, portion sizes, and how it fits into a balanced diet. We will also discuss some healthier choices and alternatives that can be made when ordering pizza from Papa Murphy’s. Let’s explore the healthiness of Papa Murphy’s pizza, starting with the ingredients and nutritional content.
Nutritional Information: What’s Inside Papa Murphy’s Pizza?
Papa Murphy’s offers a variety of pizzas with different crusts, toppings, and sauces. The nutritional value of your pizza will depend on the choices you make. Let’s break it down by looking at some of the basic components of Papa Murphy’s pizza.
Crusts
The crust is the foundation of every pizza, and it plays a significant role in determining the overall nutrition. Papa Murphy’s offers several types of crust, each with its own set of nutritional benefits and drawbacks:
Original Crust: The original crust is the classic option, made from refined flour. It is soft and chewy but contains higher amounts of carbohydrates and calories. This crust may not be the healthiest choice for those on a low-carb or low-calorie diet.
Thin Crust: The thin crust has fewer calories and carbs because it uses less dough than the original crust. This option is often chosen by those who want a lighter pizza, but it may sacrifice some of the rich, fluffy texture that many people love about pizza.
Gluten-Free Crust: For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, Papa Murphy’s offers a gluten-free crust made from rice flour and other alternative grains. While this crust can be a good option for those with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that it may still contain a similar number of calories and carbs as the thin crust.
Stuffed Crust: The stuffed crust is filled with cheese, making it a more indulgent choice. This crust is higher in calories, fats, and sodium, which can make it less suitable for those looking for a healthier option.
Sauces
Papa Murphy’s offers several sauces for your pizza, and each one has a different nutritional profile:
Traditional Red Sauce: The classic red sauce, typically made from tomatoes and spices, is a relatively healthy option. It’s low in calories and fat, and it’s a good source of vitamins like vitamin C and A due to the tomatoes.
Garlic Sauce: Garlic sauce is rich and flavorful, but it can be higher in calories and fat. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might want to opt for this sparingly.
Ranch and Creamy Sauces: Papa Murphy’s also offers ranch and creamy garlic sauces. These options can add a lot of extra calories and fat to your pizza, so they should be used in moderation if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Pesto Sauce: Pesto offers a flavorful and slightly healthier alternative to creamy sauces, though it is still high in fat due to its olive oil and cheese content.
Toppings
When it comes to toppings, Papa Murphy’s offers a variety of options, from vegetables to meats. The nutritional value of your pizza will depend largely on the choices you make in this category.
Vegetables: Papa Murphy’s offers a range of vegetable toppings, including onions, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and olives. These are all great choices for a healthier pizza, as they are low in calories and high in nutrients. Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal, helping you create a more balanced pizza.
Lean Proteins: Papa Murphy’s offers lean protein options like chicken and turkey, which are lower in fat compared to traditional meats like sausage and pepperoni. These lean proteins can be a good choice for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fats.
Meats: While meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon are tasty, they can be high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. If you’re aiming for a healthier pizza, it’s a good idea to limit the number of high-fat meat toppings you add.
Cheese: Cheese is a central ingredient in most pizzas, and it contributes a significant amount of fat and calories. Papa Murphy’s offers the option to customize the amount of cheese on your pizza. Opting for less cheese or choosing a lower-fat cheese option can help make your pizza healthier.
Calorie and Fat Content
The number of calories and amount of fat in your Papa Murphy’s pizza will depend on your choice of crust, sauce, toppings, and portion size. For example, a slice of a standard large pizza with a regular crust, cheese, and pepperoni can contain about 300 calories and 14 grams of fat. Choosing a thin crust or vegetable toppings can reduce the calorie count and fat content significantly.
If you’re concerned about the number of calories, it’s important to keep portion control in mind. While Papa Murphy’s pizzas can be quite large, sharing a pizza or opting for a smaller size can help you keep your calorie intake in check.
Healthier Choices at Papa Murphy’s
Although pizza is generally considered an indulgent food, there are ways to make healthier choices when ordering from Papa Murphy’s.
Go for a Thin Crust or Gluten-Free Option
Choosing a thin crust pizza is a good way to reduce the number of calories and carbs in your meal. The thinner dough means less refined flour and fewer calories overall. If you’re gluten-sensitive, opting for the gluten-free crust can also be a healthier alternative.
Load Up on Vegetables
Vegetables add volume and nutrients to your pizza without significantly increasing the calorie count. Papa Murphy’s offers a wide variety of vegetables, so you can easily add extra toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and onions. These vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to any pizza.
Choose Lean Proteins
Opt for lean proteins like chicken or turkey instead of higher-fat meats like pepperoni and sausage. Lean proteins provide the same protein content without the added fat and calories.
Control the Cheese
Cheese is a major contributor to the calorie and fat content of pizza. Consider ordering your pizza with less cheese or asking for a lower-fat cheese option. This simple change can help reduce the overall calorie count without sacrificing too much flavor.
Watch the Sauces
While sauces can add flavor to your pizza, some of the creamy and rich options like ranch or garlic sauce can add a significant amount of calories. Stick to traditional red sauce or pesto for a healthier choice.
Share Your Pizza
Because Papa Murphy’s pizzas are large, sharing with others is a great way to cut down on your calorie intake. If you’re not in the mood to share, consider saving leftovers for the next day to help with portion control.
Conclusion
So, is Papa Murphy’s pizza healthy? The answer depends largely on your choices. While pizza is typically not considered a “health food,” there are plenty of ways to make healthier decisions at Papa Murphy’s. By choosing a thin crust or gluten-free option, loading up on vegetables, choosing lean proteins, and controlling the amount of cheese and sauce, you can enjoy a more balanced pizza.
As with all foods, moderation is key. Pizza can fit into a healthy diet if you make mindful choices and keep portion sizes in check. So, next time you’re in the mood for a Papa Murphy’s pizza, keep these tips in mind to make your meal as healthy as possible.
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