Is Good & gather two cheese pizza crusts Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To determine the dietary status of this product, we must look closely at the construction of the crust, the cheese blend, and the sauce. The primary concern for many consumers is whether hidden non-Kosher ingredients or allergens are present.

The foundation of the crust is enriched wheat flour. This is a standard baking ingredient and is inherently Kosher. However, it is vital to note that wheat is a gluten-containing grain, making this product unsuitable for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The dough utilizes yeast for leavening, which is acceptable in Kosher baking. The fats used include palm oil and canola oil; both are plant-derived and generally considered Kosher, provided they are processed on clean equipment.

The cheese component is where the most scrutiny is often applied. The product contains low-moisture part-skim mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Both are derived from milk. In Kosher law, dairy is permitted, but it cannot be mixed with meat or certain derivatives. Since this is a vegetarian pizza crust (no meat toppings included), the combination of dairy and the vegetable-based crust is acceptable. However, for a product to be strictly Kosher certified, the cheese itself must be produced using Kosher-friendly rennet. The ingredients list cites enzymes and cheese cultures; without a specific Kosher certification symbol (like a 'U' in a circle) on the package, a strictly observant consumer might hesitate, though the ingredients themselves do not violate Kosher laws.

Finally, the pizza sauce contains water, crushed tomato, sugar, and spices. These are all benign ingredients. The inclusion of xanthan gum (a thickener) and garlic powder poses no Kosher issues. The only potential flag is the natural flavor found in the crust; while usually vegetable or dairy-based in frozen pizzas, it is an ingredient that requires verification if the product were to be certified.

Nutritional Value

While the Kosher status is positive, the nutritional profile suggests this is an indulgent treat rather than a health food staple. A single serving (which is typically 1/6th of the crust) contains approximately 180 to 200 calories. The calorie density is driven primarily by the refined carbohydrates in the enriched wheat flour and the added fats.

The fat content is moderate, sitting around 6-8 grams per serving, with a notable amount of palm oil in the crust ingredients. Saturated fat is present due to the cheese. Regarding carbohydrates, there is about 2-3 grams of sugar per serving. While this isn't excessively high, the sugar is likely added to the dough and sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and aid browning during baking.

For those monitoring their intake, this product fits within a standard diet as an occasional meal component. However, because it is a processed frozen food, it lacks the fiber and micronutrient density of a fresh meal. It fits standard diet limits but should be paired with a fresh salad or vegetables to create a more balanced plate.