Blaze Pizza has become a popular choice for pizza lovers due to its customizable format, similar to Subway or Chipotle. You select the crust and toppings, and it's cooked in a wood-fired oven while you wait. With the addition of a keto crust to their menu, those following a ketogenic lifestyle can now enjoy pizza without compromising their dietary goals. This article delves into the nutritional aspects of the Blaze Pizza keto crust, offering insights for both keto enthusiasts and those simply curious about low-carb options.
The Allure of Keto-Friendly Pizza
For individuals adhering to a ketogenic diet, finding suitable pizza options can be challenging. Traditional pizza crusts are typically high in carbohydrates, making them incompatible with the keto diet's emphasis on fat consumption. The introduction of keto crusts by restaurants like Blaze Pizza has been a welcome development, offering a way to enjoy pizza while staying within the desired macronutrient ranges.
First Impressions: Taste and Texture
The Blaze Keto Crust presents a promising option for those seeking a low-carb pizza experience. The initial taste test reveals a pleasant surprise, defying expectations of a bland or cardboard-like flavor. Instead, the crust offers a satisfying base that complements the toppings without being soggy or detracting from the overall experience.
One reviewer noted their initial skepticism, unsure of what to expect from a keto crust at a national chain. However, the first bite dispelled any doubts, leading to an enjoyable pizza experience. Even a teenager who typically dislikes keto-friendly foods found the crust to be "Not Bad," a significant endorsement.
However, it's important to note that the keto crust is very thin and has a milder flavor compared to a regular, full-carb pizza crust. While it may not be an exact replica of traditional pizza, it serves as a solid low-carb carrier for various toppings.
Read also: Low-Carb Pizza Options
Nutritional Breakdown: Macros, Calories, and Ingredients
To fully understand the impact of the Blaze Keto Crust on a ketogenic diet, it's essential to analyze its nutritional content. Blaze Pizza provides a nutritional calculator that allows customers to customize their pizza and view the corresponding macros and calories.
Keto Crust Ingredients: Cauliflower Rice, Low Moisture Mozzarella Cheese, Casein Protein, Flaxseed, Eggs, Whey Protein, Yeast, Spices, Cultured Brown Rice.
An entire 11-inch Keto Pizza contains approximately 910 calories, 50g fat, 83g protein, 25g total carbs, and 10g fiber, resulting in 15g net carbs.
Many keto dieters ran the other way when they read the words “rice flour” or “brown rice” in ingredient lists, but you don’t necessarily have to. It doesn’t matter whether your carbs come from spinach or brown rice, they all affect ketosis the same way. Count the carbs from the Blaze keto crust the same way you would any other meal. This ingredient list consists of recognizable components, including cauliflower rice, mozzarella cheese, and flaxseed.
It's worth noting that while the ingredient list is generally keto-friendly, some toppings may contain hidden sources of carbohydrates. For example, applewood bacon may contain sugar, and shredded mozzarella may contain potato starch. By carefully selecting toppings and utilizing the nutritional calculator, it's possible to create a keto-friendly pizza that aligns with individual macronutrient goals.
Read also: Low-Carb Pizza Options
Pro Tip: You can use clues to figure out how much of an ingredient is actually used in the crust. For example, brown rice is listed after yeast and spices on the ingredients list.
Customization Options and Potential Modifications
One of the advantages of Blaze Pizza is the ability to customize your order according to your preferences and dietary needs. The Keto Pizza automatically comes with Spicy Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Spinach. However, you can add and remove toppings to your liking.
Consider the following modifications to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of your keto pizza:
- Sauce: Replace tomato sauce with Garlic Pesto.
- Cheese: Opt for stronger-tasting cheeses to compensate for the crust's mild flavor.
- Protein: Add grilled chicken or other keto-friendly protein sources.
- Vegetables: Customize the veggie selection to your liking.
Gluten-Free Considerations
The keto crust is gluten-friendly which isn’t always a given with keto products. We repeat, gluten-free does not mean carb-free! Blaze Pizza also offers a gluten-free dough crust which is the most allergen-free crust we’ve ever seen. Surprisingly, it’s pretty low in calories and carbs too. The texture is crispy and chewy, similar to regular wheat-based pizza dough.
Gluten-Free Dough Crust Ingredients: Gluten-Free Blend: Brown Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Yeast.
Read also: Low-carb taco pizza: a must-try!
Bear in mind that you must look over the options that have been filtered of the allergens you checked marked simply because this feature may not be 100% accurate at all times. Ultimately, Blaze Pizza’s goal in offering gluten-free options is to help pizza lovers minimize gluten consumption. The staff is knowledgeable and takes care in preparing the food, which is always a plus. But, the cross-contact chances are high. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you’re unsure about the choices of toppings.
Portion Control and Frequency of Consumption
While the Blaze Keto Crust offers a convenient way to enjoy pizza on a ketogenic diet, it's essential to practice portion control. Given that the entire pizza contains a significant number of calories and net carbs, it may be best to reserve it for occasional indulgences rather than a regular meal.
Unfortunately, the keto Blaze pizza only comes in the personal size and if you plan on feeding the whole family, you’ll have to buy several pizzas or consider making homemade.
Comparison to Other Crust Options
Blaze Pizza offers a variety of crust options, each with its own nutritional profile.
Cauliflower Crust Ingredients: Starch, Water, Egg Whites, Rice Starch, Modified Food Starch, Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Cultured Brown Rice, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Xanthan Gum.
Blaze Pizza’s cauliflower crust is gluten-free, but it contains dairy and eggs. However, the crust it’s NOT vegan or keto-friendly.
Here's a brief comparison:
- Regular Crust: High in carbohydrates, not suitable for keto diets.
- Gluten-Free Crust: A decent option if you’re looking for something quick and easy.
- Cauliflower Crust: Gluten-free, but not keto-friendly due to its starch content.
- Keto Crust: The lowest-carb option, ideal for ketogenic dieters.
Final Verdict: A Keto-Friendly Pizza Option
The Blaze Pizza Keto Crust offers a viable option for individuals seeking a low-carb pizza experience. While it may not perfectly replicate the taste and texture of traditional pizza, it provides a satisfying base for various toppings and allows for customization to align with individual dietary needs.
By carefully selecting toppings, practicing portion control, and considering the nutritional information, you can enjoy a keto-friendly pizza at Blaze Pizza without compromising your dietary goals.