CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN MARGHERITA RECIPE TOPPED WITH VINE-RIPENED ROMA TOMATOES, SWEET BASIL, MOZZARELLA & PARMESAN CHEESES OVER A TOMATO BASIL SAUCE MADE WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, BALSAMIC VINEGAR & SEA SALT CRISPY THIN CRUST PIZZA, MARGHERITA
The CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita Crispy Thin Crust Pizza scores 43/100 (Poor) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content.
This pizza has a FoodScore of 43/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It provides 7.1g of protein per 100g, contributing to satiety.
A serving contains 357.14mg of sodium per 100g, a notable amount for a single food item.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is an ultra-processed food.
Consider this pizza for occasional consumption rather than a regular dietary staple.
Scores +10 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0.9g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
1.8g
4% of Daily Value
Sodium
357.14mg
16% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (3.6g)-1
Sodium (357.1mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
The CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita Crispy Thin Crust Pizza receives a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is significantly impacted by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a substantial -10 penalty. While the product offers a modest +3 bonus for its protein content of 7.1g per 100g and a +2 bonus for calcium (15% DV), these are offset by several nutritional drawbacks. The pizza contains 3.57g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -1 penalty, and 357.14mg of sodium per 100g, also resulting in a -1 penalty. The presence of cane sugar in the crust contributes to 1.8g of added sugar per 100g. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often provides higher protein and calcium with less processing, this pizza's nutritional density is lower, and its processing level is considerably higher.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in california pizza kitchen margherita recipe topped with vine-ripened roma tomatoes, sweet basil, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses over a tomato basil sauce made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar & sea salt crispy thin crust pizza, margherita actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This pizza provides 7.14g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to feelings of fullness and support muscle maintenance. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in various bodily functions, and including it in meals helps with satiety. While not a primary protein source, it can contribute to your daily intake when consumed as part of a balanced meal.
Calcium Contribution
With 196.43mg of calcium per 100g, providing 15% of the Daily Value, this pizza offers a notable amount of this essential mineral. Calcium is crucial for bone health and plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction. The cheeses in the toppings, such as low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese, are the primary contributors to this calcium content.
Convenient Meal Option
For individuals seeking a quick and easy meal solution, the CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita pizza offers convenience. Its frozen format allows for simple preparation, making it a practical option for busy schedules. While it should not be a daily staple, it can serve as an occasional meal when time is limited, providing a source of calories and some nutrients.
The CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita Crispy Thin Crust Pizza scores 43/100 (Poor) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content.
How to eat it
Frozen pizzas like this CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita 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, which can significantly increase nutrient intake. It's often eaten on its own, but can be paired with other foods.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair a slice of this pizza 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 like grilled chicken or beans.
Add extra fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms before baking to boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
This pizza can be a quick meal solution, but aim for occasional consumption rather than a regular part of your diet.
Things to keep in mind
This CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN pizza is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. Such foods often contain ingredients like modified rice starch and cane sugar, which can contribute to a less nutrient-dense profile compared to whole foods. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should note that while this is a 'Crispy Thin Crust Pizza', the ingredient list includes rice flour and potato starch, making it a gluten-free option. However, it contains milk, which is an allergen for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The sodium content of 357.14mg per 100g should also be considered by individuals monitoring their sodium intake.
Is CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita Crispy Thin Crust Pizza healthy?
This pizza has a FoodScore of 43/100, rated as 'Poor'. It is classified as an ultra-processed food and contains notable amounts of saturated fat and sodium. While it provides some protein and calcium, it is not considered a nutrient-dense choice for regular consumption.
How does CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita compare to a generic frozen pizza?
Compared to many generic frozen pizzas, this CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN option may have a slightly different crust composition due to its gluten-free nature, using rice flour and potato starch. However, it shares similar nutritional challenges, including being an ultra-processed food with comparable levels of saturated fat and sodium to many other frozen pizza brands like DiGiorno.
What does 'Crispy Thin Crust' mean for nutrition?
The 'Crispy Thin Crust' primarily refers to the texture and thickness of the crust. Nutritionally, a thinner crust might slightly reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content per slice compared to a thick-crust pizza, but it does not inherently make the product more nutrient-dense or less processed. The ingredient list still includes various processed components.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pizza?
The suggested serving size is 0.333 pizza. Adhering to this portion helps manage intake of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Consuming the entire pizza would mean tripling the listed nutrient values, which would contribute significantly to your daily dietary limits for certain nutrients.
Does this pizza contain any artificial ingredients?
The ingredient list for CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Margherita Crispy Thin Crust Pizza does not explicitly list artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. However, it does contain modified rice starch and xanthan gum, which are common food additives used for texture and stability in processed foods.