Frederic Melton
Pizza is often considered a junk food, but it can be made healthier. One way to do this is to remove the cheese, which is a major source of fat and calories. A slice of pizza without cheese can have around 100 calories less than a slice with cheese. Removing the cheese also reduces the amount of sodium and saturated fat in the pizza. However, removing the cheese also reduces the protein and calcium content of the pizza. For those who want to reduce their calorie intake without giving up cheese entirely, low-fat mozzarella, part-skim ricotta, nutritional yeast, and crumbled feta are some healthier alternatives.
Characteristics and values of a no-cheese pizza:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | A slice of large 14" pizza without cheese contains 210 calories, compared to 340 calories with cheese. |
| Fat and saturated fat | Removing cheese reduces fat and saturated fat intake. Regular mozzarella contains 6-8 grams of fat per ounce, with 4.5 grams from saturated fat. |
| Calcium | Cheese provides about 300mg of calcium per slice, so removing it significantly reduces calcium content. |
| Sodium | Cheese contributes 200-300mg of sodium, so removing it reduces sodium content. However, ensure other salty toppings are limited. |
| Carbohydrates and fiber | The dough makes up a larger proportion of the pizza without cheese, increasing carbohydrates and fiber content. |
| Protein | Removing cheese reduces protein content. |
| Allergies and intolerances | A no-cheese pizza is suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. |
| Heart health | Lower fat and saturated fat content may contribute to improved heart health. |
| Digestive health | Reduced dairy content may improve digestive health. |
| Customization | No-cheese pizzas can be customized with various toppings, including vegetables, plant-based options, and dairy-free alternatives. |
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What You'll Learn
- No-cheese pizzas are lower in calories, fat and saturated fat
- They can be a good option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
- Diets with more plant foods are associated with lower risks of diabetes, heart disease, etc
- No-cheese pizzas are cheaper and healthier
- There are many tasty toppings to add to a no-cheese pizza
No-cheese pizzas are lower in calories, fat and saturated fat
While pizza is often associated with junk food, it can be made healthier. One way to do this is to remove the cheese.
Cheese is a major source of calories, fat, and saturated fat in pizza. By removing the cheese, you can significantly reduce the calorie count of a pizza slice. For example, a slice of large 14" cheese pizza contains about 340 calories. Without cheese, the same slice would contain around 210 calories, a reduction of about 100 calories.
The type of cheese used also makes a difference. For instance, low-fat mozzarella has only 60 calories per ounce compared to 80 calories in regular mozzarella. Other healthier substitutions include part-skim ricotta, nutritional yeast, crumbled feta, goat cheese, and Parmesan. These options provide similar flavour and texture with fewer calories.
In addition to reducing calories, removing cheese from pizza lowers the total fat and saturated fat content, which can be beneficial for heart health. Cheese-less pizzas also tend to have more dough, increasing the fibre content per slice. However, they may have lower protein and calcium levels, so adding vegetables can help compensate for these losses.
No-cheese pizzas can be a delicious and nutritious option, especially when topped with fresh and flavorful ingredients. They are a great choice for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or dietary restrictions.
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They can be a good option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
While pizza is often associated with junk food, it can be made healthier. Removing cheese from pizza, for example, can reduce its calorie count and make it a good option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Cheese is a major source of fat and saturated fat on pizza. A single slice of a large 14" cheese pizza contains about 340 calories. If you remove the cheese, that slice now contains only about 210 calories. Mozzarella, one of the slimmer cheeses, still adds about 5 to 6 grams of fat, 80 calories, and 240 milligrams of sodium per ounce. By removing cheese, you can avoid a significant portion of the fat and saturated fat, as well as reduce your calorie intake, which is beneficial for weight management.
In addition to the health benefits of lower calories and less fat, a cheese-free pizza can be beneficial for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Lactose intolerance is a common condition where the body struggles to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhoea. By eliminating cheese, a major source of lactose, individuals with lactose intolerance can enjoy pizza without experiencing these unpleasant symptoms. Similarly, for those with dairy allergies, who may experience allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, or anaphylaxis, a cheese-free pizza provides a safe and inclusive option.
While some may view cheese-free pizza as a sacrifice in taste, many people enjoy the flavourful alternatives that abound in vegetables, herbs, and spices. For example, a traditional Marinara pizza, one of the oldest types of pizza, features a topping of tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and basil, and does not include any cheese. Additionally, those who opt for cheese-free pizza can still enjoy the protein and calcium benefits of dairy by choosing other calcium-rich foods, such as leafy greens, tofu, and calcium-fortified plant-based milk.
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Diets with more plant foods are associated with lower risks of diabetes, heart disease, etc
While pizza is often considered a junk food, it can be made healthier with a few simple substitutions and additions. One way to make pizza healthier is to opt for a thin crust, which makes the veggies the main focus of the meal. Whole-grain crusts are another healthy option, providing more fiber than regular crusts.
When it comes to cheese, it is a major source of fat and saturated fat on pizza, and removing it can reduce the calorie count by about 100 calories per slice. Lower-calorie cheese alternatives include low-fat mozzarella, part-skim ricotta, nutritional yeast, crumbled feta, goat cheese, and Parmesan.
Research has shown that diets with more plant foods are associated with lower risks of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers. Plant-based diets have been found to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. They also lower LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular-related diseases.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are on the rise, and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans support them as a healthy option. However, some health professionals hesitate to recommend these diets due to outdated resources or misconceptions. Well-planned vegetarian diets can provide various health benefits, but it's important to ensure they include enough fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, and plant-based fats.
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No-cheese pizzas are cheaper and healthier
Pizza is often considered junk food, but it can be made healthier and cheaper by removing the cheese. Cheese is a major source of fat and saturated fat on pizza, and it is also high in calories. By removing the cheese, you can lower the calorie count by about 100 calories per slice and reduce the amount of fat and saturated fat you're consuming. This can be beneficial for weight management and heart health.
In addition, cheese-less pizzas are usually more affordable than their cheesy counterparts. Without the cheese, the cost of the pizza is reduced, and you can focus more on the other toppings you want to add. This makes it a great option for those on a budget who still want to enjoy a delicious slice of pizza.
While some people may think that pizza without cheese isn't real pizza, this is actually not true. Traditional pizza, like the Marinara, which is the oldest pizza served in pizzerias, does not have any cheese. It is simply a flatbread topped with tomatoes, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and basil.
No-cheese pizzas can also be a great option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Removing the cheese can improve digestive health and reduce the chances of an allergic reaction. Additionally, diets higher in plant-based foods like vegetables and whole grains, which can be used as toppings on a no-cheese pizza, are associated with lower risks of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers.
While giving up cheese on your pizza may seem like a sacrifice, it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of delicious alternatives to choose from. You can load up on veggies, such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, or try dairy-free cheese alternatives. Some people even prefer the taste of no-cheese pizza, finding that the cheese can mute the flavors of the other toppings. So, if you're looking for a healthier and more affordable pizza option, give no-cheese pizza a try!
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There are many tasty toppings to add to a no-cheese pizza
While pizza is often associated with junk food, it can be made healthier by reducing calories and increasing nutritional value. One way to do this is to remove the cheese, which can lower the calorie count by about 100 calories per slice and reduce the amount of fat and saturated fat.
- Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, aubergine, and tomatoes are all tasty options. Aubergine, in particular, can be sliced into even rounds, tossed with black bean sauce, and cooked in olive oil until tender. Tomatoes can be reduced over medium heat and gently mashed into a chunky sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh basil, rosemary, and oregano can add flavour to a no-cheese pizza.
- Condiments and sauces: Black bean sauce, olive oil, and garlic can be used as toppings or as bases for sauces.
- Nuts: Walnuts and cashews can be used as toppings, or crushed and mixed with nutritional yeast to make vegan parmesan cheese.
- Meat alternatives: Vegan sausage and meatballs can be added for a heartier pizza.
By choosing a thin, whole-grain, or cauliflower crust, and adding a variety of tasty toppings, a no-cheese pizza can be a delicious and healthy option.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, removing cheese from pizza can make it healthier. Cheese is a major source of fat and saturated fat on pizza. By removing the cheese, you can reduce the calorie count by about 100 calories per slice.
There are many healthy toppings that can be added to a no-cheese pizza. Vegetables such as peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, olives, and garlic are popular choices. Other options include seasoned chicken, pepperoni, broccoli, and yellow squash.
Yes, a no-cheese pizza can also be beneficial for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It may also improve digestive health due to the reduced dairy content. Additionally, diets higher in plant-based foods like vegetables and whole grains, which can be used as toppings or in the crust, are associated with lower risks of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Yes, there are several alternatives to regular cheese that can be used on a pizza. Low-fat mozzarella, part-skim ricotta, nutritional yeast, crumbled feta, goat cheese, and Parmesan are some options that can provide a similar taste with fewer calories.
Yes, there are pre-made and frozen no-cheese pizza options available. Some brands, such as Amy's and Trader Joe's, offer roasted vegetable pizzas that are cheeseless. Many "take and bake" places will also make a no-cheese pizza upon request.
