Frederic Melton
Pizza is a beloved food for many, but it's no secret that it's not the healthiest option out there. Pizza's calorie count is influenced by various factors, including the type of crust, toppings, and brand. While the calorie content per slice varies, it typically falls between 190 and 290 calories, with some estimates reaching as high as 700 calories per slice for particularly large or oily slices. Cheese, being a staple topping, contributes significantly to the overall calorie count. In this response, we will delve into the calorie contribution of cheese on pizza and explore ways to make this indulgent treat a little kinder to your waistline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a slice of cheese pizza | 700 calories per slice (Costco cheese pizza) |
| Calories in a slice of cheese pizza (estimation) | 400 calories per slice |
| Calories reduction by blotting | 35 calories per slice |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in a slice of pizza depend on the brand
Calorie intake is an important consideration for many people, and pizza is a common food that can be high in calories. The calorie content of pizza varies depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used. For example, a slice of pizza from Costco is estimated to be around 700 calories, which is significantly higher than the initial guess of 400 calories per slice. The high calorie count may be due to the amount of oil used in the pizza's preparation.
On the other hand, blotting pizza slices to remove excess oil can reduce the calorie intake by around 35 calories per slice. This suggests that the calorie content of pizza can be influenced by the preparation methods and the specific ingredients used by each brand. Different brands may use varying amounts of cheese, which can affect the calorie count, as cheese is a significant contributor to the overall calorie content of pizza.
Some people may estimate the calorie content of a slice of pizza based on its size and thickness. However, this may not always be accurate, as brands can differ in their portion sizes and ingredient combinations. It is always a good idea to refer to the nutritional information provided by the brand or restaurant to get a more accurate understanding of the calorie content of their pizza slices.
Additionally, some brands may offer different crust options, such as thin crust or deep dish, which can also impact the overall calorie count. Thin crust pizzas generally have fewer calories than thick crust options, as there is less dough used in their preparation. However, it is important to remember that the toppings and the amount of cheese can also vary, affecting the calorie content.
In summary, the calorie content of a slice of pizza depends on various factors, including the brand, their specific ingredients, preparation methods, portion sizes, and crust options. It is important for consumers to be mindful of their calorie intake and refer to reliable sources of nutritional information to make informed choices, especially when managing their weight or adhering to specific dietary requirements.
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Blotting pizza can reduce calories
Pizza is a universally beloved food, but it's no secret that it's not the healthiest option. For those who want to indulge in a slice without feeling too guilty, blotting the pizza to reduce its calorie count may be an option.
The concept of blotting pizza to remove excess grease is controversial among pizza lovers. Some people may use a napkin or paper towel to absorb the grease, while others may find this practice unacceptable, even wasteful. However, for those who struggle with consuming too many calories per day, blotting can be an effective way to reduce their calorie intake.
Nutritionists generally agree that blotting pizza with a napkin reduces the amount of fat, and therefore calories, consumed. According to a scientific study by LabDoor Magazine, if one slice of pizza has 324 calories, with 117 calories from fat, blotting can reduce the calories from fat to just 76.5 per slice. That's a savings of about 35 calories per slice, or 3.5 grams of oil, which can add up if you're eating multiple slices.
While blotting pizza may not seem like a significant calorie-reduction method, it can make a difference over time. The grease on a slice of pizza can contribute to about 2 pounds of weight gain per year, so blotting can help mitigate this effect. Additionally, there are other ways to reduce the calorie count of your pizza, such as choosing toppings wisely (more veggies), eating a salad before your pizza, or even forgoing cheese.
In conclusion, blotting pizza can be a simple and quick way to reduce the calorie count of your favourite treat. By absorbing the excess grease with a napkin, you can save yourself from consuming unnecessary calories and potentially enjoy a few extra slices throughout the year without feeling too guilty. So, if you're watching your calorie intake but don't want to give up pizza entirely, give blotting a try!
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Cholesterol in cheese pizza
Cholesterol is an essential fatty molecule that is required for healthy cell functions. While cholesterol is necessary for the body, high levels of it, particularly LDL ("bad") cholesterol, can be harmful and may increase the risk of heart disease.
Pizza can be high or low in cholesterol based on its ingredients and preparation. Cheese, a staple in most pizzas, contains fat and dietary cholesterol. However, research suggests that cheese has little to no effect on cholesterol levels. For instance, a 12-week study found that consuming regular-fat cheese did not increase LDL cholesterol levels more than eating reduced-fat cheese. Similarly, another study showed that cheese lowered LDL cholesterol levels compared to butter. Nevertheless, people with high cholesterol may need to limit their intake of foods high in saturated fat, such as cheese and red meat. Therefore, when consuming pizza, they may opt for less cheese or choose plant-based alternatives that do not contain cholesterol, although some plant-based cheeses may still contain saturated fat from ingredients like coconut oil.
The toppings on pizza can also impact its cholesterol content. Processed meat toppings, for example, are associated with increased heart disease risk due to their high saturated fat and cholesterol content. On the other hand, fruit and vegetable toppings like peppers, mushrooms, onions, pineapple, and tomato do not contain any cholesterol and can be healthier alternatives. Additionally, pizza with a standard crust instead of a stuffed crust can reduce cheese consumption and, consequently, lower cholesterol intake.
While pizza may be enjoyed even when watching cholesterol levels, it is important to opt for high-quality ingredients and limit processed meat toppings. Preparing pizza at home also allows for tailoring the ingredients to one's dietary needs, such as reducing salt or using healthier alternatives.
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Carbohydrates in cheese pizza
A single piece of cheese pizza contains 38.8 grams of total carbohydrates, 36.7 grams of net carbs, 11.3 grams of fat, 14.2 grams of protein, and 314 calories.
The number of carbohydrates in cheese pizza depends on the type of cheese and the thickness of the crust. Different types of cheese have different carbohydrate contents. For example, cheddar cheese contains more carbohydrates than mozzarella cheese.
The thickness of the crust also affects the number of carbohydrates in a pizza. A thicker crust will contain more flour and, therefore, more carbohydrates. A thinner crust will contain less flour and have a lower carbohydrate content.
It's important to note that the cooking method and temperature can also affect the carbohydrate content of the pizza. A pizza that is baked for a longer time or at a higher temperature may have a lower carbohydrate content due to the loss of moisture.
Additionally, the toppings on a cheese pizza can contribute to the overall carbohydrate content. If you add additional toppings such as vegetables or meats, they will add to the total carbohydrate count.
Overall, when considering the carbohydrate content of cheese pizza, it's important to take into account the type of cheese, crust thickness, cooking method, and any additional toppings that may be included.
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Saturated fat in cheese pizza
Pizza is a staple food that contains carbohydrates, protein, and fat. While it is a good source of calcium, providing one-fifth of the daily requirement, it can also be heavy in calories, fat, and sodium, especially frozen and fast-food varieties. The calorie and fat content can be lowered by opting for thin-crust pizza and piling on vegetables and lean protein, such as grilled chicken.
A slice of cheese pizza typically contains around 213 calories, with 7.8 grams of total fat, including 3.6 grams of saturated fat, and 478 milligrams of sodium. The amount of saturated fat in cheese pizza is primarily determined by the type and quantity of cheese used. Different cheeses have varying fat contents, and increasing or decreasing the amount of cheese can significantly impact the overall fat content of the pizza.
For example, a serving of meat lover's thin-crust pizza with extra mozzarella can contain around 500 calories due to the higher fat content of mozzarella. On the other hand, using lighter cheeses and adding more vegetables can reduce the calorie count. It is recommended to limit the consumption of pizza, especially for youngsters, as part of a diversified and balanced diet.
According to the American Dietary Guidelines, adults should consume no more than 14 mg of cholesterol per day, but significantly less is advised. A slice of cheese pizza can contain between 25 and 45 milligrams of cholesterol, highlighting the importance of moderation and choosing lower-fat options when consuming pizza to maintain a healthy diet.
In summary, cheese pizza can be a source of saturated fat, and its consumption should be balanced with other nutritious foods. Opting for thin-crust pizzas, choosing lower-fat cheese options, and including more vegetables can help reduce the saturated fat intake while still enjoying pizza as an occasional treat.
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Frequently asked questions
A slice of pizza can have anywhere between 400 to 700 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the thickness of the pizza, the amount of oil, and the amount of cheese.
Blotting each slice of pizza with a paper towel can help remove some of the oil and reduce the calorie intake by around 35 calories per slice.
A whole cheese pizza can have around 4000-5000 calories, depending on its size and the number of slices.
Yes, there are many low-calorie pizza alternatives, such as using a thinner crust, reducing the amount of cheese, or substituting it with a plant-based cheese. Additionally, choosing a pizza with fewer toppings or a smaller size can also reduce the calorie count.
