CAULIPOWER is a brand of cauliflower-crust frozen pizza that has become popular in recent years as a lower carb alternative to traditional pizza. With carbohydrates making up a large percentage of the typical pizza crust, CAULIPOWER’s use of cauliflower in place of regular dough cuts down the carb content significantly. However, CAULIPOWER pizza is not completely carb-free. The cauliflower crust does contain some carbohydrates, so those watching their carb intake will want to take a close look at the nutrition information. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the carb count of CAULIPOWER pizza to help you determine if it can fit into a low-carb diet.
CAULIPOWER Pizza Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for the four main CAULIPOWER pizza varieties:
| Pizza Variety | Serving Size | Total Carbs | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Pizza | 1/3 pizza (113g) | 9g | 5g |
| Margherita Pizza | 1/3 pizza (113g) | 10g | 6g |
| Veggie Pizza | 1/3 pizza (113g) | 12g | 8g |
| Chicken, Bacon & Ranch Pizza | 1/3 pizza (113g) | 7g | 3g |
As you can see, the amount of total carbs per serving ranges from 7-12 grams depending on the variety. However, when you look at the net carbs (total carbs minus fiber), the numbers are a bit lower, ranging from 3-8 grams of net carbs per serving.
How the Carb Count Compares
To put the carb counts of CAULIPOWER pizza in context, let’s compare them to the carb content of traditional pizza:
| Pizza Type | Serving Size | Total Carbs | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAULIPOWER Margherita | 1/3 pizza (113g) | 10g | 6g |
| Regular Frozen Cheese Pizza | 1/3 pizza (104g) | 30g | 25g |
| Large Domino’s Hand-Tossed Cheese Pizza (8 slices) | 1 slice (105g) | 30g | 25g |
As you can see, a serving of CAULIPOWER pizza contains 75-80% fewer carbs than a comparable serving of normal cheese pizza, whether frozen or from a pizza delivery chain. The big difference comes from the cauliflower-based crust which replaces the high-carb dough of traditional pizza crust.
Is It Keto-Friendly?
With its significantly reduced carb content, CAULIPOWER pizza can potentially fit into a ketogenic diet, which typically limits carbs to 50 grams or less per day. A serving of CAULIPOWER pizza contains around 5-8 grams of net carbs, so it should be possible to fit it into a keto meal plan in moderation. However, those following a strict keto diet may want to limit higher-carb CAULIPOWER varieties and stick to no more than one serving per day. It’s also important to account for carbs from any other ingredients added, like meat toppings or extra cheese.
Is It Low-Carb Diet Friendly?
Beyond keto diets specifically, CAULIPOWER pizza can fit into a typical low-carb diet quite nicely. Compared to the 25+ net carbs in regular pizza, the 3-8 gram net carb range per serving is a big improvement. Those limiting total daily carb intake to around 50-150 grams could easily work in a serving of CAULIPOWER pizza while still meeting their goals. Just be mindful of carb counts from any other meals and snacks you eat during the day.
Tips for Fitness an Carb-Conscious Diets
Here are some tips for enjoying CAULIPOWER pizza as part of a low-carb or carb-conscious diet:
– Stick to 1/3 pizza serving or less to keep carb counts low
– Choose lower-carb meat or veggie toppings instead of higher-carb options like peppers, onions or plant-based meat substitutes
– For strict keto, combine with a side salad instead of garlic bread or fries
– Avoid adding extra sugar or high-carb dipping sauces
– If customizing your pizza, ask for light cheese and sauce to further reduce carbs
– Plan the rest of your meals for the day to account for CAULIPOWER pizza’s carb content
– Be careful of keto-unfriendly ingredients if dining out and ordering CAULIPOWER crust
Nutritional Benefits Beyond Carbs
Looking beyond just the carb content, CAULIPOWER pizza also provides nutritional benefits:
– Veggie-based cauliflower crust adds fiber, vitamins and minerals lacking in white flour crust
– Using part-skim mozzarella reduces fat and calories compared to full-fat cheese
– Vegetable-based sauces provide added nutrients not found in typical pizza sauce
– Options like margherita and veggie provide extra vegetables and nutrients from toppings
So in addition to being low-carb, CAULIPOWER pizza also offers a more nutritious take on this popular food.
Conclusion
CAULIPOWER pizza can be a smart choice for those monitoring their carb intake, with around 3-8 grams of net carbs per serving. This allows it to fit into low-carb, keto, and other carb-conscious diets when consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy plan. Just be sure to watch your portions and account for the carbs in any additions or other foods you eat at the same time. Focus on making the rest of your diet rich in low-carb whole foods as well. With a thoughtful approach, CAULIPOWER pizza can be enjoyed occasionally even when limiting your carb consumption.