Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America and around the world. Whether you’re eating it at a restaurant, buying it from your local pizzeria, or making it at home, pizza is a go-to food for many. But with its cheesy, saucy, doughy deliciousness comes a lot of calories and fat. So how many calories are actually in a slice of pizza?
Quick Answer
The number of calories in a slice of pizza can vary greatly depending on the size of the slice, type of crust, and toppings used. However, on average, one slice of a 14-inch pepperoni pizza contains about 285 calories.
Factors That Affect Pizza Calories
There are several factors that impact the calorie content of pizza:
Size of the Slice
Larger pizza slices contain more calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein since there is simply more pizza per slice. For example, one slice from a large 16-inch pepperoni pizza can have around 500 calories while a small slice from a personal 10-inch pizza may have just 180 calories.
Type of Crust
The type of crust impacts calories too. A thin, crispy crust will have fewer calories than a thick, soft, flaky deep dish crust. For example, a 6-inch deep dish slice can contain 300-400 calories compared to a thin crust slice which may have 150-200 calories.
Cheese Amount
Cheese is one of the main sources of fat and calories on pizza. A slice with extra cheese can have up to 50% more calories than a regular slice. Also, cheese types like mozzarella, cheddar, feta, and others vary in calorie content.
Meats and Other Toppings
Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham and other pizza meats add a lot of fat and calories. Veggie toppings like onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and olives add fewer calories than meats. Going “deluxe” with lots of toppings means more calories.
Calories in Different Pizza Styles
Here is an overview of estimated calories for slices from different types of pizza:
| Pizza Style | Calories (Average Slice) |
|---|---|
| New York-style | 260-320 |
| Chicago deep dish | 350-450 |
| Neapolitan | 220-280 |
| Sicilian | 320-400 |
| Greek | 260-330 |
| California | 240-310 |
| Detroit | 340-420 |
| Stuffed crust | 320-400 |
Calorie ranges account for different toppings, crust thickness, cheese amounts, etc.
New York-Style
Authentic New York pizza has a thin, foldable crust with just the right amount of chewiness. The large slices from a New York pie have between 260-320 calories on average.
Chicago Deep Dish
This style has a buttery, thick crust that forms a deep pan or bowl filled with cheese, sauce, and toppings. The huge slices coming in at 350-450 calories.
Neapolitan
Neapolitan pizza has a soft, puffy, thin crust, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It has fewer calories with 220-280 per slice since the crust is thinner.
Sicilian
Sicilian pizza is a thick square with a spongy, dense crust. It often has less cheese but more sauce. Calories range from 320-400 per thick slice.
Greek
Greek-style pizza has a flavorful crust and is topped with spinach, feta cheese, and olives instead of typical meats and veggies. It averages 260-330 calories per slice.
California
California pizza has a thin, crispy crust with creative toppings like shrimp, avocado, cilantro and turkey bacon. With less cheese, calories are lower at 240-310 per slice.
Detroit
Detroit pizza is baked in metal trays to create a thick, crispy bottom crust with fluffy edges and lots of melty cheese on top. It packs about 340-420 calories a slice.
Stuffed Crust
Stuffed crust has melted cheese inside the outer edge of the crust, adding extra calories at 320-400 per slice.
Calories by Pizza Topping
The more loaded your pizza is, the more fattening it becomes. Here are the calories added by common pizza toppings per slice:
| Topping | Added Calories |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni | 40-70 |
| Sausage | 80-100 |
| Bacon | 25-50 |
| Ham | 35-55 |
| Beef | 60-90 |
| Chicken | 30-60 |
| Mushrooms | 5-10 |
| Onions | 10-15 |
| Tomatoes | 5-10 |
| Green Peppers | 5-10 |
| Jalapeños | 5-10 |
| Pineapple | 15-25 |
| Extra Cheese | 50-100 |
As you can see, meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon significantly increase the calories while veggies add just a small amount. Piling on extra cheese really ramps up the calories too.
Low Calorie Pizza Options
There are ways to enjoy pizza while limiting calories:
- Choose thin crust instead of thick, deep dish crusts
- Select a small or medium pizza over large
- Load up on veggie toppings instead of fatty meats
- Ask for less cheese or no extra cheese
- Opt for lighter cheese options like feta instead of full-fat cheeses
- Avoid stuffed crusts
- Order light sauce instead of extra sauce
- Pick smaller slices
- Stick to 1-2 slices instead of 3 or more
- Add a side salad instead of extra slices
Also, many pizzerias now offer healthier low-calorie pizza options with vegetable-based crusts, reduced fat cheese, and fresh veggie toppings without greasy meats.
Nutrition Facts for Pizza
Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a 1 slice serving (1/8 of a 14” pizza) of plain cheese pizza:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 12g |
As you can see from the nutrition information, a single slice of pizza packs over 250 calories and nearly an entire day’s worth of saturated fat and sodium. The protein comes mainly from the cheese while carbs are found in the dough. There are limited vitamins and minerals since pizza is not a nutrient-dense food.
Low Calorie Pizza Brands
Many national pizza chains and brands now offer healthier low calorie options. Here are some of the top picks for light pizzas with a slice coming in under 300 calories:
- Digiorno Thin & Crispy Pizzas – 270 calories per slice
- California Pizza Kitchen Crispy Thin Crust pizzas – 250 calories
- Jack’s Original Thin Crust Pizza – 220 calories
- Lean Pockets Thin Crust Pizza – 280 calories
- Amy’s Cheese Pizza – 270 calories
- Milton’s Cauliflower Crust Pizzas – 260 calories
- DiGiorno Pizza – Fit Line – 260 calories
Checking the nutrition facts label and asking for nutrition information at restaurants can help identify lower calorie pizza options.
Tips for Lower Calorie Pizza
Here are some tips to cut calories when eating pizza:
- Order a small 6-8 inch personal pizza instead of a large pie.
- Choose thin crust instead of pan, deep dish or stuffed crust.
- Load up on vegetable toppings instead of meats and extra cheese.
- Blot excess oil and grease from pizza with a napkin.
- Scrape off extra cheese or ingredients to reduce calories per slice.
- Stretch one slice into two smaller slices.
- Pair it with a big salad full of veggies.
- Avoid high calorie sides like garlic bread, wings, or breadsticks.
- Split one pizza with a friend instead of each eating a whole pie.
- Opt for a smaller appetizer-size pizza for a lighter option.
Being mindful of portions and toppings is key to keeping pizza calories in check.
Low Calorie Pizza Crusts
You can also make pizza healthier at home by using low calorie crust alternatives:
- Cauliflower crust – Cauliflower heads processed into a pizza crust cuts calories and carbs.
- Zucchini crust – Shredded zucchini makes a fiber-filled crust.
- Butternut squash crust – Butternut squash adds nutrients.
- Eggplant crust – Sliced and roasted eggplant as the crust.
- Portobello mushroom caps – Grilled portobellos substitute for dough.
- Chicken crust – Shredded baked chicken makes a protein-packed crust.
- Thin whole wheat crust – Choose thin whole grain crusts.
Using veggie-based swaps and thin whole grain crusts slashes calories, carbs, and fat for guilt-free pizza.
Pizza Nutrition Conclusion
Pizza can either be a diet disaster full of calories, fat, and sodium or a lighter option when you pay attention to portions and toppings. The biggest factors for pizza calories comes down to size, crust, cheese amount, and toppings.
On average, one slice of a 14-inch pepperoni pizza contains about 285 calories. But that can easily shoot up to 500+ calories for a loaded deep dish slice. Choosing thin crust pizzas with lots of veggies instead of meat and light cheese can keep calories in a reasonable range.
Pizza night doesn’t have to derail your diet goals. By making smart swaps like cauliflower crust, loading up veggies, and avoiding excess cheese and fatty meats, you can still enjoy pizza without overdoing it on calories!
