Pizza is a beloved food for many people. The combination of dough, sauce, cheese and toppings makes it a tasty and comforting meal or snack. However, pizza is also known for being high in calories, especially from restaurant or take-out pizzas laden with cheese and fatty meats. For people watching their weight or nutrition intake, the number of calories in a slice of pizza is an important consideration.
Whole Foods Market, the national chain of grocery stores focused on natural and organic foods, offers pizza by the slice at many of its locations. While likely healthier than typical take-out pizza thanks to fresh ingredients and recipes, Whole Foods pizza still packs a caloric punch. But exactly how many calories are in a slice from Whole Foods? The answer depends on the specific type of pizza.
Factors Affecting Pizza Calories
Several factors affect the calorie content in a slice of pizza:
Type of Crust
The crust is the pizza’s foundation, and a thick, dense crust often adds more calories than a thin, crispy crust. Whole Foods uses a standard pizza dough for their slices, rather than a deep dish or stuffed crust. This helps keep the calorie count per slice in a reasonable range.
Cheese Amount and Type
Cheese is often the most calorie-dense topping on pizza. Using low-fat mozzarella instead of regular, and limiting the amount, reduces the calories versus an extra cheesy pizza. Whole Foods uses part-skim mozzarella on their pizzas.
Other Toppings
Higher calorie meats like pepperoni, sausage and bacon pack on more calories than vegetable toppings like mushrooms, onions and peppers. Whole Foods pizza recipes favor vegetable, chicken or shrimp toppings over higher fat meats.
Portion and Slice Size
A smaller slice means fewer calories. Whole Foods pizza slices are generally cut into 6-8 slices per pizza. Choosing just one slice rather than two or more avoids overeating.
Cooking Method
Avoiding deep frying or oil-laden pan cooking methods reduces the calories in pizza crust and toppings versus traditional take-out pizza. Whole Foods pizzas are baked in ovens, a healthier cooking technique.
Calories in Specific Whole Foods Pizza Slices
Now that we’ve examined the factors affecting pizza calories, let’s analyze the numbers for slices of specific Whole Foods pizza varieties:
Cheese Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 320
– Total Fat: 14g
– Carbs: 33g
– Protein: 15g
Cheese pizza has a basic nutrition profile, with calories coming mostly from the dough and cheese. Whole Foods uses part-skim mozzarella to trim some fat versus full-fat cheese.
Pepperoni Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 370
– Total Fat: 18g
– Carbs: 34g
– Protein: 16g
The addition of pepperoni adds 50 calories and 4 grams of fat compared to cheese pizza. Note this is a lighter “turkey” pepperoni, avoiding the high fat content of traditional pepperoni.
Veggie Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 280
– Total fat: 9g
– Carbs: 37g
– Protein: 13g
With a base of vegetables instead of meat, this pizza has fewer calories and less fat than either the cheese or pepperoni. The veggies – mushrooms, onions and peppers – contribute more vitamins and fiber, too.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 330
– Total fat: 13g
– Carbs: 33g
– Protein: 19g
Chicken as a leaner protein makes this pizza almost comparable to the basic cheese pizza in calories and fat. The barbecue sauce adds a little sweetness and tang.
Lowest Calorie Whole Foods Pizza Options
If limiting calories is your priority, consider these lowest calorie pizza slice options at Whole Foods:
Veggie Pizza
As the analysis above shows, the vegetable-topped veggie pizza is the lowest calorie option, at just 280 calories per slice. Load up on mushrooms, onions, peppers and tomatoes to add lots of flavor for minimal calories.
Cheese Pizza
Surprisingly, cheese pizza clocks in as the second lowest calorie option per slice. By using part-skim mozzarella and avoiding meat toppings, Whole Foods keeps the cheese pizza slices reasonably light at 320 calories.
Margherita Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 300
– Total fat: 9g
– Carbs: 35g
– Protein: 13g
Fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella make this simple, classic Italian pizza a lower calorie choice.
| Pizza Variety | Calories Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Veggie Pizza | 280 |
| Cheese Pizza | 320 |
| Margherita Pizza | 300 |
Highest Calorie Options
On the higher calorie end, these Whole Foods pizza slices should be enjoyed occasionally as a treat:
Meat Lover’s Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 430
– Total fat: 23g
– Carbs: 33g
– Protein: 21g
Loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage and bacon, this protein-packed pizza unsurprisingly also packs the most calories and fat per slice.
Supreme Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 400
– Total fat: 18g
– Carbs: 36g
– Protein: 18g
Supreme pizza combines meat and veggies for a filling slice that hits 400 calories. Topped with pepperoni, onions, mushrooms and green peppers, this loaded pizza is satiating but calorie-dense.
Hawaiian Pizza
– 1 slice (1/8th of 14” pizza)
– Calories: 360
– Total fat: 15g
– Carbs: 39g
– Protein: 15g
Sweet pineapple and salty ham make this tropical pizza taste great, but also weigh in at 360 calories and 15 grams of fat per slice.
| Pizza Variety | Calories Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Meat Lover’s Pizza | 430 |
| Supreme Pizza | 400 |
| Hawaiian Pizza | 360 |
Tips for Enjoying Pizza While Managing Calories
Pizza lovers don’t have to give up their favorite food to eat healthier and manage calories. Here are some tips for enjoying Whole Foods pizza while keeping an eye on nutrition:
Stick to 1 Slice
Limiting pizza to just one slice avoids overindulging in what should be an occasional treat food.
Mix up Vegetable Toppings
Load up sliced with extra veggies to increase nutrients and fiber for less calories than meat, cheese and fatty toppings.
Pair with a Salad
Enjoy pizza alongside a fresh, low-calorie salad for a more balanced, well-rounded meal.
Select Thin Crust
Thin, crispy crust means fewer calories than deep dish or thicker, bread-like crusts.
Avoid Appetizers and Desserts
Skip appetizers and desserts and consider pizza your main meal to keep calories in check.
Watch Portion Sizes of Sides
If enjoying sides like garlic knots or fries, stick to recommended serving sizes instead of overeating empty calories.
Split with a Friend
Order one pizza to share with a friend instead of each getting a whole pie. Splitting allows you to enjoy great flavors in moderation.
Conclusion
When eaten occasionally and in moderation, pizza can be part of an overall healthy diet. A slice of Whole Foods pizza ranges from 280 to 430 calories, depending on the variety. Choosing vegetable-topped options, limiting meat and cheese-heavy pizzas, and watching portion sizes allows you to satisfy a pizza craving while being mindful of your calorie intake. Use the nutrition numbers and tips provided to enjoy your favorite food without overdoing it on calories.
