CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO TOPPED WITH WHITE-MEAT CHICKEN, DICED TOMATOES, BASIL, SPINACH AND MOZZARELLA, PARMESAN, ASIAGO & ROMANO CHEESES OVER PESTO SAUCE CRISPY THIN CRUST PIZZA, CHICKEN PESTO
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO pizza scores 43/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content, despite providing a notable amount of protein.
This pizza has a FoodScore of 43/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It provides 9.3g of protein per 100g, contributing to satiety.
A significant concern is the 500mg of sodium per 100g, which is high.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it contains ingredients typically not found in home kitchens.
Consider this product for occasional consumption rather than a dietary staple.
Scores +10 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
1.4g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
9.29g
19% of Daily Value
Added sugar
1.4g
3% of Daily Value
Sodium
500mg
22% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (9.3g)+5
−
What holds it back
Sodium (500mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
The CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO pizza receives a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. Ultra-processed foods often contain ingredients and additives that contribute little to nutritional value. Another major factor is the high sodium content, at 500mg per 100g, resulting in a -2 point penalty. While the pizza does offer a positive contribution with 9.3g of protein per 100g, earning a +5 point bonus, this is not enough to offset the other nutritional drawbacks. The ingredient list includes cane sugar in both the crust and pesto sauce, contributing to 1.4g of added sugar per 100g. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this product contains a higher level of processing and added ingredients, which impacts its overall nutritional quality.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in california pizza kitchen chicken pesto topped with white-meat chicken, diced tomatoes, basil, spinach and mozzarella, parmesan, asiago & romano cheeses over pesto sauce crispy thin crust pizza, chicken pesto actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN pizza provides 9.29g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to muscle maintenance and satiety. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in numerous bodily functions, including tissue repair and enzyme production. Including adequate protein in meals can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake later in the day. While not a primary protein source, it can contribute to daily protein goals as part of a balanced meal.
Calcium Contribution
With 120.71mg of calcium per 100g, this pizza contributes 9% of the Daily Value for calcium. Calcium is crucial for bone health and density, as well as nerve function and muscle contraction. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it can help supplement your daily calcium intake, especially when combined with other calcium-rich foods. The presence of multiple cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, and romano contributes to this mineral content.
Convenient Meal Option
For individuals with limited time for meal preparation, this pizza offers a convenient and quick meal solution. Its ready-to-bake format allows for easy preparation, fitting into busy schedules. While convenience is a practical benefit, it's important to balance such options with less processed foods to ensure a diverse and nutrient-rich diet. This product can serve as an occasional meal when time is a constraint.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO pizza scores 43/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content, despite providing a notable amount of protein.
How to eat it
Frozen pizzas like CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO are typically consumed as a quick lunch or dinner. A common portion is one-third of the pizza, but it's easy to consume more. The primary pitfall is the high sodium and saturated fat content when consumed in larger portions.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair your pizza slice with a large side salad rich in non-starchy vegetables.
Consider limiting your portion to one-third of the pizza and supplementing with lean protein sources like grilled chicken or beans.
Opt for this pizza as an occasional meal rather than a regular dietary staple to manage sodium and saturated fat intake.
Add extra fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms before baking to boost fiber and micronutrients.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several common allergens, including wheat and milk, which are explicitly listed in the ingredients. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product due to the unbleached wheat flour in the crust. Those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies should also exercise caution. The presence of palm oil in the crust is notable, as it is a source of saturated fat. The product is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), meaning it contains ingredients and additives that are not typically used in home cooking, which some consumers may prefer to limit in their diet. The high sodium content also warrants consideration for individuals monitoring their blood pressure.
Is CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO pizza healthy?
The CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO pizza scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides protein, its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content mean it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
How does CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO compare to other frozen pizzas?
Compared to many other frozen pizzas on the market, the CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN PESTO pizza's nutritional profile is similar in terms of its ultra-processed nature and sodium levels. For example, a DiGiorno Pepperoni Pizza also tends to be high in sodium and saturated fat. Consumers should compare specific nutrient labels when choosing a frozen pizza.
What is 'cane sugar' doing in the ingredients?
Cane sugar is listed in both the crust and the pesto sauce ingredients. It serves as a source of added sugar, contributing to the overall flavor and browning of the crust. While the total added sugar content is 1.4g per 100g, it's an ingredient that contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pizza?
The declared serving size for this pizza is 0.333 of the pizza. Adhering to this portion size helps manage the intake of calories, sodium, and saturated fat. Consuming larger portions would significantly increase the intake of these nutrients, potentially exceeding daily recommendations.
Can I add more vegetables to this pizza?
Yes, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even fresh arugula after baking can be an excellent way to boost the fiber and micronutrient content of your meal. This can help to balance the meal's nutritional profile and increase satiety.