Free carb counter from Burke Corp. helps pizza ops with dietary numbers

Overwhelming consumer interest in low carbohydrate diets has sparked a flurry of activity in the foodservice industry to add new menu items. Even starch-laden pizza has not escaped the trend due to industry innovations in low carbohydrate crusts.

Low Carbohydrate Diets

Persons following this type of diet are typically trying to reduce intake of "effective carbohydrates"[1] to 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrate per day, with no more than 10 to 20 grams at any one meal. Exact levels depend on the specific diet program.

Low Carbohydrate Pizza

While typical pizzeria pizza contains between 25 and 40 grams of carbohydrate per slice, low carbohydrate versions usually range between 10 and 15 grams, with some going as low as 3 or 6 grams per serving. To create a low carbohydrate pizza, the pizza operator simply needs to find a low carbohydrate pizza crust alternative and carefully select sauces, toppings, and cheese. (See attached pizza recipe comparison)

Pizzerias are utilizing a variety of innovative crust alternatives to reduce carbohydrate, including thin crusts, whole wheat crusts, specially formulated high protein crusts, tortillas, and even crustless pizza buckets. While the easiest method for the operator is to simply create a very thin crust from standard dough; lower carbohydrate levels can be achieved with special dough formulations that replace flour with ingredients such as wheat gluten, cornstarch, oat fiber, and soy protein concentrate.

Sauce, meat, cheese, and vegetables are all relatively low in carbohydrates and fit very well with a low carbohydrate diet, with some precautions. Recommendations include:

·       Sauces:Choose tomato-based, creamy alfredo, or creamy garlic sauce. Remember that tomato sauce and some creamy sauces contain moderate levels of carbohydrate and should be used in moderation.

·       Cheese:Use regular full-fat or part-skim cheeses. Low fat versions contain higher levels of carbohydrate.

·       Meat: Select all-meat meat toppings. While meat is naturally low in carbohydrate; the addition of soy or other starches increases the carbohydrate levels. (See attached listing of fully cooked meats)

·       Vegetables:Choose vegetables lowest in carbohydrates, such as diced tomatoes, green onions, mushrooms, spinach. In general, all green vegetables are low in carbohydrates.

Fully Cooked Meats: Typical Amounts of Carbohydrate

Pizza Recipe Comparison: Standard Crust vs. Low Carb Crust

* # of carbohydrates in the pizza shell will vary based on the recipe used

** Want to know more about carbohydrate counts? Visit theCarb Counter pageat the Atkins Nutritionals Web site.