5 Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Pizza (2024)

FAQs

5 Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Pizza? ›

Choose vegetables or fruit (hello, pineapple!) as flavorful toppings. Try cauliflower- or chickpea-crust pizza for more fiber. If you like classic crust, try using whole-grain dough instead of white.

Choose vegetables or fruit (hello, pineapple!) as flavorful toppings. Try cauliflower- or chickpea-crust pizza for more fiber. If you like classic crust, try using whole-grain dough instead of white.

Though many types of pizza are high in calories, sodium and carbs, those prepared at home or in a pizzeria can be made healthier by adding nutrient-dense toppings or choosing whole-grain crusts.

Healthy Pizza Toppings

Turkey sausage and roasted chicken provide a healthy and satisfying alternative to regular pepperoni slices. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives are common pizza toppings, all pleasantly nutritious. Some other nutrient-rich options include butternut squash, tofu, lox, and artichokes.

Save time by swapping your regular pizza dough for simple substitutes. Our alternative bases include pitta bread, naan, puff pastry, wraps and polenta.

If you find yourself craving pizza frequently but want to make healthier choices, consider exploring alternative options. Whole grain pizzas with vegetable toppings, cauliflower crust pizzas, or even homemade pizza with lighter ingredients can satisfy your cravings while providing more nutritional benefits.

Rich in Lycopene

Tomato sauce, a pizza staple, is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Heart Health: Lycopene has been extensively studied for its positive impact on cardiovascular well-being.

“We're not suggesting that kids avoid pizza altogether,”Dietz told Ferdman. “But when parents serve it, it's important that they understand it's extremely caloric. They should serve smaller pizzas, or at least smaller slices. They might also want to serve it with vegetables instead of sausage on top.”

What can I use in place of pizza crust? ›

As an alternative to my homemade pizza sauce you can use barbecue sauce, marinara sauce or even white sauce. Replace ham with your favorite protein, such as chicken breast, sliced turkey, salami, bacon or tuna. Or opt for plant based options such as smoked tofu, vegan meat and sliced seitan.