Dr. Praeger’s new Pizza Stars offer delectable taste and enhanced nutrition, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together or as individual snacks.
Family-owned Dr. Praeger’s continues to live up to its name with the debut of OU kosher-certified, plant-based frozen Pizza Stars. As a company that was founded on principles of nutrition and health, these Pizza Stars embody that vision. With a mix of vegetables, whole grain oats, and mozzarella cheese, it’s filled with flavor, protein, and fiber. These Pizza Stars can be enjoyed together with family or as individual snacks. There are a few methods to prepare them, including air frying. From the perspective of berachot, it has a set of guiding principles.
Fitting the Nutrition Trends
Dr. Praeger and Dr. Eric Somberg, co-founders of Dr. Praeger’s, were pioneers in recognizing the importance of using plant-based ingredients in their products. The company’s recent release of Pizza Stars aligns with current consumer trends toward healthy eating.
From an article published just this week by Food Business News titled “Protein, fiber at the forefront of functional ingredient trends,” it’s evident that consumers have health and wellness on their minds when choosing foods and beverages. They’re looking for foods that contain fiber and protein to secure a robust gut and build muscle mass.
Dr. Praeger’s new Pizza Stars are a combination of vegetables and mozzarella cheese that encompass both, with 4 g of fiber and 5 g of protein.
It’s no surprise that such a healthy creation is coming from Dr. Praeger’s. In capturing the essence of their company, when the most recent CEO was welcomed by Larry Prager, son of co-founder, Dr. Peter Prager, a PR Newswire Release, carried his words: “When my father put his name on a veggie burger 26 years ago, he could not have predicted the plant-based revolution that was to come. I am so proud, as I know he would be, of the part Dr. Praeger’s has played in bringing delicious, nutrient-dense food to homes all over the country. Dr. Praeger’s has truly been able to meet the moment, and I’m confident it will continue to do so in this exciting next chapter.”
It’s true that the phrase “plant-based” has become germane to society but Dr. Praeger along with co-founder Dr. Eric Somberg, two heart surgeons, were early pioneers of the movement. As health professionals, they took the food we ingest into our bodies very seriously. This places this company on a high plateau to admire.
Preparation Methods
Air fryers are one option for preparing Dr. Praeger’s Pizza Stars. They use less oil, cook quickly, and conserve energy.
One method of preparing the pizza stars is with an air fryer. Ovens and toaster ovens are suitable as well. In the past couple of years, air fryers have been trending. Due to the need for less oil, faster cooking times, and energy conservation, it has become very popular.
In terms of readying, Dr. Praeger’s recommends that “For crispy, browned Stars [5] per serving. Step 1: Preheat to 400°F. Step 2: Cook 5-5½ [minutes].” One serving equals 170 calories.
Flavor Unleashed
When you think of flavor, Dr. Praeger’s Pizza Stars offer a zesty combination of vegetables and mozzarella cheese.
When looking at the combination of ingredients, it’s not difficult to envision how this product embodies succulent tastes. Cauliflower, zucchini, whole grain oats, tomato paste, and other vegetables and spices are joined with mozzarella cheese. It’s a miniature pizza, bite-sized, that can complement dinner or be enjoyed as snacks to reach a feeling of satiety.
Through the Prism of Berachot
The presence of oats determines which berachot to recite for Dr. Praeger’s Pizza Stars.
Rabbi Gersten, the Recorder of OU Psak and Policy, explains how to apply berachot to this new product. He says, “The Beracha Rishona is Mezonos due to the oats which are used to form the crust and are clearly added for taste. However, the Beracha Achrona will be Borei Nefashos. This is because under normal eating conditions, one will not eat a “kezayis” of oats (equal to half the size of an egg) within the time span required to recite Al Hamichya.”
Conclusion
A new vegetable-cheese product has hit the shelves. It’s pizza-like with great flavor coming in miniature bites. Dr. Praeger’s, a manufacturer solely focused on the plant-based world, is the producer, ensuring that health is a main factor in assembling it. It’s easily prepared, whether using an air fryer, oven or toaster oven. As with all foods, it comes with its specific berachot guidelines. Any time a new product hits the market, it’s exciting, especially one that showcases a combination of flavors in a small medium.