Quick Answer
The number of calories in a slice of Ellios pizza can vary depending on the type of pizza. However, on average, one slice of Ellios pizza contains around 300-400 calories.
Calculating Calories in a Slice of Ellios Pizza
Determining the calories in a slice of pizza requires looking at the nutrition information for the specific type of Ellios pizza. Ellios offers many different varieties of pizza, each with its own calorie count per slice.
Some factors that affect the calorie content per slice include:
- Type of crust – Thin crust vs pan pizza vs stuffed crust
- Toppings – Pepperoni, cheese, vegetables, etc.
- Portion size – The diameter and thickness of the slice
To get an accurate measure of calories per slice, check the Nutrition Facts label on the pizza box or the Ellios website nutrition information. The nutrition label provides the serving size (usually 1 slice) and total calories per serving.
As a general guideline, here are the average calories for one slice of some popular Ellios pizza varieties:
| Ellios Pizza Type | Calories Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Cheese Pizza | 290 calories |
| Pepperoni Pizza | 340 calories |
| Supreme Pizza | 380 calories |
| Meat Lovers Pizza | 370 calories |
| Hawaiian Pizza | 330 calories |
| Veggie Pizza | 260 calories |
As you can see, calories range from 260-380 per slice depending on the amount and type of toppings. Cheese pizza tends to be on the lower calorie end while pizzas with more meats and toppings contain more calories.
Factors Affecting Calories in Ellios Pizza
There are a few key factors that determine the calorie content in Ellios pizza slices:
Crust Type
The type of crust impacts the calorie density of the slice. Options include:
- Thin crust – Ellios thin crust is denser and chewier than traditional thin crust pizzas. It contains about 200 calories per slice.
- Hand-tossed – The original Ellios pizza has a medium thick and airy hand-tossed crust with around 210 calories per slice.
- Pan Pizza – Ellios pan pizzas are made in a greased pan for a thick and crispy crust. They contain around 240 calories per slice.
- Stuffed crust – Stuffed crust pizzas contain an outer ring of cheese within the crust itself. This adds an extra 50-100 calories for around 300 calories per slice.
So thinner crusts tend to be lower in calories than pan or stuffed crust options. However, thin crust slices are often smaller.
Toppings
The toppings on the pizza also significantly contribute to calorie content:
- Cheese – Regular mozzarella cheese adds around 80 calories per ounce. So extra cheese adds a considerable amount of calories.
- Meats – Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, etc contain 70-100 calories per ounce.
- Veggies – Onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers provide very minimal calories, around 5-10 calories per topping.
- Fruits and extras – Ingredients like pineapple and black olives add small amounts of calories per slice.
Loading up a pizza with fatty meats like pepperoni or bacon can add a significant number of calories compared to veggie or cheese pizzas.
Portion Size
The overall size of the slice also determines its calorie content. Larger slices from bigger diameter pizzas contain more calories:
- Personal/small pizza – These 6-inch pizzas provide 2-3 thin slices containing around 200-300 calories each.
- Medium pizza – The typical 10-12 inch Ellios pizzas provide 4-6 slices that range from 250-400 calories each.
- Large pizza – Ellios 14-inch pizzas contain 6-8 thick slices with 300-500 calories per slice.
- Extra large pizza – The very largest 18-inch pizzas can have over 700 calories per massive slice!
So the bigger the pizza, the bigger the slice and the more calories it contains. To get a smaller portion, consider ordering a personal pizza or just having a single slice from a larger pie.
Strategies for Making Ellios Pizza Healthier
There are several ways to enjoy your favorite Ellios pizza while reducing the calorie count:
Choose Thin Crust
Opting for a thin, crispy crust can save you 70-100 calories per slice compared to pan or stuffed crust.
Load Up on Veggies
Get all of your favorite vegetable toppings while limiting high-calorie meats. Veggies like mushrooms, onions, and peppers add lots of flavor for very minimal calories.
Avoid Extra Cheese
Order your pizza with regular or light cheese rather than extra. Just 1-2 ounces of mozzarella cheese can add up to 160 calories per slice.
Pick Smaller Slices
Opt for a personal Ellios pizza or just get a single slice from a larger pie to control your portion size. This can save you 100-300 calories compared to eating multiple large slices.
Dip in Marinara
Skip the fatty ranch or blue cheese dressing and dip your crust in marinara sauce for an added flavor boost with just around 20-30 calories per tablespoon.
Make Veggie Pizza
Create your own veggie pizza at home piled high with low-calorie toppings like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms.
Build Your Own Pizza
Choose your own ingredients to control the calories, such as chicken instead of higher-fat meats, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and lots of vegetable toppings.
Nutrition Benefits of Ellios Pizza
While certainly a treat, Ellios pizza does provide some key nutrients, especially when topping are loaded up with veggies. Some of the nutrition benefits in a slice of pizza include:
- Protein – The cheese and meat toppings provide protein to help fill you up. A slice can have 10-15g.
- Vitamins – Tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, onions provide vitamin C, vitamin A, and B-vitamins.
- Minerals – You’ll get calcium, iron, and zinc from the cheese and whole grain crust.
- Fiber – If you choose a whole wheat crust option, a slice provides 2-4g of fiber for digestive health.
So Ellios pizza can be part of healthy diet in moderation by customizing toppings and controlling portions.
Making Your Own Ellios-Style Pizza
For maximum nutrition control and calorie-cutting, making homemade pizza can be an excellent option. Here is a simple recipe to create an Ellios-style pizza at home:
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made whole wheat thin pizza crust or whole wheat dough
- 3-4 tablespoons low-fat marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Toppings: sliced mushrooms, onions, peppers, spinach, etc
- Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- If using dough, roll or stretch it out on a baking sheet or pizza pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over crust, leaving about a 1/2 inch border.
- Top with desired veggies and sprinkle with cheeses.
- Add any additional seasonings.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is crisp and cheese is melted.
- Let cool 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving.
This DIY method allows you to load up on nutrition without excess calories, fat, or sodium from delivery pizza. Make a couple personal pizzas for easy portion control.
Healthy Low-Calorie Ellios Pizza Options
If ordering takeout, Ellios does offer some lower calorie pizza alternatives:
Thin ‘N Crispy Veggie Pizza
– Crispy thin crust with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, green peppers
– 1 slice = 180 calories
11″ Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
– Whole wheat crust with zesty tomato sauce and roasted veggies
– 1 slice = 140 calories
14″ Cheese Pizza – Hand Tossed Crust
– With half the regular amount of cheese
– 1 slice = 230 calories
11” Buffalo Chicken Pizza
– Grilled chicken, hot sauce, and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
– 1 slice = 210 calories
Sticking to thin crusts, lighter cheeses, and maximizing vegetable toppings are the best ways to enjoy Ellios pizza while minimizing calorie intake. Consider making your own pizza at home for maximum nutrition control.
Conclusion
One slice of Ellios pizza can range from 260-400 calories depending on the crust, toppings, and portion size. While certainly higher in calories, fat, carbs, and sodium compared to other foods, Ellios pizza and most pizza can be incorporated into a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Opt for thin crusts, pile on the veggie toppings, go light on the cheese, and control your portion sizes to keep calories in check. Making your own pizza at home is also a great way to customize nutrition. So enjoy a slice of Ellios along with other wholesome foods as part of an overall balanced diet.
