Quick Answer
The number of calories in a slice of New York style pizza can vary greatly depending on the size of the slice, type of crust, and toppings used. However, on average, one slice of plain New York style pizza contains between 200-300 calories. A slice with meat toppings like pepperoni or sausage may contain 300-400 calories.
What is New York Style Pizza?
New York style pizza, also known as New York slice pizza, refers to the typical style of pizza sold by the slice in New York City pizzerias. It has a thin, foldable crust and is often sold in large wide slices intended for a single person.
Some key characteristics of New York style pizza include:
– Thin, foldable crust with a crisp bottom – The crust is thin enough that it can be folded in half when eating a slice. This also allows it to be served by the slice instead of a full pie.
– Hand tossed, not rolled out – The dough is stretched by hand, giving the crust an irregular shape instead of being perfectly round or rolled out evenly.
– Large wide slices – Each slice is cut from a large diameter pie, making the slices wide enough to fold. Slices are typically triangular.
– Minimal toppings – Traditional New York style pizzas have minimal toppings compared to other pizza styles. Popular toppings include mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and pepperoni or mushrooms.
Typical Serving Size
New York style pizza is traditionally served in wide slices that are meant for individual servings. Here are some typical serving sizes:
– 1 slice – A single slice of New York pizza is considered one serving. The size can range from 4-6 ounces per slice depending on the pizzeria.
– 1/4 pizza – Ordering a full New York style pizza with 4-8 slices and eating 1/4 of the pizza (1-2 slices) is another common serving.
– 1/2 pizza – Two people may split one large pizza, with each eating 2-4 slices.
So while the exact slice size may vary between pizzerias, one single slice is standard as an individual portion. Those with larger appetites may consume multiple slices.
Calories in Crust
The thin, foldable crust is a major component of New York style pizza. The number of calories in the crust depends on:
– **Size of the slice** – Larger slices mean more crust and more calories. An average slice may have 80-150 calories from just the crust.
– **Ingredients in dough** – Traditional pizza dough contains flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Higher fat ingredients like oil will increase the calorie count.
– **Cooking method** – A crisp crust from a pizza oven may have slightly more calories than a softer crust due to dehydration.
Most sources estimate the crust contributes 100-200 calories for an average slice. Using calorie-conscious ingredients and baking methods can further reduce the calories in the crust.
Calories in Sauce
The tomato sauce or “red sauce” on a New York slice is minimal compared to the amount of cheese. An average slice of pizza may have around 50-100 calories from sauce.
This estimate is based on:
– 2-4 tablespoons of pizza sauce per slice
– Approximately 10-20 calories per tablespoon of pizza sauce
– Sauce made from tomatoes, olive oil, spices
So while the sauce adds essential flavor, it is not a major source of calories compared to other pizza toppings.
Calories in Cheese
Cheese is often the most calorie-dense topping on a New York slice. The typical cheeses used include:
– **Mozzarella** – Fresh mozzarella or low-moisture shredded mozzarella provide the signature stretchy, gooey texture.
– **Parmesan** – Grated parmesan may be sprinkled on top to add a sharp, salty flavor.
– **Provolone** – Aged provolone is sometimes mixed with mozzarella for its bold taste.
The amount of cheese per slice can vary:
– **Light cheese** – 2 ounces of cheese contributes approximately 160 calories
– **Regular cheese** – 4 ounces of cheese contributes approximately 320 calories
– **Extra cheese** – 6+ ounces of cheese can add over 480+ calories
So cheese often provides 200-400 calories per slice depending on liberality of the portions. To lower the calorie count, request light cheese or extra sauce instead of extra cheese.
Calories in Meat Toppings
Popular protein toppings like pepperoni and sausage can significantly increase the calories per slice. Here are some estimates for common meat toppings:
| Topping | Calories (per ounce) | Calories (2 ounces) |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperoni | 70 | 140 |
| Sausage crumbles | 45 | 90 |
| Ham | 35 | 70 |
| Bacon | 60 | 120 |
| Salami | 45 | 90 |
| Chicken | 30 | 60 |
Two ounces of a meat topping generally adds approximately 100-200 extra calories. Ordering extra meat or multiple types of meat will result in a slice with over 500 calories. To reduce calories, opt for veggies instead of lots of meats.
Calories in Veggie Toppings
While vegetables add lots of nutrients, they contribute minimal extra calories per slice. Some examples for typical 1/4 cup veggie toppings:
– Mushrooms: 5 calories
– Onions: 10 calories
– Green bell peppers: 5 calories
– Spinach: 3 calories
– Tomatoes: 4 calories
Other low-calorie options are broccoli, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and plant-based sausage or meatballs. Loading up a pizza with veggies instead of meat is an easy way to cut back on calories while still enjoying flavorful toppings.
Examples of Calorie Counts
To summarize, here are some examples of total calorie counts for different types of New York style pizza slices:
– **Cheese slice:** Approximately 300 calories
– **1 Regular slice with 2 ounces pepperoni:** Approximately 475 calories
– **1 Regular slice with 2 ounces sausage:** Approximately 425 calories
– **1 Regular slice with mushrooms, onions, peppers:** Approximately 350 calories
– **1 Regular slice with extra cheese:** Approximately 550 calories
– **1 Large slice with meat lovers toppings:** Over 600 calories
As you can see, calories per slice range from 300 on the lighter end up to over 600 calories for an extra-large, extra-topping loaded pizza.
Tips for Lower Calorie New York Pizza
Here are some tips for reducing calories when eating New York style pizza:
– Stick to 1 average slice for a meal rather than multiple servings
– Order light cheese instead of extra cheese
– Load up on veggie toppings instead of lots of high-calorie meats
– Opt for thin crust over deep dish or pan pizzas
– Blot excess oil or grease from the pizza with a napkin
– Ask for a side salad instead of fries or cheesy breadsticks
– Share one pizza between multiple people to control portions
– Enjoy the crust and don’t eat just the cheesy toppings
– Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened sodas or beers, which have hundreds of calories
With some adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious taste of New York pizza without going overboard on calories. Moderation and making veggie-focused choices are key for a lighter slice.
Nutritional Comparison With Other Foods
Here is how a slice of New York pizza compares calorie-wise to some other common foods:
| Food | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 slice cheese pizza (300 calories) | 300 |
| Medium french fries | 380 |
| Big Mac | 540 |
| Chicken Caesar salad | 490 |
| Roasted chicken breast (6 ounces) | 230 |
| Baked potato | 160 |
A 300 calorie slice of cheese pizza contains a similar number of calories to many other common meals or menu items. While pizza is high in fat, it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation alongside other nutritious foods.
Calories in Sides and Drinks
The total calories when dining on New York pizza goes up significantly if adding appetizers, sides, or drinks. Some common additions to consider:
– Garlic knots (4 knots) – 200 calories
– Breadsticks with dipping sauce (4) – 300-400 calories
– Chicken wings with blue cheese (6 wings) – 450 calories
– Fried mozzarella sticks (4) – 400 calories
– Garden or Caesar salad – 150-300 calories
– 12 oz cola – 140 calories
– 12 oz beer – 150 calories
A slice of cheese pizza plus a salad, wings, and a drink could total over 1000 calories. To keep the meal lighter, share appetizers or pick healthier sides like salads with light dressing or broth-based soups.
Low-Calorie New York Pizza Options
Many pizzerias now offer healthier crust and topping options to appeal to calorie-conscious diners. Here are some popular choices:
Cauliflower Crust
Cauliflower crust is a trendy option substitute for traditional dough, providing fewer carbohydrates and calories. A thin-crust cauliflower pizza saves around 100 calories compared to a regular crust.
Vegetable Crust
Pizza with a crust made from spinach, mushrooms, or other blended vegetables can shave off calories from a classic New York slice.
Low-Fat Cheese
Some pizzerias use reduced-fat mozzarella or cheese blends to cut down on saturated fat and calories.
Lean Meats
Chicken, shrimp and Canadian bacon are lower in fat than pork pepperoni and sausage.
Extra Veggies
Get extra servings of veggies like onions, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes instead of loading down with calorie-dense meats and extra cheese.
Light Sauce
Request light sauce or marinara instead of full-fat Alfredo or olive oil bases which are higher in calories.
With customized orders and new menu developments, New York pizzerias are catering to more health-conscious eaters. You can definitely still get a hearty, indulgent slice as well as options to lighten it up.
Conclusion
New York style pizza, with its thin crust and minimal toppings, has a more reasonable calorie count than many other pizza varieties. One plain slice averages 200-300 calories, while a loaded slice with extra cheese and meat can reach 600+ calories.
There are many ways to enjoy pizza while managing calories by opting for lighter ingredients, more veggies, and watching portion sizes of sides and drinks. An occasional slice can be part of an overall balanced diet along with other nutritious low or moderate-calorie choices. Pizza lovers don’t have to give up this satisfying and delicious food, as New York pizzerias now cater to more health-minded customers with lighter options.