Patrick Oconnell
Pizza is often seen as an unhealthy food choice, and its sugar content is a contributing factor. Even a simple cheese pizza contains sugar, with an average slice of frozen cheese pizza containing about 5 grams. The sugar content of pizza can be attributed to the sauce and crust, which often contain added sugars. While sugar provides energy, most diets include more sugar than necessary, leading to potential health issues such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. For individuals with diabetes, pizza can be incorporated into a balanced diet, but it is important to consider the blood sugar impact of refined carbs and total carbs, sodium, and saturated fat. Lower-carb crust options, such as almond flour or cauliflower, can help reduce the blood sugar impact of pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does cheese pizza have sugar? | Yes |
| Recommended daily sugar intake | 25 grams (WHO), 30 grams (NHS), 50 grams (FDA) |
| Sugar content in cheese pizza | 5 grams per slice (frozen) |
| Sugar content in cheese pizza with meat | 6 grams per slice |
| Sugar content in Domino's cheese pizza | 13 grams per small pizza |
| Sugar content in Pizza Hut cheese pizza | 1,248 milligrams of sodium per 2 slices |
| Sugar content in sauce | 1.1 grams of added sugar per 1/4-cup serving |
| Sugar content in crust | 7 grams in the crust of a small Domino's pizza |
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What You'll Learn
- A slice of frozen cheese pizza contains around 5 grams of sugar
- Pizza sauce can contain up to 1.1 grams of added sugar per 1/4-cup serving
- Crust also contains added sugar, with thin crusts having less sugar than thick crusts
- Pizza is high in refined and total carbs, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels
- People with diabetes can still eat pizza, but they should moderate their intake and opt for lower-carb crusts
A slice of frozen cheese pizza contains around 5 grams of sugar
Pizza is often viewed as an unhealthy food item, and it is true that it can be high in refined and total carbs, sodium, and saturated fat, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that pizza can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, even for people with diabetes, and that not all pizzas are created equal when it comes to their sugar content.
A slice of frozen cheese pizza, for example, typically contains around 5 grams of sugar. This amount may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used, but it provides a general estimate of the sugar content in this type of pizza.
The sugar in a cheese pizza comes from various sources. One significant contributor is the pizza sauce, which can contain up to 1.1 grams of added sugar per 1/4 cup serving. The crust also typically contains added sugar, and if the pizza includes meat toppings, the sugar content increases, with an average slice of meat pizza containing closer to 6 grams of sugar.
To put this into perspective, each cube of sugar is worth 4 grams, and health organizations recommend a daily limit on added sugar intake. For example, the World Health Organization suggests limiting added sugar to around 25 grams per day, while the UK's National Health Service recommends 30 grams, and the FDA proposes a maximum of 50 grams. So, a slice of frozen cheese pizza with 5 grams of sugar already contributes a significant portion of your daily recommended limit.
To reduce the sugar content of your pizza, you can opt for a thin crust, as it contains less crust, resulting in less sugar. Additionally, you can request half the usual amount of sauce or make your own sauce using pureed tomatoes and herbs. Choosing low-fat cheese, lean meats, and fresh vegetables as toppings can also help lower the sugar content of your pizza, making it a slightly healthier option.
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Pizza sauce can contain up to 1.1 grams of added sugar per 1/4-cup serving
Pizza is often thought of as a savoury dish, but sugar can be found in most slices. While cheese pizza may not seem like an obvious source of sugar, a standard slice of frozen cheese pizza contains about 5 grams. The sugar content can vary depending on the toppings, with meat toppings increasing the sugar content to around 6 grams.
The pizza sauce is one of the main sources of sugar in a cheese pizza. A 1/4-cup serving of pizza sauce can contain up to 1.1 grams of added sugar. This may not seem like a significant amount, but it contributes to the overall sugar content of the pizza. The barbecue sauce on a barbecue chicken pizza, for example, can add around 5.5 grams of sugar per tablespoon.
The crust of a pizza also typically contains added sugar. A thin crust option will generally have less sugar than a regular or thick crust, as there is less crust overall. Additionally, certain low-carb crust options, such as those made with almond flour or cauliflower, will affect blood sugar levels less significantly than traditional crusts made with white or whole wheat flour.
The sugar content in pizza can have health implications. While sugar provides energy, most diets include more sugar than necessary, which can lead to health issues. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and heart disease. It is also a factor in tooth decay. To maintain a healthy diet, it is recommended to limit added sugar intake and consume sugar primarily from whole foods, such as fruit, rather than processed sources.
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Crust also contains added sugar, with thin crusts having less sugar than thick crusts
Pizza is often considered a savoury dish, but sugar is present in most slices. The amount of sugar in a pizza depends on the type of crust, the toppings, and the sauce.
The pizza crust is one of the primary sources of added sugar in a pizza. The crust contains sugar to provide fuel and energy to the body. However, the amount of sugar in the crust varies depending on its thickness. A thin crust contains less sugar than a thick crust. For instance, a small Domino's pizza has 7 grams of sugar in the crust.
People who are conscious about their sugar intake can opt for a thin crust pizza to reduce their sugar consumption. Lower-carb crust options, such as those made with almond flour or cauliflower, are also available and tend to be much lower in carbohydrates, which affects blood sugar levels less significantly.
Additionally, the type of toppings and sauce used can influence the overall sugar content of the pizza. Barbecue sauce, for example, is notoriously sugary, and certain toppings, such as pineapple, can add several grams of sugar to each slice.
Therefore, when it comes to sugar content, the crust plays a significant role, with thin crusts being the preferred choice for those seeking to reduce their sugar intake.
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Pizza is high in refined and total carbs, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels
Pizza is a tasty treat, but it is important to be aware of its nutritional content. Pizza is high in refined and total carbs, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels. This is especially important for those with diabetes, who need to be mindful of their blood sugar management.
A slice of frozen cheese pizza contains about 5 grams of sugar, while a slice of pizza with meat has closer to 6 grams. The sugar content can vary depending on the toppings and the type of crust. For example, pineapple and ham on a pizza can add between 7 and 7.5 extra grams of sugar, and a 1-ounce serving of Canadian bacon adds about 1 gram. The sauce on a barbecue chicken pizza contributes about 5.5 grams of added sugar per tablespoon, and even pickled jalapenos will give you about 0.75 gram of extra sugar.
The crust is also a significant source of sugar. A small Domino's pizza has 7 grams of sugar in the crust and 6 grams in the sauce. Choosing a thin crust option can help reduce your overall sugar intake, as you consume less crust. Additionally, making your pizza at home allows you to control the ingredients and choose lower-carb crust options, such as those made with almond flour or cauliflower.
While pizza can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it is important to be mindful of its impact on blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes. Moderation is key, and it is recommended to incorporate pizza into a balanced diet that primarily consists of whole, nutrient-dense foods.
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People with diabetes can still eat pizza, but they should moderate their intake and opt for lower-carb crusts
People with diabetes can still eat pizza, but it is important to do so in moderation and to be mindful of the amount of carbohydrates and sodium consumed. Pizza can be extremely high in sodium, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes, as they are more likely to struggle with high blood pressure. For example, two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut's cheese pizza contain 1,248 mg of sodium, which is more than half of the daily recommended sodium intake. Most of the sodium in pizza comes from the dough and the cheese, so opting for a thin crust and choosing extra vegetables instead of cheese can help reduce sodium intake.
Pizza is also high in refined and total carbohydrates, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels. An average slice of pizza (107 grams) from a 14" regular crust pizza has 36 grams of carbohydrates. A few slices of pizza can easily lead to consuming over 100 grams of carbohydrates in one sitting. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for lower-carb crusts, such as those made with almond flour or cauliflower, which will have a lesser impact on blood sugar levels than traditional crusts.
Additionally, the dietary fat and protein in pizza can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels, as they slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. This can require a more complex insulin bolusing scheme. Pre-bolusing, or taking insulin about 15 minutes before eating, can help prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that this can also lead to a quickly plummeting blood sugar level within 45 to 90 minutes, requiring additional treatment.
While people with diabetes can enjoy pizza on occasion, it is important to incorporate it into a balanced and nutrient-dense diet. This means that the majority of the diet should consist of whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains. By moderating pizza intake and choosing lower-carb crust options, people with diabetes can still include this delicious food in their diet while managing their blood sugar levels effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese pizza does contain sugar. A slice of the average frozen cheese pizza contains about 5 grams of sugar.
To keep your sugar intake lower, opt for a thin crust pizza. You can also ask for your pizza to be made with half the usual amount of sauce, or make your own pizza sauce at home using whole tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Low-fat cheese, lean meats, and fresh vegetables are naturally low in sugar.
Yes, people with diabetes can eat pizza, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pizza is high in refined and total carbs, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels.
