Calorie Breakdown by Pizza Type
The calorie count for Papa Murphy's pizza is not a single number, but a range that depends on several variables. These include the size of the pizza (medium, large, or family), the crust type (original, thin, stuffed, or crustless), and the specific combination of toppings. For instance, a meat-heavy pizza will have a different caloric value than a veggie-focused one.
Popular Signature Pizza Calories
Let's look at some popular options and their calorie counts per slice. It's important to remember that Papa Murphy's defines a medium pizza as having 8 slices, a large as having 8 slices, and a family size as having 12 slices.
- Pepperoni Pizza: A medium original crust pepperoni pizza contains approximately 250 calories per slice, while a large original crust version has about 340 calories per slice.
- Cowboy Pizza: For meat lovers, a large original crust Cowboy pizza (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives) delivers around 380 calories per slice. A medium slice is roughly 290 calories.
- Garden Veggie Pizza: This is one of the lighter signature options. A medium garden veggie pizza slice on an original crust contains around 220 calories, whereas a large thin crust version has an even lower 180 calories per slice.
- Cheese Pizza: A medium original crust cheese pizza slice provides about 200 calories, and a large original crust slice is around 237 calories.
Customizing for Calorie Control
One of the benefits of a take-and-bake pizza is the ability to customize your order to better fit your nutritional goals. Papa Murphy's offers several options to help manage calorie intake:
- Opt for a Thin Crust: Swapping the original crust for a thin crust can significantly lower the carbohydrate and calorie count per slice. For example, a large Gourmet Vegetarian thin crust pizza has 200 calories per slice, compared to the 300 calories per slice for a large original crust version.
- Embrace the Crustless: Papa Murphy's offers keto-friendly, crustless pizzas served in a tray. A slice of the crustless Cowboy pizza has only 170 calories, with a mere 4 grams of carbs.
- Go Lighter on the Cheese: While cheese is a core component, reducing the amount can shave off calories and fat. When ordering, you can often specify a lighter portion of cheese.
- Load Up on Veggies: Vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in nutrients. Maximizing your vegetable toppings while minimizing high-calorie meats can lead to a more balanced, less caloric pizza.
Comparison of Popular Pizza Calories
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table for some popular pizza choices based on a single large slice (1/8 of the pizza) with an original crust.
| Pizza Type | Calories per Slice (Large, 1/8) | Saturated Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperoni | 340 | 8 | 15 | 800 |
| Cowboy | 380 | 9 | 14 | 1,040 |
| Garden Veggie | 300 | 6 | 9 | 770 |
| Cheese | 237 | 5 | 11 | 565 |
The Effect of Crust Type on Calories
Choosing your crust is perhaps the most impactful decision for controlling the total calories of your pizza. Here's a look at how different crusts can change the nutritional landscape.
- Original Crust: This is the standard, traditional pizza crust. It forms the base for the signature menu items and typically has the highest calorie and carbohydrate count compared to thin crust options. For instance, a large pepperoni pizza on an original crust is about 340 calories per slice.
- Thin Crust: As its name suggests, this is a much thinner alternative. A large pepperoni pizza on a thin crust, for example, is around 200 calories per slice, a substantial reduction from the original crust version.
- Stuffed Crust: This premium option adds an extra layer of cheese and dough, significantly increasing the calorie count. A single slice of a large 5-Meat Stuffed Pizza contains a hefty 480 calories.
- Crustless Keto-Friendly: This is the lowest-calorie and lowest-carb option, served in a tray without a traditional crust. It is a fantastic choice for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Conclusion
While a definitive single answer to "How many calories are in Papa Murphy's pizza?" is impossible due to the many variables, this nutritional overview provides the tools to make an informed decision. By selecting a lighter crust, like the thin or crustless option, and choosing vegetable-heavy toppings over meat-heavy ones, you can enjoy Papa Murphy's pizza while keeping a close eye on your caloric intake. For the most up-to-date and specific information, always check the official Papa Murphy's nutrition page.
Key Takeaways
- Calorie Variation: Calories in Papa Murphy's pizza differ widely based on size, crust type, and toppings.
- Crust is Crucial: Choosing a thin crust or crustless option can drastically reduce calorie and carb intake.
- Toppings Matter: Meat-heavy pizzas have higher calories than veggie-loaded alternatives.
- Customization is Key: You can manage calories by opting for less cheese and more vegetables on your pizza.
- Official Resource: For the most accurate information, consult the official Papa Murphy's nutrition website.
FAQs
Q: Are Papa Murphy's nutrition facts available online? A: Yes, Papa Murphy's provides detailed nutritional information, including ingredients and allergens, on their official website.
Q: What is the lowest-calorie pizza option at Papa Murphy's? A: The Crustless Keto-Friendly pizzas and thin crust vegetable pizzas, like the large Garden Veggie thin crust at 180 calories per slice, are generally the lowest-calorie options.
Q: How many calories are in a medium Papa Murphy's pepperoni pizza? A: A single slice (1/8 of the pizza) of a medium pepperoni original crust pizza has approximately 250 calories.
Q: Does Papa Murphy's offer gluten-free crust? A: Yes, Papa Murphy's offers a certified gluten-free crust in a medium size, though it's prepared in a shared kitchen.
Q: Can I request a lighter amount of cheese to reduce calories? A: Yes, when ordering in-store or online, you can often customize your pizza to include a lighter portion of cheese to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
Q: What is the highest-calorie pizza at Papa Murphy's? A: Stuffed crust pizzas, particularly the meat-heavy ones like the 5-Meat Stuffed Pizza, tend to be the most caloric, with a large slice containing up to 480 calories.
Q: Is a Family size pizza always the highest in calories? A: Not always per slice. A family size pizza has 12 slices, while a large has 8. Though a family size pizza has more total calories, the calories per slice can be lower than a large depending on the toppings and crust.
