Papa Murphy's Embraces Dairy-Free
For years, those following a dairy-free diet often had to forgo cheese entirely when ordering pizza from major chains. The introduction of dairy-free cheese at Papa Murphy's, made by the well-known vegan brand Violife, changed that for many take-and-bake enthusiasts. This addition opened up a world of possibilities for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or who follow a vegan lifestyle, offering a convenient way to enjoy a cheesy pizza at home.
What is the Cheese Made Of?
Before diving into taste, it's important to understand what you're eating. Papa Murphy's uses Violife's Dairy-Free Mozzarella-Style Shreds. This plant-based alternative is crafted primarily from filtered water, coconut oil, and various starches like potato and corn. It also includes sea salt, lentil protein, and vegan flavorings. A notable benefit for vegans is the added vitamin B12, a nutrient often lacking in plant-based diets. Unlike many dairy cheeses, it contains no cholesterol. Its reliance on coconut oil means it does contain a significant amount of saturated fat, a point to consider when assessing its overall nutritional impact.
The All-Important Taste Test: Is Papa Murphy's Dairy-Free Cheese Good?
This is where customer opinions diverge, but generally lean positive, especially for a restaurant-chain offering. Many reviewers are impressed by its flavor and texture, citing a mild, mozzarella-like taste that doesn't overwhelm the pizza. The primary praise, however, is reserved for its melting ability. Unlike some early vegan cheeses that failed to melt properly, Violife performs exceptionally well in Papa Murphy's take-and-bake format. The cheese bubbles and melts nicely in the oven, creating a gooey, cheesy experience that satisfies most plant-based pizza cravings.
Some critics on online forums, however, have noted a potential 'fake cheese' flavor or different texture, particularly when the cheese cools. For these individuals, going lighter on the cheese might be the solution. Overall, for those seeking a convenient, melty, and flavorful dairy-free pizza cheese, Papa Murphy's is a solid, widely available option.
Comparing Papa Murphy's (Violife) to Competitors
To put Papa Murphy's offering into perspective, here's a comparison with other popular dairy-free pizza cheeses, many of which can be found in grocery stores for a homemade take-and-bake experience.
| Feature | Papa Murphy's (Violife) | Miyoko's Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella | Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds | Follow Your Heart Shreds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melt | Excellent melt and bubbling properties in the oven. | Excellent, as it coagulates upon baking rather than melts. | Melts well, but can sometimes have a 'goopy' texture. | Excellent melt, often appearing very much like dairy cheese. |
| Flavor | Mild, mozzarella-like, generally well-received. | Very mild, clean flavor with no 'fake cheese' aftertaste. | Has a more distinct 'vegan cheese' flavor; can be polarizing. | Good flavor profile, often compared to 'junk food' pizza cheese. |
| Texture | Melty and pleasant when hot. | Unique pourable liquid application, firming up to a smooth finish. | Goopy and can be a little sticky to the teeth. | Great mouthfeel, closer to dairy cheese in density. |
| Main Ingredients | Coconut oil and starches. | Cashew-based. | Oat-cream based (newer formula), previously starch/oil. | Starch and oil based. |
| Cheese Pull | Minimal to some. | Minimal to none. | Can provide a little stretch. | Best stretch of the options listed. |
How to Build the Perfect Dairy-Free Papa Murphy's Pizza
For those ready to give it a try, ordering a dairy-free pizza at Papa Murphy's is straightforward with a few considerations.
- Choose the Right Crust: The Original, Pan, and Thin crust options are dairy-free. Note that the Gluten-Free crust contains eggs and is not vegan.
- Select a Vegan Sauce: Confirm the sauce choice. The Traditional Red Sauce and Olive Oil & Garlic are safe bets. Be aware that the Creamy Garlic Sauce contains dairy.
- Load Up on Toppings: Papa Murphy's offers a wide array of vegan toppings, including various vegetables, mushrooms, pineapple, and herbs.
- Check Specialty Pizza Ingredients: If you're ordering a specialty pizza with the dairy-free cheese, always double-check for other non-vegan ingredients. For example, the salami on the 'Cowboy' pizza contains dairy.
- Cooking Tips: Because it’s take-and-bake, you have full control. For a better melt and potentially less 'plasticky' texture, some advise baking it at a slightly lower temperature or adding toppings after the cheese has started to melt.
The Final Verdict
For a convenient, accessible, and generally satisfying dairy-free pizza experience, Papa Murphy's offers a very good option with its Violife cheese. It melts exceptionally well, providing the cheesy texture that is often the biggest challenge for plant-based pizzas. While taste is subjective and some may find it has a slight 'vegan cheese' note, for most, it's a huge step up from ordering a cheeseless pizza. When paired with the right crust and toppings, it can be a delicious and reliable solution for a dairy-free diet.
