Andy Montoya
Pizza is a beloved dish, bringing people together over conversation and slices of cheesy goodness. But behind its savory image, pizza can contain a surprising amount of hidden sugars. The sugar content in pizza varies depending on the type of crust, toppings, and brand. A slice of cheese pizza typically contains about 5 grams of sugar, but this can range from less than 1 gram to over 15 grams per slice for certain styles, like St. Louis pizza. The sugar content can also differ based on the brand, with slices from popular chains like Pizza Hut, Domino's, and Papa John's ranging from 190 to 290 calories per slice. With added sugars in some toppings, sauces, and even the dough itself, it's important to be mindful of sugar intake when enjoying a slice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sugar content | 1 gram or 5 grams |
| Calories | 200-290 calories per slice |
| Carbohydrates | 25-36 grams |
| Fat | 8-17 grams |
| Saturated fat | 3.5-10 grams |
| Protein | 9-16 grams |
| Cholesterol | 19-45 milligrams |
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What You'll Learn
Sugar content in pizza sauces
Pizza is a beloved dish for many, but it often contains a surprising amount of hidden sugar. Pizza sauces, in particular, can be a significant source of sugar, with many brands and recipes including added sugars to enhance the flavour of the sauce.
The amount of sugar in pizza sauce can vary depending on the type of pizza, the brand, and the specific recipe used. For example, a St. Louis-style pizza is known for its thin crust and sweet BBQ-inspired sauce, which can contribute to a higher sugar content per slice. On the other hand, Detroit-style pizza, known for its caramelized sauce-laden edges, may have slightly less sugar in the sauce.
Some pizza makers add sugar to their sauce to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavour. A pinch of sugar can round out the flavour of a sauce and make it more pleasing to the palate. However, others prefer to omit the sugar altogether, especially when making pizza sauce, as it is meant to be saltier and tarter than a traditional pasta sauce like marinara.
When making pizza sauce at home, it is common to add a small amount of sugar, typically in the form of a pinch or a tablespoon per quart. This can help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and create a more harmonious flavour profile. However, it is important to note that too much sugar can lead to a cloyingly sweet sauce, so it is usually added in small quantities or adjusted to taste.
Overall, the sugar content in pizza sauces can vary significantly depending on the recipe, brand, and personal preferences. While a small amount of sugar is common in pizza sauces, it is essential to be mindful of the total sugar intake when consuming pizza, especially when combined with other sugary toppings or ingredients.
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Sugar in pizza dough
Pizza is a beloved dish that brings people together, but it often contains hidden sugars. The dough, in particular, can be a source of added sugar, which can be surprising to many. While it is not necessary to add sugar to pizza dough, it is commonly done and can impact the taste, texture, and colour of the final product.
The sugar in pizza dough can come from two sources. Firstly, it can be externally added, such as in the form of table sugar or honey. This direct addition of sugar can influence the taste of the dough, although it is important to note that excessive sugar can interfere with the desired flavour of pizza. Secondly, sugar can be produced naturally through the breakdown of starch in the flour by amylase enzymes, resulting in simple sugars like glucose and maltose. This process occurs over time, so a slower rise allows for more natural sugars to be produced.
When it comes to the impact of sugar on the texture of pizza dough, the effects are more pronounced in pastries with higher sugar content. In pizza dough, which typically has low amounts of sugar, the impact on texture is less significant. However, sugar can still contribute to a softer and 'moister' crumb by interfering with gluten bond formation.
While sugar is a common ingredient in pizza dough, it is possible to make delicious pizza without it. Sugar-free pizza dough recipes are available, and the dough will still rise and brown without the addition of sugar. By opting for thinner crusts, choosing certain toppings, and being mindful of added sugars in sauces, individuals can reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying a slice of pizza.
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Sugar in cheese
A slice of cheese pizza typically contains about 5 grams of sugar, although some sources suggest it could be less than 1 gram. The sugar content in pizza varies depending on the type of pizza and the toppings used. For example, St. Louis-style pizza, known for its super-thin crust, contains over 15 grams of sugar per slice due to the sugar in the dough and the sweet BBQ-inspired sauce.
While pizza is not a low-sugar food, cheese itself is generally low in carbohydrates and is unlikely to affect blood sugar levels, even in people with diabetes. Most cheeses contain little to no carbohydrates and are therefore rated very low on the glycemic index (GI) scale, which rates foods based on how much they cause blood sugar to rise. In addition, cheese is high in protein, which helps to balance out blood sugar spikes that occur when eating carbohydrates alone. This makes cheese a good option for people with diabetes, as it can help to reduce cravings for sugary foods.
Some studies have even shown that cheese may lower a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For example, one 2012 study found that eating about two slices of cheese per day (around 55 grams) reduced the risk of diabetes by 12%. However, it's important to note that the difference in risk varied depending on the country, and further research is needed.
For people with diabetes, it's recommended to include cheese as part of a healthy eating plan, but in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Diabetics should also be mindful of their portion sizes and choose low-sodium and low-saturated-fat options. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, Emmental, and Wensleydale are among the lowest sodium options, while processed cheeses, feta, and halloumi should be avoided due to their high salt content.
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Calorie count in a slice of pizza
The calorie count in a slice of pizza depends on a variety of factors, including the crust density, toppings, brand, and cooking method. A slice of pizza with a thinner crust will generally have fewer calories than a thicker crust slice. For example, a thin crust slice of pizza with 41.5 square inches of cheese pizza would contain around 423 calories. On the other hand, a slice of Dominos 10-inch cheese pizza, which has a thicker crust, contains around 600-800 calories.
The toppings on a pizza can also significantly impact the calorie count. Cheese and fatty meats, such as pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, will add more calories to a slice of pizza. For example, a slice of Costco cheese pizza contains around 700 calories, while a slice of Whole Foods cheese pizza contains about 380 calories. Vegetable toppings can add valuable nutrients and help reduce the overall calorie count of a pizza slice.
Additionally, the brand and cooking method can affect the calorie content of a pizza slice. Commercially-produced pizzas tend to contain more additives, such as salt, compared to homemade pizzas. Frying a pizza with high amounts of oil or adding products such as cream can also increase the calorie count.
To control the calorie intake when eating pizza, one can consider portion control, choosing personal-sized pizzas, or sticking to one slice accompanied by a salad or vegetables. Making homemade pizzas with whole wheat or whole grain crusts and vegetable toppings is another way to reduce the calorie count.
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Cholesterol in pizza
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that occurs naturally in animal products. As a result, pizza toppings such as cheese and meat will contain some dietary cholesterol. The more of these ingredients a pizza contains, the higher its cholesterol content will be.
Pizza sauce, typically made with a tomato base and containing herbs and spices, will have little to no impact on cholesterol levels. However, pizza sauce often contains added sodium and sugars, which could negatively impact your health.
The cholesterol content of pizza will vary depending on the type of pizza, brand, ingredients, and serving size. For example, a pizza with no cheese or meat may contain little to no cholesterol, while a stuffed-crust pizza with pepperoni could be relatively high in cholesterol.
Ultra-processed pizzas, such as frozen and fast-food pizzas, tend to be higher in calories, saturated fat, and salt, and larger in portion sizes. On the other hand, authentic Italian-style pizzas are prepared with higher-quality ingredients and may be a source of antioxidants such as lycopene, which can lower the risk of heart disease.
While cholesterol is necessary for making hormones, vitamin D, and enzymes required for digestion, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease. Therefore, people with high cholesterol may need to limit their intake of pizzas containing high levels of saturated fat, such as cheese and red meat, or opt for plant-based alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a slice of cheese pizza contains about 5 grams of sugar. However, this can vary depending on the brand, crust type, and toppings.
Yes, opting for a thinner crust pizza and choosing vegetable-based toppings can help reduce the overall sugar intake.
The sugar content can vary significantly between popular pizza brands. For example, a slice of Pizza Hut's 14-inch cheese pizza contains 289 calories and 35 grams of carbohydrates, while a slice of Domino's medium cheese pizza has 200 calories and 25 grams of carbohydrates.
In addition to sugar, a slice of cheese pizza contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, and cholesterol. The amount of these nutrients can vary depending on the brand and specific ingredients used.
Pizza sauce can contribute to the sugar content of a slice of pizza. For example, a pizza with a sweeter BBQ-style sauce will have a higher sugar content than one with a traditional tomato-based sauce.
