While the exact menu can vary by country and location, a key takeaway from Papa Murphy's official sources is that a cauliflower crust is indeed available, though it is a more prominently featured option for Canadian stores. For those in the United States, the brand has shifted its focus for keto and low-carb eaters toward a Crustless Pizza option. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for finding the right dietary alternative at your local Papa Murphy's.
Papa Murphy's Cauliflower Crust: Availability and Details
In Canada, Papa Murphy's explicitly advertises a 10-inch cauliflower crust as one of their fresh, non-frozen dough options, alongside their original, thin, and pan crusts. This provides a lighter, vegetable-based alternative for those watching their carbs or seeking a different taste profile. As with all of their products, this is a 'Take 'n' Bake' item, meaning you purchase the assembled pizza and cook it fresh at home.
What to Expect with the Cauliflower Crust
The cauliflower crust is designed for a different eating experience than a traditional wheat-based crust. It offers a slightly nutty flavor and a crisper texture. While it contains cauliflower, it is not a pure vegetable product and contains other ingredients like rice flour and starches to help it hold together. When ordering, you can select your preferred sauce and toppings, customizing it just like any other pizza. This option allows customers to enjoy the Papa Murphy's experience with a healthier spin.
Alternative Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Choices
For those unable to find the cauliflower crust, or with different dietary needs, Papa Murphy's offers several other lifestyle-friendly options.
The Crustless Keto Pizza
In the US, many keto and low-carb dieters turn to the Crustless Keto pizza, which is essentially a pizza casserole baked in a tray. Instead of a traditional crust, toppings and cheese are baked together. The standard build uses a red sauce, but for a stricter keto approach, you can swap it for the creamy garlic sauce or olive oil and garlic sauce. The following are some popular keto-friendly specialty options:
- Chicken Bacon Artichoke (Keto Friendly)
- Gourmet Vegetarian (Keto Friendly)
- Cowboy (Keto Friendly)
- Papa's All Meat (Keto Friendly)
The Udi's Gluten-Free Crust
For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, Papa Murphy's offers a certified gluten-free crust from Udi's. This is typically available in a 12-inch medium size. A critical point to remember is the cross-contamination risk: while the crust itself is gluten-free, it is prepared in a shared kitchen with gluten-containing ingredients. Customers with severe allergies should take this into account and discuss their concerns with staff. The Udi's crust contains eggs, which is an important detail for those with additional allergies.
Comparison Table: Papa Murphy's Alternative Crusts
| Feature | Cauliflower Crust | Udi's Gluten-Free Crust | Crustless Keto Pizza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Primarily Canadian locations | Select locations (US & Canada) | Widespread (US) |
| Dietary Focus | Lighter, lower-carb | Certified Gluten-Free | Keto, very low-carb |
| Crust Type | 10-inch, vegetable-based | 12-inch, rice-based | No crust, casserole-style |
| Size | 10-inch (small) | 12-inch (medium) | Tray with 8 servings |
| Cross-Contamination | Possible, check with store | High risk due to shared kitchen | Possible, check with store |
| Key Ingredients | Cauliflower, rice flour, starch | Tapioca starch, rice flour, eggs | Cheese, toppings, sauce |
| Texture | Crisper, less chewy | Bland, non-chewy (according to reviews) | Soft, baked casserole |
How to Check Availability for a Cauliflower Crust
Because of the regional variations in menu offerings, the most reliable method for confirming a cauliflower crust is available near you is to check your specific store's online menu or call them directly. A quick visit to the Papa Murphy's nutrition page(https://www.papamurphys.com/nutrition/) can also provide up-to-date information on the dietary options available in your area.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether Papa Murphy's has a cauliflower crust has a nuanced answer: yes, but primarily in their Canadian locations. Customers in the U.S. and other regions are more likely to find the Crustless Keto pizza, which caters to a similar low-carb diet. For those requiring a gluten-free option, the Udi's crust is a key alternative, though careful consideration of cross-contamination risks is advised. By checking local menus and being aware of the different lifestyle-friendly offerings, customers can easily find a pizza option that suits their dietary needs at Papa Murphy's.