Most of us love pizza. But if you’re trying to keep fit and make informed diet choices, this question may cross your mind before you bite into that cheesy triangle: how many calories are in a slice of pizza?
This guide dives deep into the calorie content of different pizza types, toppings, and portion sizes so you can enjoy your favorite slices without derailing your health goals. Discover how to make healthier pizza choices and satisfy your cravings guilt-free.
Pizza Nutrition Facts
Knowing the exact pizza nutrition facts is tricky because they vary greatly depending on the brand, size, sauce, toppings, and crust type. However, the following information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives an idea of how many calories are in one slice of regular cheese pizza (107g) from a typical fast-food place [1].
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Calories: 285 kcal
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Total Fat: 10.4 grams
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Carbohydrates: 35.6 grams
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Total Dietary Fiber: 2.46 grams
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Protein: 12.2 grams
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Sodium: 640 milligrams
You can get more precise info from the restaurant websites/apps you’re getting your pizza from. Sites like the USDA FoodData Central also allow you to search for specific pizza types and brands. But if you’re buying frozen pizza, check the nutrition facts panel.
Average Calories in a Pizza Slice by Toppings
Here are some average calorie ranges for standard toppings on a typical slice of pizza:
How Many Calories in a Slice of Sausage Pizza?
A slice of sausage pizza generally contains around 350-400 calories, including the calories from the crust, cheese, and sausage.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Pepperoni Pizza?
Expect about 300-350 calories in a slice of pepperoni pizza. Pepperoni is among the most popular toppings in the world but isn’t the healthiest choice. We recommend exploring healthier pizza toppings like grilled chicken, mushrooms, or peppers.
Average Calories in a Pizza Slice by Brand
Now let’s explore how many calories are in a slice of pizza based on the brand you’re getting it from:
How Many Calories in a Slice of Pizza Hut Pizza?
A “regular” slice of cheese pizza from Pizza Hut has 220 calories, with 10 grams of carbs, 8 grams of fat, 25 milligrams of cholesterol, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 8 grams of fat.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Domino’s Pizza?
A medium cheese pizza from Domino’s has about 1600 calories and a lot of toppings. However, one slice of this pizza has only 200 calories, which is 50 less than a similar one from Pizza Hut.
It contains 8 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of protein. On the other hand, the thin-crust pizza has 290 calories, much more than Pizza Hut’s thin-crust pizza, which has only 190 calories. This option is ideal if you’re following a weight loss program such as VShred.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Little Caesars Pepperoni Pizza?
When you order a 14-inch regular-crust cheese pizza from Little Caesars, each slice will have about 235 calories. If you choose a pepperoni pizza of the same size, you will eat about 245 more calories. A slice of their supreme pizza, full of different kinds of vegetables and pepperoni, has about 280 calories, about the same as a pizza 14 inches long.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Papa John’s Pizza?
A slice of medium cheese pizza from Papa John’s has 210 calories, right in the middle between a slice of Pizza from Domino’s and Pizza Hut. One slice of the substantial thin-crust pizza has 215 calories, meaning the thinner crust has fewer pizza calories than the company’s original crust.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Costco Pizza?
The Costco cheese pizza is one of their most popular ones. The idea is simple—pizza crust, tomato sauce, and cheese. The mozzarella and provolone cheese, adding up to 1.5 pounds (680 g), is evenly spread over the 18-inch extra-large slice of pizza (46 cm).
Because of that, the pizza has a fantastic flavor. It has a total of 700 calories, most of which come from the 44 grams of protein and the 28 grams of fat it contains.
Average Calories in a Pizza Slice by Size
It is only natural to think about pizza calories in relation to slice size. It’s a significant factor, but unfortunately, there’s no universal standard for what “small” or “large” means. This makes it tricky to give exact numbers. However, here are some general guidelines:
How Many Calories in a Small Slice of Pizza?
It might be around 500 to 800 calories if it’s a medium-sized pizza. If it’s a smaller slice from a larger pizza, it could be 150 to 250 calories. If you’re taking a strong appetite suppressant, a small slice should be sufficient.
How Many Calories in a Large Slice of Pizza?
Again, it depends on the size of the whole pizza and how it’s sliced. But, a large slice of a 14-inch pizza generally has 250 to 400 calories.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Supreme Pizza?
A slice can range from 350 to over 500 calories, depending on the size and specific toppings. Supreme pizzas are loaded with toppings, like Italian beef, so they’re calorie-dense.
How Many Calories in a Slice of Cheese Pizza?
The calorie count for a slice of cheese pizza can vary depending on the size, crust type, and amount of cheese. That said, on average, a slice of a standard large cheese pizza can range from 280 to 350 calories
Other Factors That Affect the Average Calories in a Slice of Pizza
Pizza calories are affected by so much more than just the toppings. Here’s a breakdown of those other factors:
Calories in a Homemade Pizza Slice
This is where calorie amounts can swing wildly by controlling the ingredients, crust thickness, toppings, etc. A typical homemade slice could be anywhere from 200 to 500+ calories. You can use whole-wheat flour, olive oil, lots of veggies, less cheese, and lean protein. Even with healthy ingredients, a substantial homemade slice can pack in calories.
Calories in Frozen Pizza
This can range from 200 to over 400 calories. Thin-crust frozen pizzas generally have fewer calories than those with rising crusts or stuffed crusts.
Calories in Vegetarian Pizza
A slice of veggie pizza can have 200 to 350 calories, but it can be higher with a thick crust or lots of cheese.
Calories in a Gluten-Free Pizza Slice
Similar to regular pizza, a slice can range from over 200 to 400 calories, depending on toppings and crust.
Calories in Deep Dish Pizza Slice
Expect about 400 to 600 calories. Deep-dish pizzas, like pan pizzas, have a thick, often buttery crust loaded with toppings, which significantly increases their calorie count.
Calories in Thin Crust Pizza
Depending on toppings, a thin-crust slice of pizza can range from 150 to 300 calories. Even with a thin crust option, like Neapolitan pizza, calorie-dense toppings will add up.
How to Count Pizza Calories
If you’re a pizza lover, then you need to know that counting pizza calories accurately requires some meticulous work, as it depends heavily on the pizza’s specifics. You can start by identifying the crust type (thin, thick, deep-dish, etc.), toppings, and size of the pizza or slice.
If you’re ordering from a restaurant, check the website or in-store brochures for nutrition information. Many pizza chains even offer online nutrition calculators, where you can customize your order and see the calorie count.
For frozen pizzas, look at the nutrition facts panel on the box, paying close attention to the serving size. If you’re making pizza at home, use a recipe calculator or online tools like the USDA FoodData Central to estimate the calories for each ingredient and the overall slice.
Does Pizza Size Affect Calories That Much?
Pizza size directly affects calories because a larger pizza simply means more of all the ingredients: more crust, more pizza sauce, more cheese, and more toppings. This usually translates to a larger overall mass of food and, in turn, more calories.
A small personal pizza might be 6 inches in diameter, while a large pizza could be 14 inches. The large pizza has significantly more surface area. This means more pizza dough and toppings, leading to a much higher calorie count. This is why portion control is crucial when enjoying pizza.
FAQs on Pizza and Calories
Let’s answer the most common questions pizza lovers ask about calories in a slice of pizza and the impact its content has on overall calorie count.
Is One Slice of Pizza Okay on a Diet?
Well, it depends on a few things. Is it a thin-crust, veggie-packed slice or a deep-dish, pepperoni-laden behemoth? A smaller, healthier slice might fit into your daily intake if you’re watching your calories. But remember, pizza can be high in calories, trans fat, and sodium. So, moderation is key. If you’re craving pizza, enjoy it guilt-free, but be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary balance.
How Many Calories Are in 2 Large Slices of Pizza?
A typical large slice of cheese pizza can have 300 to 400 calories, and two slices could easily add up to 600 to 800 calories. If you’re loading up on extra toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or additional cheese, the calorie count will climb even higher.
Is 4 Slices of Pizza Too Much?
If you’re eating a regular-sized pizza, four slices might be a bit much, especially if you’re trying to watch your weight while on fat burning supplements. However, if you’re active and burn a lot of calories, four slices could be a perfectly acceptable treat. Just remember to balance it out with other healthy meals and snacks throughout the day.
Can I Eat Pizza and Still Lose Weight?
Pretty hard, but possible! You can still enjoy pizza while losing weight. The key is moderation and smart choices. Opt for a thin-crust pizza with plenty of veggies and lean protein toppings like grilled chicken or mushrooms. Avoid heavy, greasy toppings and excessive cheese. Additionally, you must prioritize whole foods, regular exercise, and portion control to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
What Is the Healthiest Pizza to Eat?
The healthiest pizza is a homemade one where you control the ingredients added. We recommend a whole-wheat crust. And don’t forget to load it with colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. To round it up, you can top it with a lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. You should also use a light layer of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of low-fat cheese. This way, you can enjoy a delicious pizza without compromising your health goals.
Is Pizza Once a Week Ok?
Yes, as long as you’re mindful of portion sizes and choose healthier toppings. Just make sure to balance it with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains throughout the week.
What Is the Most Unhealthy Thing in Pizza?
The unhealthiest aspect of a pizza often lies in the combination of refined carbohydrates in the crust, high amounts of saturated fat from cheese and processed meats, and excessive sodium. This trio can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, processed meats like pepperoni and sausage often contain nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to certain cancers [2].
What Pizza Has the Lowest Calories?
A thin-crust pizza with minimal toppings, such as veggies, lean protein, light cheese, or homemade pizza sauce, typically has the lowest calorie count. By making these choices, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying pizza without overindulging.
Conclusion
To round it up, the next time you grab a slice and the question “How many calories in a slice of pizza” pops up, remember that pizza can be part of a balanced lifestyle, and moderation is key.
This article has outlined the factors influencing calorie content so you can make informed choices. So, be it homemade or from your favorite pizzeria, you can now enjoy pizza and savor every bite without guilt while keeping your health goals in check.
References
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USDA FoodData Central Food Details. (n.d.). Usda.Gov. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/173292/nutrients
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Chazelas, Eloi, et al. “Nitrites and Nitrates from Food Additives and Natural Sources and Cancer Risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé Cohort.” International Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 51, no. 4, 2022, pp. 1106–1119, doi:10.1093/ije/dyac046.
This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2024.