I Tried Trader Joe’s New Healthy Pizza Crust and the Hype Is Real
Everyone loves pizza; this is an indisputable fact. But pizza is not exactly the most health-conscious food, and I’d wager there are probably a lot of people out there desperate for a diet-friendly alternative. Luckily Trader Joe’s has a new gluten-free, egg-free broccoli and kale pizza crust in its freezer aisle. I recently decided to try it out for myself and, for the most part, the hype is earned: It’s super customizable, vegetable-forward, and will satisfy your pizza craving.
I Tried Trader Joe’s Popular Broccoli and Kale Pizza Crust
The crust’s ingredient list is pretty straightforward: broccoli, black kale, corn flour, olive oil, and salt. You’ll need to bake the crust (for about 12 minutes on each side) before adding your toppings. If you like your pizza a little crispier, you can broil for an extra five minutes. I think this step is crucial; I didn’t let the crust broil long enough (the edges just lightly browned) and it turned out chewy and almost gummy in texture. I know some people prefer their crust on the chewier side, though, so you can adjust for your preferences. Because of the corn flour, it also feels a bit grainier than regular pizza crust.
I wanted to keep the vegetable theme going (after all, if this is supposed to be a healthier alternative to pizza, I wanted to give it my best shot), so I added a few simple ingredients: diced cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. I let the pizza bake for another five minutes, just long enough for the tomatoes to get soft, creating an almost chunky tomato sauce on top.
The result was closer to a flatbread than a pizza, and I’ll be honest, I did feel more virtuous while eating it. I especially loved the crunchy outer edges. If you’re trying to eat lighter meals, or looking for a more exciting way to eat your vegetables, I would recommend trying this pizza crust out. (Before adding toppings, each slice comes out to 70 calories!)
This crust is literally a blank slate: You can melt cheese on top, or add mushrooms, sausage, bell peppers — any of your favorite pizza toppings, really. The better-for-you foundation gives you an excuse to experiment with combinations until you stumble upon your ultimate pizza creation.