Papa Murphy's Partners with Violife for a Plant-Based Pizza Experience
Papa Murphy's offers Violife® Just Like Mozzarella Shreds as their dedicated vegan and dairy-free cheese option. This addition has opened up a world of possibilities for those on a vegan or dairy-free diet, allowing them to enjoy the classic take-and-bake pizza experience. The Violife shreds are known for their great melting ability, delivering a satisfyingly gooey and cheesy texture that closely mimics traditional dairy-based mozzarella. This partnership signifies a major step for a nationwide pizza chain in catering to the needs of its plant-based and dairy-free customers.
What Exactly is Violife Dairy-Free Cheese?
Violife is a leading brand in the plant-based food industry, specializing in dairy alternatives. Their "Just Like Mozzarella Shreds" are formulated to provide the flavor and melt of traditional mozzarella without any dairy products. The base ingredients for this vegan cheese typically include:
- Coconut Oil: Provides the rich, creamy texture and helps the cheese melt properly.
- Starches: A blend of potato and corn starch is used to help achieve the desired consistency and melt.
- Natural Flavors: Plant-based flavorings are added to replicate the savory taste of mozzarella.
- Vitamin B12: Many vegan products, including Violife cheese, are fortified with Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient often found in animal products.
This composition means the cheese is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making it a safe choice for many individuals with dietary restrictions.
A Nutritional Comparison: Vegan vs. Dairy Mozzarella
When choosing between Violife and traditional mozzarella, it's helpful to compare their nutritional profiles. While exact values can vary slightly by product, here is a general comparison based on typical formulations.
| Nutrient (per serving) | Violife Mozzarella Shreds | Traditional Dairy Mozzarella |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~80 kcal | ~85 kcal |
| Saturated Fat | ~7g (from coconut oil) | ~5g |
| Protein | ~0g | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~7g | ~1g |
| Calcium | Often fortified | Naturally high |
| Vitamin B12 | Often fortified | Naturally present |
| Lactose | 0g | Present |
It is important to note that while Violife is higher in saturated fat due to its coconut oil base, it contains no cholesterol, unlike its dairy counterpart. Those following a strict vegan diet will also benefit from the potential Vitamin B12 fortification. Conversely, traditional dairy mozzarella is a significant source of protein and naturally occurring calcium. The best choice for your pizza depends on your individual nutritional goals and dietary restrictions.
How to Build a Vegan Pizza at Papa Murphy's
Creating a fully vegan pizza at Papa Murphy's is simple, as long as you choose the right ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Select a Vegan Crust: Papa Murphy's offers several vegan-friendly crust options.
- Original Crust
- Thin Crust
- Pan Crust Note: The gluten-free crust contains egg and is not vegan.
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Choose a Vegan Sauce: Not all sauces are vegan, so be sure to pick one that is dairy-free.
- Traditional Red Sauce
- Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce
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Add Your Cheese: Request the Violife Dairy-Free Mozzarella-Style Shreds.
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Load Up on Vegan Toppings: All vegetable toppings are safe for a vegan diet.
- Mushrooms
- Black Olives
- Green Peppers
- Mixed Onions
- Pineapple
- Roma Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Artichoke Hearts
- Zesty Herbs
By following these steps, you can create a delicious take-and-bake pizza that is entirely plant-based. Always double-check ingredient lists for any new or limited-time offerings, as formulations can occasionally change.
Considerations for a Balanced Vegan Diet
While the addition of Violife cheese is a fantastic option for a vegan diet, it's important to remember that nutritional needs must be met through other food sources as well. Vegan cheese, like its dairy counterpart, can be high in fat and sodium. To maintain a balanced diet, consider the following:
- Protein: Ensure your vegan diet includes other high-protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts, as Violife offers minimal protein.
- Calcium: Since plant-based cheese may not be fortified or have varying levels of calcium, include calcium-rich foods such as fortified plant milks, tofu, and leafy greens.
- Vitamin B12: Rely on additional fortified foods or supplements to ensure adequate intake, as relying solely on fortified vegan cheese may not be sufficient.
- Fiber: Load your pizza with plenty of vegetables to boost fiber intake and overall nutritional value. The various veggie toppings available at Papa Murphy's make this easy.
For more detailed information on Violife products and ingredients, their official website is a great resource: https://violifefoods.com/us/.
Conclusion
Papa Murphy's has cemented its commitment to offering diverse dietary options by consistently using Violife Just Like Mozzarella Shreds as its vegan cheese. This choice provides a high-quality, delicious alternative that melts and tastes like traditional cheese, making pizza night enjoyable for vegans and non-vegans alike. By selecting a vegan crust, sauce, and abundant vegetable toppings alongside the Violife cheese, customers can easily create a personalized and plant-based take-and-bake pizza. While Violife is a key component of a delicious vegan pizza, those on a vegan diet should remember to supplement their nutrition with other plant-based foods to ensure a balanced and healthy intake of protein, calcium, and vitamins.
