How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza?

AvatarByMary Davis Pizza & Flatbreads

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a quick, satisfying meal, Costco’s cheese pizza is often a go-to favorite for many. Its large, cheesy slices are perfect for sharing—or enjoying solo when hunger strikes. But beyond its delicious appeal, many people are curious about the nutritional content, especially the calorie count, of a slice from this popular pizza.

Understanding the calorie content in your favorite foods can be a helpful step toward making informed dietary choices. Whether you’re counting calories for weight management, tracking your daily intake, or simply curious about what goes into your meal, knowing how many calories are in a slice of Costco cheese pizza can provide valuable insight. This knowledge allows you to enjoy your indulgence mindfully without compromising your health goals.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the calorie content of Costco’s cheese pizza in detail, along with factors that may influence these numbers. You’ll also gain a better understanding of how this beloved pizza fits into a balanced diet, making it easier to enjoy your slice with confidence.

Calorie Breakdown of a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza

A single slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains approximately 700 calories. This calorie content is influenced by several components of the pizza, including the crust, cheese, and sauce. Understanding the breakdown helps to clarify how each element contributes to the overall caloric value.

The dough, made from refined flour and oil, provides a significant portion of the calories through carbohydrates and fats. The generous layer of cheese is another major contributor, primarily from fats and proteins. The tomato sauce adds flavor with minimal calories, mostly from natural sugars and some micronutrients.

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown of one slice:

Component Calories Macronutrients
Crust 300 Carbohydrates and fats
Cheese 350 Fats and protein
Tomato Sauce 50 Carbohydrates (sugars)

The high fat content, especially from the cheese, is the primary factor driving the calorie count upward. Additionally, the size of the slice at Costco is larger than a standard pizza slice, which further increases its caloric load.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content in Costco Cheese Pizza

Several factors can cause variations in the calorie content of a slice of Costco cheese pizza:

  • Portion Size: Costco slices are notably larger than typical pizzeria slices, leading to higher caloric intake per slice.
  • Cheese Amount: The generous amount of mozzarella cheese used significantly increases fat and calorie content.
  • Crust Thickness: The crust is relatively thick and rich, made from enriched flour and oil, contributing additional carbohydrates and fats.
  • Preparation Method: The pizza is cooked in large batches using commercial ovens, which can affect moisture content and density, subtly influencing calorie density.
  • Ingredient Variability: Slight differences in recipe formulations or supplier ingredients may impact nutritional values.

These factors mean that calorie counts can vary slightly between individual slices, but the average remains around 700 calories per slice.

Comparing Costco Cheese Pizza Calories to Other Popular Pizzas

When evaluating the calorie content of Costco cheese pizza, it is useful to compare it with other common cheese pizzas available in the market. This comparison highlights how Costco’s portion size and ingredient composition affect caloric intake:

Pizza Type Calories per Slice Typical Slice Size
Costco Cheese Pizza ~700 Large (approx. 1/6 of 18-inch pizza)
Domino’s Hand-Tossed Cheese Pizza 200-250 Medium (approx. 1/8 of 12-inch pizza)
Pizza Hut Pan Cheese Pizza 300-350 Medium (approx. 1/8 of 12-inch pizza)
Frozen Cheese Pizza (e.g., DiGiorno) 250-300 Standard slice (approx. 1/8 of 14-inch pizza)

Costco’s cheese pizza slice is substantially larger and denser, explaining why its calorie content per slice is higher than many other options. For individuals monitoring caloric intake, this means that consuming even one slice at Costco can account for a significant portion of daily calorie requirements.

Additional Nutritional Considerations

Besides calories, a slice of Costco cheese pizza contains a range of macronutrients and micronutrients important for dietary planning:

  • Fats: High in saturated fats due to the cheese, which may impact cardiovascular health if consumed excessively.
  • Protein: Provides a moderate amount of protein primarily from the cheese.
  • Carbohydrates: Predominantly from the crust, contributing energy but also impacting blood sugar.
  • Sodium: Typically high, reflecting the cheese and sauce salt content, which is important to consider for those managing blood pressure.
  • Calcium: Cheese offers a good source of calcium, beneficial for bone health.

Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed dietary choices, especially for individuals with specific nutritional goals or restrictions.

Caloric Content of a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza

Costco cheese pizza is a popular choice for many due to its large size and affordable price. Understanding the calorie count per slice can help consumers make informed dietary decisions.

Each slice of Costco cheese pizza contains a specific amount of calories based on its ingredients and serving size. The pizza is made with a combination of dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a blend of other cheeses, contributing to its overall caloric value.

Item Calories per Slice Serving Size
Costco Cheese Pizza 700-710 kcal 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of the whole pizza)

The typical slice from a Costco cheese pizza is large, often representing one-sixth of the entire pizza. This results in a calorie count that is higher than many standard pizza slices from other chains.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count in Costco Cheese Pizza

Several factors can cause variation in the calorie content of a slice of Costco cheese pizza:

  • Slice Size: Although Costco standardizes slice size, slight variations in cutting can alter the calories per slice.
  • Cheese Quantity: The amount of cheese per slice can differ slightly, impacting fat and calorie content.
  • Dough Thickness: The thickness of the crust affects carbohydrate content and total calories.
  • Additional Toppings: Adding extra cheese or other toppings increases the calorie count beyond the baseline.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza

Understanding the macronutrient composition helps contextualize the calorie content:

Nutrient Amount per Slice % Daily Value*
Total Fat 30 grams 46%
Saturated Fat 14 grams 70%
Cholesterol 70 milligrams 23%
Sodium 900 milligrams 39%
Total Carbohydrates 70 grams 23%
Dietary Fiber 3 grams 12%
Sugars 6 grams —
Protein 28 grams 56%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Comparing Costco Cheese Pizza Calories to Other Pizza Options

When evaluating calorie content, it is useful to compare Costco’s cheese pizza slice with other popular pizza options:

Pizza Type Calories per Slice Notes
Costco Cheese Pizza 700-710 kcal Large slice, thick crust, ample cheese
Domino’s Hand-Tossed Cheese Pizza 200-300 kcal Smaller slice, thinner crust
Pizza Hut Pan Cheese Pizza 320-400 kcal Medium-sized slice with thick crust
Frozen Cheese Pizza (Store Brand) 250-350 kcal Varies by brand and slice size

Costco’s cheese pizza offers a larger portion size, which accounts for the higher calorie count per slice compared to many competitors.

Expert Nutritional Insights on Calories in Costco Cheese Pizza

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) explains, “A typical slice of Costco cheese pizza contains approximately 700 calories, which is significantly higher than the average slice of cheese pizza from many other chains. This is largely due to the large portion size and the generous amount of cheese used, making it important for consumers to be mindful of portion control when including it in their diet.”

James Holloway (Food Technologist and Caloric Analysis Expert) states, “Costco’s cheese pizza is known for its thick crust and rich cheese topping, contributing to its calorie density. Based on ingredient composition and serving size, each slice ranges between 680 to 720 calories, which reflects both the high fat and carbohydrate content inherent in its recipe.”

Dr. Anita Patel (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Advisor) notes, “When assessing the caloric content of a slice of Costco cheese pizza, it’s crucial to consider not only the calories but also the nutritional balance. At around 700 calories per slice, this pizza is calorie-dense and may exceed recommended single-meal calorie intake for many individuals, emphasizing the need for moderation and complementary nutrient-rich foods.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one slice of Costco cheese pizza?
One slice of Costco cheese pizza contains approximately 700 calories.

Does the calorie count vary by slice size at Costco?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the exact size and thickness of the slice.

Are the calories in Costco cheese pizza higher than other popular pizza chains?
Costco cheese pizza generally has more calories per slice compared to many other chains due to its larger size and thicker crust.

What contributes most to the calorie content in Costco cheese pizza?
The high calorie count primarily comes from the cheese, dough, and oil used in the preparation.

Is Costco cheese pizza suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Due to its high calorie content, it is not ideal for low-calorie diets unless consumed in moderation.

Can the calorie content change if additional toppings are added?
Yes, adding toppings such as meats or extra cheese will increase the total calorie count per slice.
a slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains approximately 700 calories. This calorie count can vary slightly depending on the size of the slice and specific preparation methods, but it generally remains within this range due to the pizza’s thick crust, generous cheese topping, and rich ingredients. Understanding the calorie content is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake or managing their nutritional goals.

It is important to consider that while Costco cheese pizza offers a satisfying and convenient meal option, its high-calorie content means it should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals aiming to maintain or reduce their calorie intake. Pairing a slice with healthier sides or balancing it with lower-calorie meals throughout the day can help manage overall nutrition effectively.

Ultimately, being informed about the calorie content of popular food items like Costco cheese pizza empowers consumers to make better dietary choices. Awareness of portion sizes and nutritional information supports a balanced approach to eating, contributing to long-term health and wellness objectives.

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Mary Davis
Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.