The Answer is Not a Simple Yes or No
For those with egg allergies, simply asking "Does Papa Murphy's pizza contain eggs?" does not give a complete picture. The presence of eggs depends heavily on the specific items ordered. The good news for many is that the classic pizza bases are typically safe. However, navigating the rest of the menu requires attention to detail, especially when considering alternative or specialized dietary options. Understanding which components contain eggs, from the crust to the sauces and desserts, is the key to enjoying a safe meal. Fortunately, Papa Murphy's provides detailed allergen information, allowing customers to make informed decisions.
Papa Murphy's Crusts and Their Egg Content
When building your pizza, the crust is the most important element to consider first. Here is a breakdown of Papa Murphy's crusts and their egg status:
- Original Crust: This is the standard, most popular crust option and does not contain eggs.
- Thin Crust: A great option for those preferring a crispier, lighter pizza, this crust is also egg-free.
- Pan Crust: For a thicker, more robust pizza, the pan crust is another safe, egg-free choice.
- Stuffed Crust: The stuffed crust pizzas are created using two layers of the Original Crust and are therefore also free of eggs.
- Udi's Gluten-Free Crust: This is the only pizza crust offered by Papa Murphy's that contains eggs. Specifically, the ingredients list for this crust includes egg whites. This is a crucial detail for anyone with a severe egg allergy.
Understanding Egg-Containing Ingredients Beyond the Crust
Beyond the base of the pizza, eggs can be found in other menu items, sauces, and sides. Simply choosing an egg-free crust does not guarantee an egg-free meal. It is important to check the ingredients of all additions to your order.
Sauces, Dressings, and Other Menu Items with Eggs
Several components on the Papa Murphy's menu contain eggs. For those with allergies, avoiding these items is essential:
- Ranch Dressing: The ingredient list for Papa Murphy's Ranch Dressing includes egg yolk. This is a common ingredient in many creamy dressings.
- 1000 Island Dressing: This salad dressing is also noted to contain eggs.
- Desserts: Papa Murphy's chocolate chip cookie dough is a dessert item that contains egg whites. Customers should exercise caution with all dessert options and check the allergen information.
The Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Papa Murphy's works to provide accurate ingredient information, it is important to be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination. Their gluten-free crust, which contains egg whites, is prepared in a kitchen that also handles products containing gluten and other allergens. This means that even if a specific item does not list eggs in its ingredients, there is always a potential for trace amounts to be present due to shared preparation surfaces and equipment. Individuals with severe egg allergies should communicate their concerns clearly when ordering and consider the inherent risk of shared kitchen environments.
Ingredient Comparison: Papa Murphy's vs. Other Pizza Chains
For those managing egg allergies, comparing the options across different pizza chains is helpful. This table highlights how Papa Murphy's compares to other popular options, based on available ingredient information.
| Pizza Chain | Standard Dough | Gluten-Free Dough | Notes on Other Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papa Murphy's | Egg-free | Contains Eggs (Udi's) | Ranch, 1000 Island, and cookie dough contain eggs. |
| Little Caesars | Egg-free | N/A | Dough is egg-free. |
| Pizza Hut | Egg-free | Udi's Gluten-Free contains eggs | Udi's GF dough contains eggs. |
| Sbarro | Egg-free | N/A | Dough is egg-free, but check sauces. |
| Chuck E Cheese | May contain eggs | Egg-free | Standard doughs may contain eggs. |
How to Order a Safe, Egg-Free Pizza at Papa Murphy's
With the right information, ordering a delicious and safe egg-free pizza is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your meal is free of eggs:
- Choose Your Crust: Select any of the non-Udi's gluten-free crusts: Original, Thin, Pan, or Stuffed.
- Select Your Sauce: The Traditional Red Sauce is egg-free. The Herb & Olive Oil blend is also safe. Avoid the Creamy Garlic and any other creamy sauces unless you have confirmed they are egg-free.
- Choose Your Toppings: All vegetable and meat toppings are typically egg-free. Common exceptions to be cautious of are processed meats or any item with a special glaze or marinade. The detailed ingredient list is available on Papa Murphy's website.
- Confirm the Cheese: All standard cheeses are egg-free, including the dairy-free Violife option.
- Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: When placing your order, especially if it's for a severe allergy, politely inform the staff about your egg allergy. While it does not eliminate risk, it can help ensure extra care is taken during preparation. For the most detailed ingredient information, visit the official Papa Murphy's website.
Conclusion: Navigating Your Order with Confidence
In conclusion, while most of Papa Murphy's fundamental pizza components, such as the Original, Thin, Pan, and Stuffed crusts, are free of eggs, it's the specialized items that contain this allergen. The gluten-free crust and certain sauces, dressings, and desserts are the primary areas of concern for those with egg allergies. By being an informed customer and carefully reviewing all ingredients, especially when choosing sauces and alternative crusts, you can confidently customize an egg-free pizza to suit your needs. For the most current allergen details, always refer to the official ingredient statements provided by Papa Murphy's directly on their website: Papa Murphy's Nutrition Information.
