What You Should Know Before Ordering
Pizza is a favorite for many, but if you’re watching your calorie intake, ordering from popular pizza chains can be tricky. Many pizzerias offer indulgent, calorie-packed pizzas, while others provide healthier options for those trying to maintain a balanced diet. Understanding the calorie counts of different pizzas from major pizza chains can help you make more informed choices. In this article, we’ll explore the calorie content of pizzas from some of the most popular pizza chains and offer tips for making healthier selections.
1. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s is one of the largest pizza chains in the world, known for its customizable pizzas and a wide variety of menu items. Their pizza offerings range from indulgent options to lighter alternatives.
- Hand-Tossed Cheese Pizza (Medium 12-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 200-290, depending on crust type
- Fat: 7-12 grams
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Hand-Tossed Pepperoni Pizza (Medium 12-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Protein: 10-12 grams
Domino’s also offers a Thin Crust option, which is lower in calories. A slice of Thin Crust Cheese Pizza (Medium 12-inch) contains about 150-200 calories, making it a better choice for those aiming to cut calories. Additionally, their “Delight” range includes lighter options that focus on more veggies and less cheese, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
2. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is known for its pan pizzas and stuffed crusts, which tend to be higher in calories due to their thick dough and generous use of cheese. However, the chain offers a variety of crust types and topping options to suit different dietary needs.
- Hand-Tossed Cheese Pizza (Medium 12-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 260-300
- Fat: 10-13 grams
- Protein: 11-13 grams
- Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza (Large 14-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 330-400
- Fat: 16-20 grams
- Protein: 14-16 grams
Pizza Hut’s Thin ‘N Crispy Crust option offers fewer calories than their traditional hand-tossed or pan pizzas. A slice of Thin ‘N Crispy Cheese Pizza (Medium 12-inch) contains around 200-240 calories. This makes thin crust a better option for those trying to manage their calorie intake while still enjoying their favorite flavors.
3. Papa John’s Pizza
Papa John’s prides itself on using fresh ingredients, and they offer a range of pizzas with varying calorie counts. However, like other chains, some of their pizzas can be quite high in calories, particularly those with multiple meats and extra cheese.
- Original Crust Cheese Pizza (Medium 12-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 220-290
- Fat: 9-11 grams
- Protein: 9-11 grams
- Original Crust Pepperoni Pizza (Medium 12-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 280-320
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Protein: 10-12 grams
Papa John’s also offers a Thin Crust option, which is lower in calories compared to the Original Crust. A slice of Thin Crust Cheese Pizza (Medium 12-inch) contains around 200 calories, and their Garden Fresh Pizza is a great option for those who want a veggie-packed, lighter meal. It’s worth noting that Papa John’s “Better Ingredients” philosophy extends to some of their more nutrient-dense toppings, like fresh vegetables and grilled chicken.
4. Little Caesars
Little Caesars is known for its affordability and simple menu. While their pizzas are delicious and satisfying, they are often calorie-dense due to the thicker crust and heavier use of cheese.
- Classic Cheese Pizza (Large 14-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 280-300
- Fat: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 12-14 grams
- Pepperoni Pizza (Large 14-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Protein: 13-15 grams
One way to reduce your calorie intake at Little Caesars is to opt for their ExtraMostBestest Thin Crust Pizza. A slice of Thin Crust Cheese Pizza (Large 14-inch) contains around 230-250 calories, making it a better option for those watching their calorie consumption. Additionally, you can ask for extra vegetable toppings to make the meal more filling and nutritious.
5. Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza is popular for its build-your-own pizza concept, which allows customers to customize every aspect of their pizza, from the crust to the toppings. This flexibility makes Blaze a great option for those looking to keep their pizza lighter and healthier.
- Build Your Own Pizza (11-inch Classic Dough, 1 slice):
- Calories: 130-170 per slice, depending on toppings
- Fat: 4-8 grams
- Protein: 5-10 grams
Blaze offers a variety of crust options, including Cauliflower Crust and Keto Crust, both of which are lower in carbs and calories than the traditional dough. The Cauliflower Crust contains around 110-140 calories per slice, while the Keto Crust, which is higher in protein, has about 150-180 calories per slice.
Blaze also offers a wide range of toppings, including fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and vegan cheese, allowing you to create a healthier pizza. To keep calories low, load up on veggies and lean proteins, and use cheese sparingly.
6. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers unique, gourmet-style pizzas with various flavor profiles. While their pizzas tend to be a little fancier, some of their options are surprisingly high in calories.
- Original BBQ Chicken Pizza (Original Hand-Tossed Crust, 1 slice):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 12-16 grams
- Protein: 13-15 grams
- Margarita Pizza (Original Hand-Tossed Crust, 1 slice):
- Calories: 240-300
- Fat: 10-13 grams
- Protein: 10-12 grams
CPK also offers a Cauliflower Crust option, which is lower in calories and carbs. A slice of Cauliflower Crust Margarita Pizza contains around 220-270 calories, making it a healthier option compared to the Original Crust. CPK’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and creative vegetable toppings makes it a great place to enjoy a lighter, more nutritious pizza.
7. Sbarro Pizza
Sbarro is a popular pizza chain often found in mall food courts, known for its large, New York-style pizza slices. While these pizzas are satisfying, they are typically very high in calories due to their size and thickness.
- Cheese Pizza (New York Style, Large 17-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 430-500
- Fat: 18-20 grams
- Protein: 20-22 grams
- Pepperoni Pizza (New York Style, Large 17-inch, 1 slice):
- Calories: 480-550
- Fat: 22-26 grams
- Protein: 22-24 grams
To make a healthier choice at Sbarro, consider ordering a smaller portion or opting for their Thin Crust options, which are slightly lower in calories than the traditional New York-style pizzas.
When comparing to costco pizza calories, you can see more stats.
Tips for Healthier Pizza Choices at Chains
- Choose Thin Crust: Opting for thin crust instead of thick or stuffed crust will significantly reduce the calorie count of your pizza.
- Limit Processed Meats: Meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Choose leaner options like grilled chicken or turkey instead.
- Load Up on Veggies: Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them the perfect pizza topping for a more nutritious meal.
- Use Less Cheese: Ask for light cheese or try using less cheese at home to reduce fat and calorie content.
- Control Portions: If ordering from a chain that serves large slices, consider sharing or saving half for later. Pair your pizza with a salad to create a more balanced meal.
Conclusion
Pizza from popular chains can be calorie-dense, but with the right choices, you can enjoy your favorite slices while keeping your calorie intake in check. Opting for thin crust, choosing lean proteins, and loading up on vegetables are great strategies for making healthier pizza choices. With these tips in mind, you can indulge in a delicious pizza meal without straying too far from your dietary goals.
Leave a Reply