Demystifying Papa Murphy's Pizza Crusts for a Healthy Diet
For those managing allergies or specific dietary choices like veganism, understanding the ingredients in your food is paramount. While pizza is often a go-to comfort meal, the details can get complex, especially with popular take-and-bake chains like Papa Murphy's. A common question for many is: does Papa Murphy's dough have eggs? The answer depends entirely on the type of crust you choose. Most of the standard options are egg-free, but the designated gluten-free alternative includes egg whites.
The Verdict on Papa Murphy's Dough and Eggs
The Standard Crusts: Egg-Free and Vegan-Friendly
The majority of Papa Murphy's pizza crusts are made without eggs. This includes the following popular options, which are considered vegan-friendly:
- Original Crust: A traditional, hand-tossed style dough, made from standard pizza ingredients like flour, yeast, and oil.
- Thin Crust: A lighter, crisper base that also does not contain egg ingredients.
- Pan Crust: This dough is designed to be thick and fluffy but remains egg-free.
- Stuffed Crust: This option uses the Original dough mix and is also free of eggs.
For those with egg allergies or following a strict vegan diet, these options provide a solid foundation for a safe and delicious meal. When paired with the appropriate sauces and toppings, it is simple to create a personalized pizza to fit your needs.
The Exception: Udi's Gluten-Free Crust
The most important distinction to note is the gluten-free crust. For customers with gluten sensitivities, Papa Murphy's offers a medium-sized Udi's crust option. However, this crust is specifically formulated with egg whites. This is a critical piece of information for anyone with an egg allergy, as it is the sole exception among the primary crust offerings. The use of egg whites helps with the texture and structure of the gluten-free dough, but it means it is not a suitable option for those avoiding eggs.
Cross-Contamination and Allergen Management
Papa Murphy's handles many different ingredients in a shared kitchen environment. They state that the Udi's gluten-free crust is prepared in the same space as products containing gluten. Similarly, while their standard crusts are egg-free, there is a risk of potential cross-contamination with the gluten-free crust and other menu items that contain eggs, such as their cookie dough. Customers with severe allergies should be aware of this risk. It is always best to check the official allergen guide on the Papa Murphy's website or discuss your concerns with the staff when ordering.
Navigating the Papa Murphy's Menu with Dietary Needs
Creating a delicious pizza that fits your dietary needs at Papa Murphy's is a matter of careful selection. By understanding the ingredients in each component, you can build a meal that is both safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips for different dietary plans:
- For Egg Allergies: Stick to the Original, Thin, Pan, or Stuffed crusts. Pair with Traditional Red Sauce or Olive Oil & Garlic, and choose toppings from their vast selection of vegetables and meats. Double-check all other potential ingredients, such as creamy sauces, which may contain egg-based emulsifiers, or items like cookie dough.
- For Vegan Diets: The same egg-free crusts apply here. Ensure you select either Traditional Red or Olive Oil & Garlic sauce, as others may contain dairy. Papa Murphy's now offers Violife dairy-free cheese as a plant-based alternative. Pile on all the vegan-friendly veggie toppings you desire.
- For Gluten Sensitivities: The Udi's gluten-free crust is the only dedicated option. As mentioned, it contains eggs, and there is a risk of cross-contamination. For those who can tolerate it, ordering with dairy-free cheese and vegan-friendly sauces is possible.
Comparison of Papa Murphy's Crusts
| Crust Type | Contains Eggs? | Vegan-Friendly? | Contains Dairy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Crust | No | Yes | May contain traces (shared kitchen) |
| Thin Crust | No | Yes | May contain traces (shared kitchen) |
| Pan Crust | No | Yes | May contain traces (shared kitchen) |
| Stuffed Crust | No | Yes | May contain traces (shared kitchen) |
| Udi's Gluten-Free | Yes (Egg Whites) | No | May contain traces (shared kitchen) |
Making an Informed Nutritional Choice
Making informed food choices is the cornerstone of a healthy nutrition diet. This not only involves understanding allergens but also being mindful of other nutritional aspects like calories, fat, and sodium. Papa Murphy's provides detailed nutritional information on their website, allowing customers to build a pizza that aligns with their health goals.
- Check the Website: Before ordering, head to the official Papa Murphy's website and navigate to their Nutrition page. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source for ingredient and allergen information.
- Build Your Own: Customizing your pizza is the best way to control what goes into your meal. From crust choice to sauces and toppings, you have complete control over the nutritional profile.
- Pay Attention to Sauces: While the basic crusts are generally safe for egg allergies, creamy sauces or specialty items could be a source of eggs. For example, the Creamy Garlic Sauce contains dairy, and potentially other emulsifiers.
Conclusion
So, does Papa Murphy's dough have eggs? For the most part, no, but it's crucial to specify which crust you're ordering. The standard Original, Thin, Pan, and Stuffed crusts are egg-free and vegan, making them safe for those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet. However, the medium-sized Udi's gluten-free crust is the key exception, as it uses egg whites. Always check the official allergen resources provided by Papa Murphy's and be aware of the cross-contamination risk inherent in any shared kitchen environment. By being mindful of your crust choice and other ingredient selections, you can enjoy a delicious and safe take-and-bake pizza.
Authoritative Outbound Link: Papa Murphy's Official Nutrition Facts page
