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Demystifying the Diet: How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Costco Chicken Pizza?

4 min read

A single Costco Food Court Chicken Bake packs a hefty 769 calories and 2,310 mg of sodium, nearly a full day's worth. This sheds light on why many people ask, "how many calories are in a slice of Costco chicken pizza?", often confusing the Chicken Bake with a pizza slice due to its popularity and generous size.

Quick Summary

Answering the common query about Costco's non-existent chicken pizza slice, this article breaks down the nutritional content of the popular Chicken Bake and other food court pizzas, including cheese and pepperoni, for informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

  • Chicken Bake, Not Chicken Pizza: The Costco food court does not sell a chicken pizza slice; the item people often mean is the Chicken Bake.

  • Chicken Bake is High in Calories and Sodium: A single Costco Chicken Bake contains approximately 769 calories and over a full day's worth of sodium.

  • Oversized Slices: Costco's pizza slices are significantly larger and more calorie-dense than most competitor fast-food pizzas.

  • Pepperoni and Cheese Slices are Also Calorie-Dense: A single slice of pepperoni pizza contains around 620-650 calories, while a cheese slice has approximately 699-710 calories.

  • Sodium is a Major Concern: All Costco food court items, including the pizza slices and Chicken Bake, are very high in sodium, which should be considered for dietary planning.

  • Moderation is Key: Due to their large size and high fat/sodium content, food court items should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet rather than as a regular staple.

  • Portion Control is Important: Consider sharing a slice or a Chicken Bake to reduce the intake of calories, fat, and sodium.

In This Article

The Costco Chicken Pizza Conundrum

It's a question heard often: "How many calories are in a slice of Costco chicken pizza?" The confusion is understandable. With the Food Court's classic pepperoni, cheese, and combo slices, it's easy to assume there's a chicken version, too. However, the food court does not offer a standalone chicken pizza slice. The item most likely on your mind is the famous Chicken Bake, a fan-favorite that features chicken breast, cheese, bacon, and Caesar dressing rolled into a delicious, though calorie-dense, dough. For a more complete picture, we'll examine both the Chicken Bake and the other pizzas available by the slice.

The Nutritional Lowdown on the Costco Chicken Bake

Since the Chicken Bake is often the item people are actually curious about when they ask about 'chicken pizza,' let's start there. This food court staple is not for the faint of heart when it comes to nutrition. According to CalorieKing, one Chicken Bake contains a significant number of calories and a staggering amount of sodium.

  • Calories: Approximately 769 kcal
  • Total Carbohydrates: 78 g
  • Protein: 61 g
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Sodium: 2,310 mg

It's a complete meal in itself, but it’s important to note the high sodium content, which exceeds the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg for most adults in a single serving.

Comparing Costco's Food Court Favorites

While the chicken pizza slice may be a myth, Costco's other pizza options are very real and also carry a substantial nutritional punch. When comparing the different food court slices, it's clear they all contribute a significant portion of your daily calorie and macronutrient intake due to their generous size.

Item Calories Protein Carbs Fat Sodium
Chicken Bake ~769 61g 78g 25g 2310mg
Cheese Pizza Slice ~699-710 41-44g 70-78g 28g 1370mg
Pepperoni Pizza Slice ~620-650 34-36g 68-75g 24g 1290mg
Combo Pizza Slice ~679 36g 72g 29g 1540mg

It's important to remember that these values are for a single, oversized food court slice. A standard 18-inch whole pizza is typically cut into 12 slices, while the individual food court slices are much larger.

Making Informed Nutritional Choices

Knowing the calorie count is just the beginning. The macronutrient breakdown is equally important for those tracking their diet. While the Chicken Bake offers a high protein count, it also comes with a significant amount of sodium and refined carbohydrates. If you are managing a weight loss plan or have specific health considerations like blood pressure, understanding the full picture is crucial.

Here are a few tips for making more mindful choices when visiting the food court:

  • Portion Control: Even if you can devour an entire slice, consider sharing it to reduce your overall calorie and sodium intake. Costco slices are notoriously large, often enough for two smaller portions.
  • Macronutrient Balance: While a high-protein item might be appealing, consider the other nutrients. The Chicken Bake's 61g of protein is paired with 78g of carbohydrates and high fat, making it less of a lean option.
  • Consider Alternatives: Look beyond the pizza. Options like the rotisserie chicken salad (if available) or the fruit smoothie could be lower-calorie alternatives, though nutritional information should always be checked.
  • Plan Your Day: If you know you'll be having a higher-calorie meal from Costco, plan the rest of your day's food intake accordingly. Opt for lighter, low-sodium meals to balance things out.

The Takeaway for Your Diet

While it's true that no single food is 'unhealthy' in moderation, the key lies in balance and frequency. A periodic treat of a Costco slice or Chicken Bake can fit into a balanced diet, but regular consumption without accounting for the high calorie, fat, and sodium content can derail nutritional goals. Be mindful of your overall daily intake and understand that a single food court item can represent a significant portion of your recommended daily values, especially for those monitoring weight or sodium intake. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your diet, and understanding the nutritional facts allows you to enjoy your favorite foods guilt-free when planned appropriately.

For more detailed nutritional information on Costco food court items, you can often find resources on reliable nutrition tracking websites and apps.

Conclusion

While a 'slice of Costco chicken pizza' isn't on the menu, the Chicken Bake is the likely culprit of the query. At nearly 770 calories and over a day's worth of sodium, it's a significant meal. Similarly, the pepperoni and cheese pizza slices hover around 600-700 calories each, highlighting the need for mindful consumption. By understanding the nutritional content of these oversized food court items, consumers can enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Prioritizing portion control and overall dietary balance is essential for enjoying the bargain-priced convenience of Costco's food court without compromising your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Costco does not sell a chicken pizza slice at its food court. The item that often gets confused with it is the Chicken Bake, which contains chicken, cheese, and bacon in a rolled-dough shell.

A single Chicken Bake from the Costco Food Court contains approximately 769 calories.

A single oversized slice of Costco pepperoni pizza contains approximately 620-650 calories, depending on the source.

A single oversized slice of Costco cheese pizza has around 699-710 calories.

The Costco Chicken Bake is extremely high in sodium, containing about 2,310 milligrams, which is nearly a full day's recommended allowance for most adults.

Costco's pizza slices are famously larger and more calorie-dense than comparable slices from other fast-food pizza chains.

While the food court doesn't sell a slice, Costco has sometimes offered a whole BBQ chicken pizza in its in-store or frozen sections, so it is possible to get a chicken pizza in whole-pie form.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.