Pizza is a popular food that many people enjoy as an easy meal or snack. While tasty, pizza can also be high in calories, especially chain pizza like Little Caesars. When watching your calorie intake, it’s important to understand how many calories are in a single slice of pizza. In this article, we will explore the calorie count for a slice of Little Caesars large cheese pizza and look at ways to enjoy pizza more healthfully.
Calories in a Slice of Little Caesars Large Cheese Pizza
According to Little Caesars nutrition information, one slice of their large 14″ cheese pizza contains 290 calories. This is for a standard slice with no extra toppings or modifications. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts for a slice of Little Caesars large cheese pizza:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 670mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 13g |
As you can see, a single slice of Little Caesars large cheese pizza contains 290 calories, which comes from 12g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, and 13g of protein. It also contains 2g of fiber and 670mg of sodium.
The majority of the calories come from the carbohydrates and fat. The protein also contributes a significant number of calories. The cholesterol, sugars, and sodium are moderately high for one slice of pizza.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 290 calories into context, we need to look at general daily calorie needs. The number of calories a person needs per day varies based on many factors like age, gender, activity level, and health goals:
| Group | Daily Calorie Needs |
|---|---|
| Sedentary adult women | 1,600 – 2,000 |
| Sedentary adult men | 2,000 – 2,600 |
| Active women | 2,000 – 2,400 |
| Active men | 2,400 – 3,000 |
| Child ages 4-8 | 1,200 – 1,600 |
| Teen ages 14-18 | 1,800 – 2,400 (girls) 2,000 – 3,200 (boys) |
Based on these estimates, one slice of Little Caesars cheese pizza provides about 15-20% of an adult’s daily calorie needs. For an active teenager or younger child, one slice would provide 12-25% of their total daily calories.
Extra Toppings and Modifications
The nutrition information provided is for a standard slice of cheese pizza with no extra toppings or modifications. However, many people enjoy customizing their pizza with additional toppings and sauces. These extras can add a significant number of extra calories:
| Topping | Calories Added* |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni (4 pieces) | 40 |
| Sausage (1 oz) | 45 |
| Ham (1 oz) | 25 |
| Bacon (1 oz) | 45 |
| Extra cheese (1 oz) | 115 |
| Black olives (4 slices) | 10 |
| Green peppers (2 rings) | 5 |
| Banana peppers (3 rings) | 5 |
| Jalapeños (2 slices) | 5 |
| Pineapple (4 chunks) | 30 |
*Calories for toppings based on average nutrition data for each ingredient amount
As you can see, those extra meats, cheeses, and veggies can quickly add more fat and calories to each slice. A fully loaded pizza slice could have nearly double the calories of a plain cheese slice.
Tips for Enjoying Pizza More Healthfully
Pizza is a fun and tasty food, but the high calories, fat, and sodium can make it hard to fit into a healthy eating plan. Here are some tips for enjoying your pizza in a more balanced way:
1. Opt for thinner crusts
The thicker and doughier the crust, the more calories it will have. Thin crust options, like hand-tossed or cracker-style, tend to be lower in calories than deep dish or stuffed crust.
2. Load up on veggies
Veggie toppings like mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and peppers add lots of flavor for very minimal calories. Skip high-calorie meats and extra cheese and pile on the veggie goodness instead.
3. Ask for lighter cheese
Order your pizza with half the regular amount of cheese or choose lighter options like feta or goat cheese. This simple swap cuts a significant number of calories.
4. Pick your toppings strategically
If you do want meat toppings, choose leaner options like chicken, Canadian bacon, or turkey pepperoni. Avoid high-fat meats like sausage, bacon, and regular pepperoni.
5. Control your portion size
Stick to just 1 slice or cut your slice in half to help control portions. Pair it with a large salad with low-calorie dressing to fill up on veggies.
6. Skip the dipping sauces
The marinara sauce on your pizza should add enough flavor. Dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, and nacho cheese really pile on the extra calories.
Healthy Homemade Pizza
An even better option is to make a healthy homemade pizza that you can customize with wholesome ingredients. Here is a recipe for a veggie-packed pizza you can feel good about eating:
Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
Crust:
- 1 lb whole wheat pizza dough
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup pizza sauce
Veggie Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1⁄2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1⁄2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1⁄2 cup sliced onions
- 1⁄2 cup sliced zucchini
- 1⁄4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Shape dough into a 12-inch circle on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush lightly with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough.
- Top with mozzarella first, then add chopped veggies.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is lightly browned and cheese is melted.
- Finish with fresh basil. Slice and serve.
This veggie pizza provides a healthy dose of nutrients and fiber without all the grease and sodium of a traditional pizza. One slice clocks in around just 250 calories but keeps you full with whole wheat crust and piles of veggies. Making pizza at home lets you control the quality of ingredients. You can add other toppings like grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage for extra protein as well.
The Bottom Line
A slice of Little Caesars large cheese pizza contains 290 calories, with about 12g of fat, 34g of carbs, 13g of protein, and 670mg of sodium. That accounts for 15-20% of the average adult’s daily calorie needs. Extra meat and cheese toppings can add significant calories to each slice. To enjoy pizza in a healthier way, opt for thin crusts piled high with vegetables instead of meats and high-fat cheeses. Make your own pizza at home using wholesome ingredients for the best nutrition and portion control. While pizza is tasty, it should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.