Frederic Melton
Pizza is a good source of protein, with a single slice of plain cheese pizza providing 23% of the protein needed in a day. Cheese pizza also provides other essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The protein content can be increased by adding grilled tofu, beans, or skinless chicken breast chunks. Whole-grain crusts are also higher in protein and other nutrients than white-flour crusts. However, pizza can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it is important to consume it in moderation.
Is Cheese Pizza High in Protein?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 to 22 grams of protein per serving |
| Protein from cheese | 8 grams of protein from 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese per slice |
| Whole-grain crust | Higher in protein and other nutrients than white-flour crusts |
| Sodium | Can be high in sodium |
| Saturated fats | Can be high in saturated fats |
| Micronutrients | High in many micronutrients |
| Macronutrients | Contains all the necessary macronutrients |
| Calcium | Provides valuable amounts of calcium |
| Iron | Provides valuable amounts of iron |
| Vitamin C | Provides valuable amounts of vitamin C |
| Vitamin A | Provides valuable amounts of vitamin A |
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What You'll Learn
A single slice of cheese pizza can contain 23% of your daily protein needs
A single slice of cheese pizza can provide 23% of your daily protein needs. This percentage is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is used for general nutrition advice. On such a diet, the recommended daily intake of protein is about 39 grams. A slice of cheese pizza can contain up to 13-22 grams of protein, depending on the ingredients used. For example, using whole-grain crust and mozzarella cheese can increase the protein content.
Whole-grain crusts are higher in protein and other nutrients than white-flour crusts. If you make your own pizza and use 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese per slice, you'll get about 8 grams of protein from the cheese alone. This means that a single slice of cheese pizza can provide a significant portion of your daily protein needs, especially if you opt for higher-protein ingredients.
In addition to protein, cheese pizza also provides valuable amounts of calcium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A, as well as healthy unsaturated fats. It can be high in sodium, so it is important to be mindful of your intake if you are salt-sensitive. Commercially prepared pizzas can also be high in saturated fats, so it is recommended to keep your intake of these fats to a minimum for optimal health.
To increase the protein content of your cheese pizza even further, consider adding some meatless protein crumbles or other lean protein sources. You can also add grilled tofu, beans, or skinless chicken breast chunks to boost the protein content while also adding variety to your meal.
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Whole-grain crusts are higher in protein than white-flour crusts
Pizza is a popular food choice, and cheese pizza, in particular, provides valuable amounts of protein and other essential nutrients. The protein content of a pizza depends on the type of crust and cheese used. While mozzarella cheese, for instance, provides about 8 grams of protein per ounce, the protein content of the crust depends on the flour used.
The protein content of whole-wheat flour varies between 12.9% and 14%, while specific brands like King Arthur offer whole-wheat flour with a 14% protein content. In contrast, white flour typically has a lower protein content, ranging from 8% to 11.7%. This difference in protein content is due to the processing involved in making white flour, which heavily refines and removes parts of the wheat grain.
By choosing a whole-grain crust, you can increase the overall protein content of your cheese pizza. This simple choice can make your pizza a more nutritious option without sacrificing taste. Additionally, you can further enhance the nutritional profile by selecting toppings that complement the higher protein content of the crust.
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Cheese pizza is a good source of phosphorus
A single slice of plain cheese pizza contains about 8 grams of protein, depending on the amount of cheese and the type of crust. Whole-grain or whole-wheat crusts are recommended to boost the overall protein content of the pizza. When combined with the protein contribution from the crust, a slice of cheese pizza can provide up to 22 grams of protein per serving. This makes it an excellent source of complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids required by the body.
The protein content in cheese pizza is primarily derived from the cheese itself, particularly if it is mozzarella cheese. Each ounce of mozzarella cheese contributes about 8 grams of protein. Therefore, the protein content can be customized by adjusting the amount of cheese used per slice. However, it is important to note that cheese is also a significant source of saturated fat, so excessive consumption should be avoided.
While cheese pizza can be a good source of protein and phosphorus, it is typically high in sodium and moderate in unhealthy fats. To enhance the nutritional profile of cheese pizza, it is advisable to opt for whole-grain or whole-wheat crusts, which are higher in protein and other nutrients compared to white-flour crusts. Additionally, limiting high-calorie meats, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding toppings like grilled tofu, beans, or skinless chicken breast can increase the protein content while maintaining a balanced meal.
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Cheese pizza is high in sodium
While cheese pizza does provide valuable amounts of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, and healthy unsaturated fats, it is also high in sodium. This is true of both commercially prepared and homemade pizzas. If you are salt-sensitive, it is recommended that you reduce your intake or prepare your pizza at home using a lower-sodium sauce.
A single slice of plain cheese pizza provides 23% of the protein you need in a day. The protein content can be increased by adding meatless protein crumbles or other lean protein sources, such as grilled tofu, beans, or skinless chicken breast chunks. However, the amount of sodium in your pizza should also be considered.
The sodium content of cheese pizza can be reduced by choosing a whole-grain crust and limiting high-calorie meats and cheese. Preparing a homemade sauce or using a reduced-sodium store-bought sauce can also help lower the sodium content. Additionally, certain toppings can increase the nutritional value of your pizza. For example, adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or black olives can provide more antioxidants.
While cheese pizza can be a good source of protein, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content. The high sodium levels in pizza, especially commercially prepared pizza, can be a concern for individuals who are salt-sensitive. By making conscious choices about the type of crust, toppings, and sauce used, you can reduce the sodium content and make cheese pizza a healthier option.
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Lean protein toppings can increase the protein content of cheese pizza
Cheese pizza is a good source of protein, with a single slice providing about 23% of the daily protein requirement. This equates to around 8 grams of protein per slice, assuming the use of 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese per slice, and not accounting for any protein in the crust. The protein content of cheese pizza can be further enhanced by opting for a whole-grain crust, which is higher in protein and other nutrients compared to a white-flour crust.
However, to significantly boost the protein content, lean protein toppings can be added. Meatless protein crumbles or other lean protein sources, such as grilled tofu, beans, or skinless chicken breast chunks, can be included as toppings. Additionally, choosing lean varieties of meat toppings, such as turkey patties instead of beef, can increase the protein content while reducing the amount of saturated fat in the pizza.
It is worth noting that commercially prepared pizzas tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it is recommended to opt for whole wheat crusts, less oil, limited high-calorie meats, and reduced cheese to improve the nutritional profile. Preparing pizza at home allows for better control over the ingredients and their quantities, ensuring a higher protein content while minimizing excess sodium and fat.
To further enhance the nutritional value of cheese pizza, colorful produce can be added as toppings. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, crushed fresh pineapple, black olives, chopped artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes are excellent choices, providing not only additional protein but also increased amounts of antioxidants and other valuable nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a single slice of plain cheese pizza has about 23% of the protein you need in a day. If you make your own cheese pizza and use 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese per slice, you'll get about 8 grams of protein from the cheese alone.
Meatless protein crumbles, grilled tofu, beans, skinless chicken breast, and whole-grain crust are all good sources of protein.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend about 39 grams of protein daily for someone following a 2,000-calorie diet.
Cheese pizza is a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, and phosphorus. It also contains fiber and healthy unsaturated fats, but it can be high in sodium and saturated fat.
Choose a whole-grain or whole-wheat crust, add colorful toppings like vegetables, and go easy on high-fat cheese and meats.
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