Cauliflower Come-Up

What Makes Cauliflower the Go-To Low-Carb Substitute

Cauliflower has had quite the come-up over the years and having its time in the food and nutrition spotlight. It’s used a low-carb substitute for nearly everything that’s usually bread-based or has a significant amount of carbs; a perfect, versatile substitute for people on diets like the Keto diet.

You’re more than likely familiar with these cauliflower-based foods:  

• Cauliflower rice
• Cauliflower bagels and bread
• Cauliflower tortillas 
• Cauliflower mashed potatoes 
• Cauliflower hummus 
• Cauliflower crust for pizza

Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower

Other than being a replacement for starchy carbs, cauliflower has a lot of nutritional benefits, particularly vitamins and fiber. It’s rich in: 

• Vitamin C – Reduces inflammation, promotes iron absorption, protects you against free radicals that increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. 
• Vitamin K -Promotes bone health and blood-clotting, which improves the healing of wounds. 
• Vitamin B6 – Promotes brain development and a healthy immune and nervous system. Folate—Essential for fetal, infant and adolescent development and growth; helps make DNA and other genetic material. 
• Fiber – Lowers cholesterol, helps control blood sugar 

Love Pizza? Great, But Not All Cauliflower Crusts are Created Equal

One of the most common cauliflower substitutes is cauliflower pizza crusts and there are plenty of store-bought options to choose from. However, not all cauliflower crusts are made equal. Just because it’s a low-carb option doesn’t it’s actually low-carb. Let us explain further using the example of Real Good Foods. 

Real Good Foods recently had a breakthrough on its cauliflower crusts—they increased the amount of cauliflower and almonds in their crust and reduced the amount of cheese compared to their previous crust. Their thinner and crispier crust still tastes like a traditional pizza, but without all the carbs.

In contrast, other brands who promote their cauliflower crusts as a low-carb may actually contain ingredients that aren’t lower-carb in nature, such as rice flour and a variety of starches that increase the carbohydrate content of its product without increasing the amount of protein. In reality, a general brand’s cauliflower crust may not be that much lower in carbs than a regular pizza crust, which could be up to 36 grams.

 Let’s take compare the crusts and the ingredients of their cheese pizzas. 

So How do I Know Which Cauliflower Crust to Choose?

The answer to that question depends on your health goals and your attitude towards carbs. If you’re seeking the lowest-carb option possible, then go with the crust that fits that mold. If you’re an option that’s simply lower than a regular pizza. Before you make your decision, pay attention to the food label on any cauliflower-crust pizza you choose, including the serving size and the order of ingredients. 

Then after that, it’s all about enjoying your pizza night with your favorite toppings! 

This content is sponsored by Real Good Foods, a Founding Partner of Beyond Type 2.

WRITTEN BY T'ara Smith, POSTED 06/27/19, UPDATED 10/11/22

T’ara was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in July 2017 at the age of 25. Since her diagnosis, she focused her academic studies and career on diabetes awareness and living a full life with it. She’s excited to have joined the Beyond Type 1 team to continue her work. Two years later, T'ara discovered she'd been misdiagnosed with type 2 and actually has latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Outside the office, T’ara enjoys going to the movies, visiting parks with her dog, listening to BTS and cooking awesome healthy meals. T’ara holds an MS in Nutrition Education from American University.