While pizza is amazingly popular, it doesn’t usually go hand in hand with the idea of “health food.” The cheese and the dough can give the impression that it’s more of a special treat than a meal that should be enjoyed on a regular basis, but the reality is actually quite different. Pizza is quite a bit healthier than many people give it credit for, and a lot of that comes down to the choices customers make when picking which type they want. Healthy pizza can be a tasty and attainable option for all customers if they know what to look for.

Protein

Protein-based toppings are some of the most popular—think pepperoni, sausage, chicken and more. Pizza is typically rich in this vital nutrient, but meat isn’t the only way to get it. In fact, the cheese that makes up so much of a pizza’s profile is its single biggest source of protein.

This is a critical nutrient because it’s so important for children in particular—they are growing so fast, and protein helps fuel this development. It’s important for adults, too—protein can make you feel full faster and for longer, which can help contribute to eating fewer calories. Enjoying healthy pizza usually involves getting plenty of this muscle-building nutrient into the bodies of your family members.

Fat

When people wonder what vitamins are in pizza, they’re not usually thinking of fat as being a good thing. While fat gets a bad rap much of the time, it’s actually a critical building block for our bodies, especially when eaten in moderation. Pizza usually contains quite a bit less fat than a piece of steak, for example (10 percent fat content versus 20 percent), so it’s a healthier option in that regard.

This also comes down to consumer choice—you can select toppings that have lower fat content if you’re worried about your intake. Leaner meats like chicken combined with vegetables (which are themselves a great source of virtually all critical nutrients) can make for a tasty pie.

Carbs and sodium

Pizza provides a great supply of carbohydrates, which give us quick energy. This is part of why it’s so popular for children’s parties—not only is it quick and easy, but it gives them the fuel to keep running around all day! If you’re counting carbs, rest assured that a lot of research shows that pizza is not all that different from bread in this regard—if you’re eating responsible portions, you have nothing to worry about.

The one sticking point is salt. Pizza can be high in sodium, particularly due to the flour mixes used when making the crust. Many bakers offer lower salt options to give customers all possible healthy pizza options.

Giovanni’s Frozen Pizza is proud of our commitment to creating pies that are both nutritious and delicious. We can even create customized options to fit any palate. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we use healthy ingredients to satisfy any craving!