Bushra Griffith
Pizza is a delicious treat, but it can be difficult to know how many carbohydrates are in a slice, especially when managing blood sugar levels or following a diabetes meal plan. The number of carbs in a slice of cheese pizza varies depending on the size and thickness of the crust. For example, a medium slice of original crust pizza (one-eighth of the pie) from Papa John's contains 27 grams of carbohydrates, whereas a slice of thin crust pizza from the same brand contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 25-40 grams |
| Calories | 200-380 |
| Fat | 7-17 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5-9 grams |
| Protein | 8-18 grams |
| Cholesterol | 20-45 milligrams |
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What You'll Learn
Carb count varies across pizza brands
The carbohydrate count in a slice of cheese pizza varies across different pizza brands. For instance, a medium slice of original crust cheese pizza from Papa John's (one-eighth of the pie) contains 27 grams of carbohydrates. On the other hand, a medium slice of Domino's hand-tossed cheese pizza (one-eighth of the pie) contains 25 grams of carbohydrates, while a thin-crust slice contains 25 grams of carbohydrates as well but makes up 290 calories. Pizza Hut's medium hand-tossed cheese pizza (one-eighth of the pie) contains 26 grams of carbohydrates, while its Thin 'N Crispy crust option has 22 grams of carbohydrates.
Digiorno's rising crust four-cheese pizza (one-sixth of the pie) has 36 grams of carbohydrates, while its classic thin crust option has 30 grams of carbohydrates. Red Baron's classic crust four-cheese pizza (one-fourth of the pie) contains 40 grams of carbohydrates, while its thin and crispy crust option (one-third of the pie) has 38 grams of carbohydrates.
The crust type and size of the pizza play a significant role in the overall carbohydrate count. A medium (12-inch) thin-crust pizza without cheese and toppings has 17 grams of carbohydrates per slice, while a regular-crust pizza averages 30 grams of carbohydrates per slice. Therefore, thin-crust pizzas generally have 5-10 fewer grams of carbohydrates per slice compared to regular-crust or pan pizzas.
Additionally, it is important to consider the recommended daily carbohydrate intake for optimal health. According to guidelines, adults aged 19 and older should consume no more than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day. With each slice of cheese pizza containing around 25-40 grams of carbohydrates, it is easy for those carbohydrates to add up quickly, especially if multiple slices are consumed.
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Crust type affects overall carb count
The number of carbohydrates in a slice of cheese pizza varies depending on the crust type. Crust accounts for most of the carbs in pizza, so the type of crust can significantly impact the overall carb count.
For example, let's compare a medium slice of original crust pizza from Papa John's to their thin-crust option. The original crust slice contains 27 grams of carbohydrates, while their thin-crust slice has 20 grams of carbs. That's a difference of 7 grams of carbs just based on the crust type.
Similarly, at Domino's, a medium slice of hand-tossed cheese pizza contains 25 grams of carbohydrates. However, if you choose their thin-crust option, the carb count increases to 29 grams. In this case, the thin crust has more carbs, likely because it makes up a larger portion of the overall slice.
At Pizza Hut, the difference in carb count between crust types is less significant. Their medium hand-tossed cheese pizza slice contains 26 grams of carbohydrates, while their Thin 'N Crispy crust slice has 22 grams. That's a difference of only 4 grams of carbs.
It's important to note that the size of the pizza and the portion size you consume will also affect the overall carb count. A large slice of pizza will generally have more carbs than a medium slice, even with the same crust type. Additionally, most people eat multiple slices of pizza in one sitting, so the carbs can add up quickly.
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Nutritional value of cheese pizza
The nutritional value of cheese pizza depends on the size of the pizza and the thickness of the crust. A single slice of cheese pizza contains between 200 and 380 calories, with the higher end of this range representing a large slice. The calorie count for a slice of cheese pizza from popular pizza chains varies, with Domino's medium hand-tossed pizza containing 200 calories per slice, Pizza Hut's medium hand-tossed pizza containing 220 calories per slice, and Papa John's medium original crust containing 210 calories per slice.
In terms of carbohydrates, a slice of cheese pizza typically contains between 25 and 40 grams of carbs, depending on the crust type and size. The crust accounts for most of the carbs in a pizza, with a medium (12-inch) thin-crust pizza containing 17 grams of carbs per slice, and a regular-crust pizza averaging 30 grams of carbs per slice.
Cheese pizza also provides a good source of protein, with values ranging from 8 to 18 grams per slice. Additionally, it contains calcium and vitamin A, with a large slice providing 15% and 13% of the Daily Value for these nutrients, respectively.
It is worth noting that a single slice of cheese pizza contains between 25 and 45 milligrams of cholesterol, which can add up quickly if multiple slices are consumed. High cholesterol foods have been associated with obesity and heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended that adults consume no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.
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Recommended daily carb intake
A slice of cheese pizza contains around 37 grams of carbohydrates. The number of carbohydrates in a slice of pizza depends on the thickness of the crust and the toppings. For example, a medium (12-inch) thin-crust pizza without any cheese or toppings has 17 grams of carbs per slice, while a regular-crust pizza averages 30 grams of carbs per slice.
When it comes to recommended daily carb intake, it is important to note that it can vary depending on various factors such as age, sex, activity level, and overall health. According to current guidelines, 45-65% of a person's daily calories should come from carbohydrates. This translates to approximately 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates if you consume 2,000 calories daily. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for carbohydrates is 130 grams per day, which is the minimum amount required to provide the brain with sufficient glucose.
It is worth mentioning that a diet too low in carbohydrates can be unhealthy and challenging to maintain. A very low-carb diet, defined as less than 50 grams of carbs per day, may lead to improved glycemic control and weight loss, but it is not recommended as a long-term healthy diet due to the difficulty in maintaining adequate fiber intake and dietary variety. Additionally, drastically reducing carbohydrate intake without proper guidance can lead to nutritional deficiencies and adverse health effects.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions, such as diabetes. They can provide personalized recommendations and help you develop a well-rounded and nutritionally adequate meal plan that aligns with your goals and health status.
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Cholesterol content in cheese pizza
A slice of regular crust cheese pizza has 285 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 18 grams of cholesterol. The cholesterol content of pizza depends on several factors, including the type of pizza, brand, ingredients, and serving size.
The liver produces some cholesterol, but it is also consumed through animal sources, such as meat toppings and cheese. Therefore, the cholesterol content of pizza will depend mostly on its animal-based ingredients. For example, ham contains less cholesterol per gram than pepperoni.
The type of crust also plays a role in the cholesterol content of pizza. A thin crust pizza is a healthier choice than deep dish or stuffed crust. A slice of thick crust pizza has 312 calories and 12 grams of fat, while a thin crust has 285 calories and 10 grams of fat.
To reduce the cholesterol content of pizza, one can opt for plant-based options, choose pizzas with less cheese, or swap toppings. For instance, trading processed meats for vegetables will lower the cholesterol content while increasing fiber content.
It is safe to consume pizza even if one has high cholesterol levels. However, it is important to opt for high-quality ingredients and cut back on processed meat toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of carbs in a slice of cheese pizza depends on the size and thickness of the crust. On average, a slice of cheese pizza contains between 25 and 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Yes, the crust contributes significantly to the carb content of a pizza. A thin crust typically has 5-10 fewer grams of carbs per slice than a regular crust.
Yes, some pizza restaurants offer thin and crispy crusts, which tend to have fewer carbs. For example, Papa John's thin crust pizza has 20 grams of carbs per slice.
The carb content of a slice of cheese pizza can vary depending on the restaurant. For example, a medium slice of Domino's hand-tossed cheese pizza has 25 grams of carbs, while a medium slice of Pizza Hut's hand-tossed cheese pizza has 26 grams of carbs.
According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults ages 19 and older should consume no more than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day to maintain optimal health. Considering that a slice of pizza can have up to 40 grams of carbs, it's important to be mindful of your intake.
