Papa Murphy's Plant-Based Meat Options
Unlike traditional pizzerias, Papa Murphy's has made a clear effort to cater to vegan customers by providing specific plant-based meat substitutes, rather than relying solely on vegetable toppings. These are typically available at participating locations, and it is recommended to check the Papa Murphy's website or call your local store to confirm availability.
Beyond Meat® Sausage and Beef
Papa Murphy's offers Beyond Meat® sausage and Beyond Meat® beef as standard plant-based meat toppings in many regions. These can be added to any custom pizza, or substituted for traditional meat on specialty pizzas. For a fully vegan pizza, customers should be sure to also select a vegan sauce and dairy-free cheese.
Field Roast™ Pepperoni
For those craving classic pepperoni flavor, Papa Murphy's also offers a Field Roast™ pepperoni alternative at many locations. The Field Roast™ plant-based pepperoni can be used to customize your own pizza or as a substitute for traditional pepperoni on popular menu items. This option provides a satisfying, savory topping that mimics the taste and texture of conventional pepperoni.
Important Regional Differences
It is critical to note that the availability of these vegan meat options can differ based on location. The Papa Murphy's website has a dedicated section for vegan and dairy-free options, and this is the best source for checking what is available in your area before you visit.
Building a Complete Vegan Pizza at Papa Murphy's
Beyond just the plant-based meats, creating a delicious vegan pizza involves several other key components. Papa Murphy's offers all the necessary vegan-friendly ingredients to construct a custom pie from the crust up.
Vegan-Friendly Crusts and Sauces
Most of Papa Murphy's pizza bases are vegan, but there are exceptions. The Udi's gluten-free crust, for example, contains egg. The original, thin, pan, and stuffed crusts are all suitable for a vegan diet. For sauces, the Traditional Red Sauce and Olive Oil Blend are reliably vegan. The Creamy Garlic Sauce, however, is not vegan, even on dairy-free pizzas.
Dairy-Free Cheese and Vegetable Toppings
To replace traditional mozzarella, Papa Murphy's offers Violife® dairy-free cheese. This cheese melts well and provides the familiar gooey texture of conventional cheese. In addition to plant-based meats, a wide variety of fresh vegetable toppings are available. The following are all vegan-friendly:
- Artichoke hearts
- Black olives
- Chopped garlic
- Crushed red peppers
- Green onions
- Green peppers
- Jalapeños
- Mushrooms
- Onion mix
- Pineapple
- Roma tomatoes
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Zesty herb blend
- Zucchini
How to Order Your Vegan Pizza
When placing your order, whether in-store or online, be specific to ensure a completely vegan pizza. Specify the vegan crust (e.g., 'original crust'), the vegan sauce (e.g., 'traditional red sauce'), and request the Violife® dairy-free cheese. Then, add your chosen plant-based meat substitutes and any additional vegetable toppings.
Comparison of Papa Murphy's Vegan Meat Options (US/Canada)
| Feature | Beyond Meat® Sausage | Beyond Meat® Beef | Field Roast™ Pepperoni |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Italian sausage-style seasoning | Savory ground beef-style crumbles | Spicy, classic pepperoni flavor |
| Texture | Crumbled, slightly firm | Crumbled, similar to ground beef | Round, thin slices, slightly crisp when baked |
| Availability | Participating US & Canadian locations | Participating US & Canadian locations | Participating US & Canadian locations |
| Pairs Well With | Green peppers, onions, mushrooms | Black olives, tomatoes, onions | Jalapeños, pineapple, zesty herb blend |
| Key Ingredient | Pea and rice protein | Pea and rice protein | Pea protein and fava bean protein |
| Allergen Info | May contain soy | May contain soy | May contain soy |
Conclusion
Papa Murphy's offers a straightforward and satisfying answer to the question, "What meat is vegan at Papa Murphy's?" While no animal-based meats are vegan, the chain provides dedicated plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Meat® and Field Roast™ pepperoni at many locations. By combining these with vegan crust options, traditional red sauce, and Violife® dairy-free cheese, you can create a delicious and entirely vegan Take 'N' Bake pizza customized to your preferences. The key is to be specific with your order to ensure every component aligns with a vegan diet, turning pizza night into a tasty and compassionate affair.
Optional Resources
For additional guidance on ordering vegan at various restaurants and general vegan news, a reliable resource is PETA's list of vegan-friendly chains.
What meat is vegan at Papa Murphy's?: An Overview
For vegans, the answer is simple: no traditional meat is vegan. However, Papa Murphy's provides dedicated plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat and Field Roast pepperoni for a flavorful, animal-free pizza. You can build a completely vegan pizza using these options, along with dairy-free cheese, a vegan crust, and classic veggie toppings.
How to create your own vegan pizza at Papa Murphy's
- Choose a Vegan Crust: Opt for the original, thin, pan, or stuffed crusts.
- Pick a Vegan Sauce: Select the Traditional Red Sauce or Olive Oil Blend.
- Add Dairy-Free Cheese: Request the Violife® dairy-free mozzarella shreds.
- Add Vegan Meat (Optional): Choose from Beyond Meat® sausage, Beyond Meat® beef, or Field Roast™ pepperoni where available.
- Pile on Veggies: Top with any of the numerous fresh vegetable options available.
Tips for a great vegan Papa Murphy's experience
- Confirm Availability: Always check with your local store or the Papa Murphy's website to ensure they carry the plant-based meats and Violife® cheese.
- Watch the Sauces: Avoid the Creamy Garlic Sauce and any others not explicitly listed as vegan, as some may contain dairy.
- Mind the Crust: The Udi's gluten-free crust contains egg, so avoid it if you are strictly vegan.
Is Papa Murphy's good for vegans?
Yes, Papa Murphy's is generally considered a good option for vegans because of its customization and dedicated plant-based alternatives. The availability of vegan meat, dairy-free cheese, and several vegan crusts and sauces makes it easy to build a satisfying vegan meal.
What if my local Papa Murphy's doesn't have vegan meat?
If your location doesn't carry the vegan meat substitutes, you can still create a delicious vegan pizza with dairy-free cheese, vegan crust, vegan sauce, and a generous assortment of fresh vegetable toppings. The Take 'N' Bake format also allows you to add your own vegan meat at home before baking.
What are the most popular vegan items at Papa Murphy's?
The most popular vegan options include the custom-built pizza with Violife® cheese and plant-based meats (where available), and the Dairy-Free Cheese Garden Veggie pizza, which just needs the specified sauce change.
Are Papa Murphy's salads vegan?
Most salads at Papa Murphy's can be made vegan by omitting the cheese and dressing. However, they do not currently offer any vegan salad dressings, so you will need to use your own.
Can I eat vegan stuffed pizza at Papa Murphy's?
Yes, the original and thin crusts used for the stuffed pizzas are vegan. You must order a custom stuffed pizza with a vegan sauce and dairy-free cheese, and ensure no animal-derived ingredients are included. For example, the Dairy-Free Cheese Chicago Stuffed pizza needs modifications to be fully vegan (remove salami and ensure the right sauce).
