Quick Answer
Typically, two slices of thin crust cheese pizza contain 300-500 calories. The exact calorie count depends on the size of the slices, type of crust, cheese and toppings used. A thin crust slice with just cheese is generally lower in calories than slices with meat toppings or a thicker, doughier crust. On average, a single slice of a 14″ thin crust cheese pizza contains around 250 calories.
Calories in Pizza Slices
Pizza can have a wide range of calories depending on the type of crust, cheese, sauce and toppings used. Here is an overview of how these factors affect the calorie content of pizza slices:
Crust
– Thin crust pizzas are lower in calories than thick, pan or deep dish crusts. Thin crusts use less dough, keeping the calorie count down.
– On average, one slice of a 14” thin crust cheese pizza contains around 250 calories.
– Thick crust pizza slices or deep dish can contain 300-400 calories per slice, or even more. The thicker the crust, the more dough and calories it contains.
Cheese
– Regular mozzarella cheese adds about 50-80 calories per ounce. Using extra cheese increases the calorie count.
– Lower fat cheese options like part-skim mozzarella provide fewer calories per serving.
Sauce
– Pizza sauce is low in calories, adding just 25-50 calories per slice.
Toppings
– Meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage and bacon can add 50-100 extra calories per slice.
– Veggie toppings like mushrooms, onions and bell peppers provide minimal extra calories.
So in summary, a thin crust slice of cheese pizza contains around 250 calories, while thick crust pizza or pizza with extra cheese and meat toppings may contain upwards of 400 calories per slice.
Nutrition Facts for Thin Crust Cheese Pizza
Here are the nutrition facts for two slices of a typical thin crust cheese pizza:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Slice (1/8 pizza) | 2 slices (1/4 pizza) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 500 |
| Total Fat | 9 g | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 510 mg | 1020 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g | 60 g |
| Fiber | 1 g | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g | 4 g |
| Protein | 15 g | 30 g |
As you can see, two slices of thin crust cheese pizza contain about 500 calories, 18 grams of fat, 60 grams of carbs and 30 grams of protein. The majority of calories come from the dough and cheese.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Pizza
If you are looking to cut calories for your pizza slice, here are some tips:
Choose Thin Crust
Go for a thin, crispy crust instead of thick or deep dish. This uses much less dough and takes a large chunk of calories out.
Limit Cheese
Order cheese pizza instead of extra cheese. Also opt for part-skim mozzarella over whole milk cheese to cut fat and calories.
Load up on Veggies
Veggie toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions and spinach add great flavor and bulk with minimal calories.
Skip the Meat
Pepperoni, sausage, bacon and other meats can pile on the calories. Stick to veggie toppings for lower calorie options.
Go Easy on Sauce
Ask for light sauce or dip crusts lightly to control calories from high-fat sauces.
Take Home Leftovers
Bring home a doggy bag with leftover slices to avoid overeating in one sitting. Enjoy those leftover slices the next day.
Healthy Pizza Alternatives
If you are looking for even healthier pizza options, consider these alternatives:
Cauliflower Crust
Cauliflower crust is a trendy, low-carb pizza base made by pulsing riced cauliflower in a food processor until it has a dough-like texture. This cuts calories from refined flour crusts.
Zucchini Crust
For an extra nutrition boost, you can make a zucchini pizza crust by shredding and baking zucchini into pizza crust form.
Butternut Squash Crust
Butternut squash can also stand in for pizza dough. Simply roast cubes of butternut squash until soft and puree in a blender or food processor to form the crust.
Portobello Mushroom Caps
For a meaty, vegetarian pizza option, use whole portobello mushroom caps in place of traditional crust. Top with sauce and veggies for a low-calorie pizza substitute.
Protein Pizza Crust
Some grocery stores sell high-protein, low-carb pizza crusts made from soy, whey or other plant-based proteins. These offer more nutrition than regular crusts.
Conclusion
In summary, two slices of thin crust cheese pizza generally contain around 500 calories. Exact counts vary based on crust thickness, cheese amount and toppings. There are many ways to reduce calories in pizza by choosing thin crusts, loading up on veggies and skipping high-calorie meats and extra cheese. For even healthier options, try substituting traditional crusts with cauliflower, zucchini, butternut squash or high-protein alternatives. Monitoring portions and taking home leftovers can also help keep pizza calories in check. With some smart customizations and reasonable serving sizes, pizza can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.