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How much sodium is in a slice of Papa Murphy's pizza?

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single slice of a Papa Murphy's pizza can contain hundreds of milligrams of sodium, with the exact amount varying significantly by type. Here's a detailed breakdown answering the key question: how much sodium is in a slice of Papa Murphy's pizza?

Quick Summary

Sodium in Papa Murphy's pizza varies dramatically by type, crust, and toppings. A single slice can range from 300mg to over 1,200mg, impacting daily dietary intake significantly.

Key Points

  • Significant Variety: The sodium in a slice of Papa Murphy's pizza is not uniform and depends heavily on the specific type, crust, and toppings selected.

  • High-Sodium Options: Pizzas with multiple processed meat toppings, like the 5-Meat stuffed pizza, contain the highest sodium levels, sometimes exceeding a day's worth in a few slices.

  • Crust Matters: The crust type plays a large role in sodium content, with stuffed and original crusts generally having more sodium than thin crusts.

  • Lower-Sodium Choices: Opting for a vegetable-heavy, thin-crust, or crustless pizza can significantly lower the sodium per slice.

  • Portion Control is Key: Due to the high sodium levels in many options, understanding portion sizes is crucial to manage daily intake and stay within healthy guidelines.

In This Article

Understanding the Sodium Content in Papa Murphy's Pizza

When you're managing your dietary intake, understanding the nutritional information of your favorite foods is key. For many, a slice of pizza is a go-to treat, but the sodium content can be surprisingly high, especially with certain toppings and crust options. At Papa Murphy's, the final sodium count in a slice is influenced by your specific choices, including the pizza type, the crust, and the toppings. For instance, a basic cheese pizza on a medium crust will have a different sodium profile than a meat-heavy stuffed crust option. The average daily recommended sodium intake for adults is no more than 2,300 mg, so even a single slice can represent a significant portion of that daily total. To make informed decisions, it's essential to look at the specifics for each pizza type.

Sodium Levels Across Different Pizza Varieties

Not all pizzas are created equal when it comes to sodium. The ingredients are the primary driver of the variation, with processed meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon contributing a hefty dose. Sauces and cheeses also add to the total. Here’s a detailed look at the approximate sodium levels per slice for some popular Papa Murphy's options, based on nutritional data.

The Impact of Toppings and Crust on Sodium

As the data shows, the choice of toppings and crust has a significant impact on the final sodium count. Meat toppings are a major contributor, with a Cowboy pizza slice having significantly more sodium than a Garden Veggie slice. The type of crust is also a crucial factor. Stuffed crust and pan pizzas tend to have higher sodium per slice compared to thin crust alternatives due to the additional dough and cheese. Even among vegetarian options, the sodium can vary depending on the sauce and ingredients. For example, a Gourmet Vegetarian Thin Crust has less sodium than a Garden Veggie on the Original Crust, indicating that the crust and sauce combination is a critical consideration for those monitoring sodium.

How to Make a Lower-Sodium Choice at Papa Murphy's

For those looking to reduce their sodium intake without giving up pizza, several strategies can help. The most effective approach is to focus on ingredients that are naturally lower in sodium.

  • Choose a thin crust: Opt for a thin crust over original, stuffed, or pan crusts to reduce the base sodium. This can save hundreds of milligrams per slice.
  • Go easy on the meat: Processed meats are loaded with sodium. Opting for a vegetarian pizza or requesting less meat can make a big difference.
  • Consider a crustless option: The Keto-friendly crustless pizzas offer a substantially lower-sodium option compared to traditional crusts.
  • Customize your toppings: Request less cheese or ask for light sauce to further control the sodium. Pile on fresh veggies like peppers, onions, and mushrooms, which are naturally low in sodium.

Comparison of Sodium per Slice: Papa Murphy's vs. Daily Intake

To put these numbers in perspective, consider the recommended maximum daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. Eating just a few slices of a high-sodium pizza can quickly put you over this limit. For example, two slices of a Stuffed 5-Meat pizza would contribute nearly 2,500 mg of sodium, exceeding the daily recommendation in just one meal. This is a critical factor for individuals with health concerns such as high blood pressure, who may be advised to consume even less sodium daily.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Pizza Decision

While Papa Murphy's pizza can be a delicious and convenient meal, the sodium content is an important consideration for health-conscious consumers. With the wide variation across different types, understanding the nutritional information is the first step toward making a mindful choice. By selecting lighter crusts, opting for more vegetable toppings, and being aware of the higher sodium in meat and stuffed crust options, you can enjoy your pizza while keeping your dietary goals in mind. Always check the latest nutritional information available from Papa Murphy's to ensure you have the most up-to-date details for your specific order. For the official nutrition page, visit the Papa Murphy's website.

Pizza Type Crust Slice Size Sodium (mg) Source
Cheese Medium 1/8 of medium 490
Pepperoni Medium 1/8 of medium 600
Garden Veggie Medium 1/8 of medium 570
Papa's Favorite Original 1/8 of large 880
Murphy's Combo Family 1/12 of family 910
5-Meat Stuffed Large 1/8 of large 1,240

Papa Murphy's Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

The Papa Murphy's 5-Meat stuffed pizza typically has the highest sodium content, with a single slice containing 1,240mg based on a large pizza serving size.

Stuffed crust pizzas, such as the 5-Meat Stuffed, have a significantly higher sodium content per slice (1,240mg) compared to thin crust options, like the Gourmet Vegetarian Thin Crust (370mg).

Yes, a slice of a medium cheese pizza has approximately 490mg of sodium, which is less than a slice of a medium pepperoni pizza, which has about 600mg.

Yes, the Keto-friendly crustless pizzas, such as the Gourmet Vegetarian, are lower in sodium, with a single serving containing around 300mg.

The sodium content depends on the crust and size. For a large Original Crust Papa's Favorite, a slice contains about 880mg of sodium. A Family size slice is even higher at 920mg.

You can request a thin crust, opt for more vegetable toppings, ask for less cheese, or choose a lower-sodium option like a crustless pizza.

No, the sodium per slice is calculated based on different serving sizes for each pizza size. For example, a slice from a Family size pizza is typically larger than a slice from a medium pizza, resulting in a higher sodium count per serving.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.