CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS TOPPED WITH UNCURED PEPPERONI, ITALIAN PORK SAUSAGE, GREEN BELL PEPPERS, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, MUSHROOMS, BLACK OLIVES, MOZZARELLA, PARMESAN, ASIAGO & ROMANO CHEESES AND TURKISH OREGANO OVER HERBED TOMATO & OLIVE OIL SAUCE CRISPY THIN CRUST PIZZA, THE WORKS
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its notable saturated fat and sodium content. While it provides some protein, these factors significantly impact its overall nutritional rating.
This CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN pizza has a FoodScore of 42/100, indicating a poor nutritional rating.
It is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
A serving contains 5.19g of saturated fat and 422.22mg of sodium per 100g.
This product offers 9.63g of protein per 100g, contributing positively to its score.
Portion control is key, as a single serving is 0.333 of the pizza.
Scores +9 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
1.5g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
9.63g
19% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.2g
4% of Daily Value
Sodium
422.22mg
18% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (9.6g)+5
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.2g)-4
Sodium (422.2mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 42
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA receives a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. A significant factor in this score is its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a -10 point penalty. This classification reflects the extensive processing and the presence of ingredients like 'dextrose' and 'spice extracts' that are characteristic of ultra-processed items. The pizza also faces penalties for its saturated fat content, with 5.19g per 100g, and its sodium level, at 422.22mg per 100g. These amounts contribute to negative adjustments in the scoring. On the positive side, the product gains points for its protein content, providing 9.63g per 100g, and for micronutrients like calcium, which is present at 11% DV per 100g. However, the high levels of saturated fat and sodium, combined with its ultra-processed nature, outweigh these benefits, leading to its overall lower score compared to a generic dairy equivalent.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in california pizza kitchen the works topped with uncured pepperoni, italian pork sausage, green bell peppers, caramelized onions, mushrooms, black olives, mozzarella, parmesan, asiago & romano cheeses and turkish oregano over herbed tomato & olive oil sauce crispy thin crust pizza, the works actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN pizza provides 9.63g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to your daily protein intake. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in muscle repair and growth, and plays a role in satiety. Including protein in meals can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially aiding in overall calorie management. The protein comes from sources like 'low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese' and 'cooked Italian sausage'.
Contribution to Calcium Intake
The pizza offers 140.74mg of calcium per 100g, which is 11% of the Daily Value. Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it also supports nerve function and muscle contraction. While not a primary source, this product can contribute to your daily calcium needs, particularly from the various cheeses like 'mozzarella' and 'parmesan' in its topping blend.
Iron Content
With 1.63mg of iron per 100g, this pizza contributes 9% of the Daily Value for iron. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood and plays a role in energy production. Including iron-rich foods in your diet is important for preventing iron deficiency. The iron content in this pizza likely comes from the meat ingredients such as 'uncured pepperoni' and 'cooked Italian sausage'.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its notable saturated fat and sodium content. While it provides some protein, these factors significantly impact its overall nutritional rating.
How to eat it
Frozen pizzas like CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS are often consumed as a quick meal or snack. A typical serving is 0.333 of the pizza, which is important for portion control given its nutritional profile. It's commonly eaten as a standalone item, but can be part of a larger meal.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair your pizza slice with a large side salad rich in non-starchy vegetables.
Consider sharing a pizza to manage portion sizes, as one serving is 0.333 of the whole pizza, and calories can add up quickly.
Add extra fresh vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers before baking to boost fiber and micronutrients.
If you're mindful of sodium, balance this meal with other low-sodium foods throughout the day to manage overall intake.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains common allergens including milk and wheat, which are important considerations for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients. The 'uncured pepperoni' and 'cooked Italian sausage' contribute to the product's saturated fat and sodium content, which individuals monitoring these nutrients should be aware of. While the product uses 'uncured pepperoni no nitrate or nitrite added', it still contains naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like 'fruit and spice extracts'. As an ultra-processed food, it is designed for convenience but may not align with dietary patterns emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods.
Is CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA healthy?
This pizza has a FoodScore of 42/100, rated as 'Poor'. While it offers protein and some calcium, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its levels of saturated fat and sodium contribute to a lower nutritional score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and alongside more nutrient-dense foods.
How does CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA compare to other frozen pizzas?
Compared to many other frozen pizzas on the market, CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA's nutritional profile is similar in terms of being an ultra-processed food with notable amounts of saturated fat and sodium. For example, a comparable frozen pizza from brands like DiGiorno or Red Baron would likely share similar characteristics, emphasizing the need for portion awareness across the category.
What does 'uncured pepperoni no nitrate or nitrite added' mean?
This claim means that no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added during processing. Instead, the product uses natural sources of nitrates, such as 'fruit and spice extracts', which are then converted to nitrites by bacterial cultures. It's important to note that these naturally occurring nitrates still function similarly to added nitrates.
What is a recommended portion size for this pizza?
The manufacturer's recommended serving size is 0.333 of the pizza. Adhering to this portion is important for managing your intake of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Consuming a larger portion would significantly increase the nutrient amounts per serving.
Can this pizza be part of a vegetarian diet?
No, CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN THE WORKS PIZZA is not suitable for a vegetarian diet as it contains 'uncured pepperoni' and 'cooked Italian sausage'. These are meat-based ingredients, making it inappropriate for those following a vegetarian eating pattern.