What is the healthiest pizza place?

Many popular pizza chains offer surprisingly healthy options with strategic ordering. This guide will help you determine what is the healthiest pizza place and how to make the best choices for your diet.

Quick Summary

The healthiest pizza isn't about one specific restaurant but smart choices. Thin crust, veggie toppings, lean protein, and portion control are key to a healthier pie.

Key Points

• Crust choice matters: Opting for a thin, whole-wheat, or cauliflower crust significantly reduces calories and carbs.

• Prioritize vegetables: Loading up on vegetables adds flavor, fiber, and essential vitamins without the heavy caloric load.

• Choose lean protein: Swap processed meats like pepperoni for healthier options such as grilled chicken or turkey.

• Be mindful of cheese and sauce: Request light cheese and avoid creamy or high-sugar sauces to cut down on fat and sodium.

• Practice portion control: Ordering a smaller pizza and adding a side salad can help manage your intake and increase fullness.

• CPK and Papa Murphy's offer good defaults: Chains like California Pizza Kitchen and Papa Murphy's have ready-made thin crust veggie options that are relatively healthier than competitors.

The quest for a healthy pizza doesn't have to be a myth. While many associate pizza with high calories, excess sodium, and unhealthy fats, the truth is that the nutritional profile depends heavily on the preparation method and the ingredients chosen. By being a savvy consumer, you can navigate the menus of popular pizza chains and find options that align with your health goals. The healthiest pizza place is not a single location, but rather the one where you know how to customize your order for maximum nutritional benefit.

The Healthiest Pizza Options at Top Chains

Several major pizza chains offer menu items or customization options that stand out as healthier choices. These typically involve a lighter crust, a focus on vegetables, and careful protein selection.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

California Pizza Kitchen is known for its wide variety of options, including several on a crispy thin crust. Their California Veggie Pizza is a great example, featuring low calorie, sodium, and saturated fat counts. Another option is the Crispy Thin Crust Margherita, which focuses on simple, fresh ingredients.

Papa Murphy's

Papa Murphy's offers a take-and-bake model, giving you a fresh start. Their Thin Crust Garden Veggie Pizza is a good choice, as it is lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to thicker crust counterparts.

Jet's Pizza

For a deep-dish chain, Jet's offers a surprisingly decent option with their Veggie Thin Crust Pizza. A small veggie thin crust keeps sodium levels in check and offers a good protein-to-calorie ratio.

Domino's

Domino's menu can be a minefield for dieters, but strategic ordering is possible. The Thin Crust with Spinach & Mushrooms is a standout, featuring low calories, carbs, and saturated fat. To further enhance its health benefits, you can request lighter cheese or extra vegetables.

Pizza Hut

At Pizza Hut, the Thin 'N Crispy Veggie Lover's Pizza is one of the lowest-calorie slices available among major chains. Paired with a side salad, it can be a balanced meal.

How to Build a Healthier Pizza Anywhere

Even if your preferred restaurant isn't listed above, you can apply these rules to make almost any pizza order healthier.

Prioritize the Crust

• Go Thin, Not Thick: Opting for a thin-crust pizza dramatically reduces the total calories and carbohydrates. Avoid deep-dish or stuffed-crust options, which are loaded with extra fat and carbs.
• Embrace Alternatives: Some pizzerias now offer cauliflower, whole-wheat, or other alternative crusts. These can provide a boost of fiber and nutrients while reducing the carb load.

Manage Your Toppings

• Load Up on Veggies: This is your secret weapon. Pile on nutrient-rich vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, and artichoke hearts. They add flavor, fiber, and vitamins without significantly increasing calories.
• Choose Lean Proteins: Swap processed, high-sodium meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon for leaner options. Grilled chicken, turkey, and seafood can provide a satisfying protein boost without the saturated fat and nitrates.
• Be Mindful of Sauces: Red tomato sauce is a generally healthy base, but check for added sugars. Creamy white sauces or sugary barbecue sauces will add unnecessary calories. Pesto can be a good option as it contains healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, but use it in moderation.
• Less is More with Cheese: Cheese adds significant calories and saturated fat. Ask for a lighter portion of cheese or use a cheese with lower fat content, like part-skim mozzarella or feta.

Practice Portion Control

Ordering a smaller size pizza can help control your portions. Additionally, pairing your pizza with a side salad can increase your fiber intake and help you feel full faster, preventing overindulgence.

Comparison Table: Healthy vs. Standard Pizza Order

Feature	Healthier Order (e.g., Thin Crust Veggie)	Standard Order (e.g., Stuffed Crust Pepperoni)
Crust	Thin, whole-wheat, or cauliflower	Thick, stuffed, or deep-dish
Toppings	Fresh vegetables, lean grilled chicken	Processed meats like pepperoni, sausage
Cheese	Light portion of part-skim mozzarella	Extra, full-fat mozzarella
Sauce	Standard tomato or light pesto	Creamy Alfredo or sugary BBQ
Side	Large green salad	Cheesy breadsticks or extra dip
Sodium	Significantly lower per slice	Often very high
Saturated Fat	Lower per slice	Much higher
Calories	Lower per slice	Higher per slice

Conclusion: Your Healthiest Pizza Place is You

While some chains offer more inherently healthy menu items than others, the real power lies with the consumer. Understanding the building blocks of a nutritious pizza empowers you to make informed choices anywhere you go. By prioritizing thin crusts, loading up on vegetables, selecting lean proteins, and practicing portion control, you can transform a typically indulgent meal into a healthier, guilt-free delight. Remember, the healthiest pizza place is the one where you have the knowledge to order smart. For more tips on healthy eating, consider visiting reliable sources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Best Healthy Pizza Toppings

• Veggies: Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, artichoke hearts, and tomatoes.
• Lean Protein: Grilled chicken, turkey breast, shrimp, or tofu.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, and garlic for flavor without added calories.
• Sauce Alternatives: Pesto (in moderation), or a simple marinara sauce with no added sugar.
• Cheeses: Feta, fresh mozzarella, or light ricotta cheese.

The Ultimate Healthy Pizza Strategy

1. Start with the Base: Always choose the thinnest, whole-grain, or veggie crust available.
2. Go Green: Make vegetables the star of your pizza, not just an afterthought.
3. Protein Power: Opt for lean protein sources to add satiety and nutritional value.
4. Portion with Purpose: Order a smaller size and supplement with a side salad to manage portions effectively.
5. Sauce and Cheese Savvy: Request lighter cheese and avoid creamy or sugary sauces.

Following these simple strategies allows you to enjoy your pizza night without compromising your health goals, no matter where you order from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pizza chain offers the healthiest crust?

While it varies, many chains now offer thin crusts, which are generally the healthiest option. Some, like California Pizza Kitchen and Papa Murphy's, are highlighted for good thin crust options, but cauliflower and whole-grain crusts are even better if available.

Is a veggie pizza always a healthy choice?

A veggie pizza is typically a healthier option than one with processed meats. However, its overall healthiness depends on the crust type, the amount of cheese, and the sauce used.

How can I reduce the calories in my pizza order?

To reduce calories, choose a thin crust, ask for lighter cheese, avoid high-fat meat toppings, and load up on fresh vegetables.

Are there healthier sauce options for pizza?

Yes. A standard tomato sauce is often a better choice than creamy or sugary sauces. Pesto is another good option as it contains healthy fats, but should be used in moderation.

What is the best way to make a homemade pizza healthier?

For a homemade pizza, use a whole-wheat or alternative crust like cauliflower, make your own sauce to control sugar and sodium, and top with lean protein and plenty of fresh vegetables.

Is thin crust or gluten-free crust healthier?

Thin crust often has fewer calories and carbs than thick crust. However, not all gluten-free crusts are healthier; some can be high in calories or fats. Opt for whole-grain or vegetable-based crusts for the best nutritional profile.

Can I eat pizza while on a diet?

Yes, you can. The key is making smart substitutions, controlling your portion size, and pairing your pizza with a healthy side like a large salad to increase fullness.