The eternal conundrum of the pizza lover: how to indulge in a delicious, cheesy pie without sabotaging a low-carb diet. Fortunately, many popular pizza chains have risen to the challenge, offering low-carb pizza options that cater to the growing demand for healthier, more balanced meals. In this article, we’ll explore the low-carb pizza options available at popular pizza chains, highlighting the best choices for those watching their carb intake.
Understanding Low-Carb Pizza Options
Before we dive into the specifics of low-carb pizza options at popular chains, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a low-carb pizza. A traditional pizza crust is typically made from refined flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar, resulting in a high-carb content. Low-carb pizza options, on the other hand, often feature alternative crusts made from ingredients like cauliflower, almond flour, or coconut flour, which significantly reduce the carb count.
What to Look for in a Low-Carb Pizza
When searching for a low-carb pizza option, there are several factors to consider:
- Crust ingredients: Look for crusts made from low-carb ingredients like cauliflower, almond flour, or coconut flour.
- Crust thickness: A thinner crust generally means fewer carbs.
- Toppings: Opt for protein-rich toppings like chicken, steak, and vegetables, which are naturally low in carbs.
- Sauce: Choose a sauce that’s low in sugar and made with wholesome ingredients.
Low-Carb Pizza Options at Popular Chains
Now that we’ve covered the basics of low-carb pizza options, let’s explore the specific offerings at popular pizza chains.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
CPK offers a cauliflower crust pizza that’s a game-changer for low-carb pizza lovers. Made with cauliflower, cheese, and spices, this crust is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. CPK’s cauliflower crust pizzas are available in several varieties, including the Original BBQ Chicken and the Margherita.
- Carb count: approximately 10-12g per slice (depending on toppings)
Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s offers a cauliflower crust pizza that’s made fresh in-store every day. This crust is made with cauliflower, cheese, and spices, and is available in several varieties, including the Cauliflower Crust Pepperoni and the Cauliflower Crust Veggie.
- Carb count: approximately 12-15g per slice (depending on toppings)
Marco’s Pizza
Marco’s Pizza offers a cauliflower crust pizza that’s made with fresh, never frozen cauliflower. This crust is available in several varieties, including the Cauliflower Crust Pepperoni and the Cauliflower Crust Italian Sausage.
- Carb count: approximately 10-12g per slice (depending on toppings)
Jet’s Pizza
Jet’s Pizza offers a cauliflower crust pizza that’s made with a proprietary blend of cauliflower and cheese. This crust is available in several varieties, including the Cauliflower Crust BBQ Chicken and the Cauliflower Crust Veggie.
- Carb count: approximately 12-15g per slice (depending on toppings)
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom offers a gluten-free crust made with ancient grains, which is a good option for those looking for a lower-carb pizza. While not as low in carbs as some of the other options on this list, Mellow Mushroom’s gluten-free crust is a good choice for those who want a more traditional pizza taste without the gluten.
- Carb count: approximately 20-25g per slice (depending on toppings)
Other Low-Carb Pizza Options
In addition to the options listed above, there are several other low-carb pizza options available at popular chains. Some notable mentions include:
- Pizza Hut’s cauliflower crust pizza (available in select locations)
- Domino’s cauliflower crust pizza (available in select locations)
- Blaze Pizza’s cauliflower crust pizza (available in select locations)
Make Your Own Low-Carb Pizza
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own low-carb pizza at home. Here are some tips for creating a delicious, low-carb pizza:
- Use a low-carb crust made from cauliflower, almond flour, or coconut flour.
- Choose protein-rich toppings like chicken, steak, and vegetables.
- Opt for a low-sugar sauce made with wholesome ingredients.
- Load up on cheese – it’s low in carbs and high in flavor!
Conclusion
Low-carb pizza options are no longer a rarity, thanks to the growing demand for healthier, more balanced meals. Whether you’re a fan of California Pizza Kitchen’s cauliflower crust or prefer to make your own low-carb pizza at home, there are plenty of delicious options available. By understanding what to look for in a low-carb pizza and exploring the options at popular chains, you can indulge in a tasty, low-carb pizza that fits your dietary needs.
Final Tips for Low-Carb Pizza Lovers
- Always check the nutrition information to ensure that your low-carb pizza fits within your daily carb limit.
- Don’t be afraid to customize your pizza with low-carb toppings and sauces.
- Consider making your own low-carb pizza at home to control the ingredients and carb count.
By following these tips and exploring the low-carb pizza options at popular chains, you can enjoy a delicious, low-carb pizza that satisfies your cravings without sabotaging your diet.
What low-carb pizza options are available at Domino’s?
Dominos offers a variety of low-carb pizza options, including their “Hand Tossed” crust made with a proprietary blend of wheat and other grains, which contains 12 grams of carbs per slice. However, for those looking for an even lower-carb option, Domino’s also offers a “Cauliflower Crust” pizza, which contains only 5 grams of carbs per slice. This crust is made with a blend of cauliflower, cheese, and spices, and is a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
In addition to their low-carb crust options, Domino’s also offers a variety of toppings that are low in carbs, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Some popular low-carb topping options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives. By choosing a low-carb crust and loading up on low-carb toppings, customers can create a delicious and satisfying low-carb pizza at Domino’s.
Can I customize my low-carb pizza at Pizza Hut?
Yes, Pizza Hut allows customers to customize their low-carb pizzas with a variety of toppings and sauces. Their “Skinny” pizzas are made with a thinner crust that contains fewer carbs than their traditional crust, and customers can choose from a variety of low-carb toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Additionally, Pizza Hut offers a “Cauliflower Crust” pizza option at some locations, which contains even fewer carbs than their traditional crust.
When customizing a low-carb pizza at Pizza Hut, customers can choose from a variety of sauces, including marinara, alfredo, and ranch. They can also add a variety of low-carb toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives. By customizing their pizza with low-carb toppings and sauces, customers can create a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal at Pizza Hut.
What is the carb count for a low-carb pizza at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)?
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers a variety of low-carb pizza options, including their “Cauliflower Crust” pizzas, which contain approximately 10-12 grams of carbs per slice. Their “Original” crust pizzas contain around 30-40 grams of carbs per slice, so the cauliflower crust option is a significantly lower-carb alternative. Additionally, CPK offers a variety of low-carb toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses, which can help keep the carb count low.
It’s worth noting that CPK also offers a “Low-Carb Pizza” option, which features a smaller portion size and a thinner crust. This option contains around 20-25 grams of carbs per serving, making it a good choice for those looking for a lower-carb pizza option. However, the carb count can vary depending on the toppings and sauces chosen, so it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant for specific nutrition information.
Does Papa John’s offer any low-carb pizza options?
Yes, Papa John’s offers a low-carb pizza option called the “Cauliflower Crust” pizza. This crust is made with a blend of cauliflower, cheese, and spices, and contains approximately 5-7 grams of carbs per slice. Papa John’s also offers a variety of low-carb toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses, which can help keep the carb count low.
In addition to their cauliflower crust option, Papa John’s also offers a “Thin Crust” pizza option, which contains around 15-20 grams of carbs per slice. While this option is not as low in carbs as the cauliflower crust, it is still a lower-carb alternative to their traditional crust. By choosing a low-carb crust and loading up on low-carb toppings, customers can create a delicious and satisfying low-carb pizza at Papa John’s.
Can I get a low-carb pizza at Little Caesars?
Yes, Little Caesars offers a low-carb pizza option called the “Cauliflower Crust” pizza. This crust is made with a blend of cauliflower, cheese, and spices, and contains approximately 5-7 grams of carbs per slice. Little Caesars also offers a variety of low-carb toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses, which can help keep the carb count low.
It’s worth noting that Little Caesars is a budget-friendly option, and their low-carb pizza is priced competitively with their traditional pizzas. This makes it a great option for those looking for a low-carb pizza on a budget. Additionally, Little Caesars offers a variety of low-carb sides, including salads and wings, which can help round out a low-carb meal.
How do I order a low-carb pizza at Marco’s Pizza?
To order a low-carb pizza at Marco’s Pizza, customers can start by choosing a low-carb crust option, such as their “Cauliflower Crust” pizza. This crust is made with a blend of cauliflower, cheese, and spices, and contains approximately 5-7 grams of carbs per slice. Next, customers can choose from a variety of low-carb toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
When ordering, customers can specify that they want a low-carb pizza and ask for the cauliflower crust option. They can also ask for specific toppings and sauces to be added or avoided. Marco’s Pizza also offers online ordering and a mobile app, which makes it easy to customize and order a low-carb pizza from the comfort of your own home.
Are there any low-carb pizza options at Mellow Mushroom?
Yes, Mellow Mushroom offers a low-carb pizza option called the “Keto Crust” pizza. This crust is made with a blend of almond flour, coconut flour, and cheese, and contains approximately 5-7 grams of carbs per slice. Mellow Mushroom also offers a variety of low-carb toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses, which can help keep the carb count low.
In addition to their keto crust option, Mellow Mushroom also offers a variety of low-carb sauces and toppings, including olive oil, garlic, and herbs. By choosing a low-carb crust and loading up on low-carb toppings and sauces, customers can create a delicious and satisfying low-carb pizza at Mellow Mushroom.