How many calories are in 4 slices of Turkey Pepperoni?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Four slices of turkey pepperoni typically contain around 19 calories, according to brands like Essential Everyday. This makes turkey pepperoni a popular low-calorie alternative to its traditional counterpart, especially for those mindful of their calorie intake or looking for a lean protein snack.

Quick Summary

Four slices of turkey pepperoni contain approximately 19 calories, with the exact amount varying slightly by brand. This lean alternative offers significantly fewer calories and less fat than regular pepperoni, but can still be high in sodium and is a processed meat that should be consumed in moderation.

Key Points

Calorie Count: 4 slices of turkey pepperoni have approximately 19 calories, depending on the brand.
Leaner Alternative: Turkey pepperoni is significantly lower in calories and fat than regular pepperoni, but may contain higher sodium levels.
Mindful Consumption: As a processed meat, turkey pepperoni should be consumed in moderation to manage high sodium intake.
Versatile Ingredient: It can be used as a flavorful addition to various dishes, including high-protein pizza bowls and salads.
Read the Label: Serving sizes and nutritional details can vary between brands, so always check the product's nutrition facts.

Nutritional Profile of Turkey Pepperoni

While the primary question is, "How many calories are in 4 slices of Turkey Pepperoni?", understanding the full nutritional profile provides a more complete picture. Turkey pepperoni is made from cured turkey meat, often with added spices like paprika and garlic powder to mimic the flavor of traditional pork and beef pepperoni. The overall nutritional breakdown will vary based on the specific brand and recipe, with most offering a leaner, lower-fat option than traditional pepperoni.

Calorie Breakdown and Macronutrients

Using the data from brands like Essential Everyday, four slices of turkey pepperoni (approximately 1 ounce or 28g) contain:

Calories: ~19 calories
Fat: ~1g
Protein: ~2g
Carbohydrates: 0g

This makes it a low-carb and relatively low-fat snack. However, it's important to remember that most brands use a larger serving size for their nutrition labels, often 16 or 17 slices. For example, Hormel's Turkey Pepperoni cites 70 calories for a 17-slice serving, which aligns with the lower calorie count per slice.

Comparison: Turkey Pepperoni vs. Regular Pepperoni

Choosing between turkey and regular pepperoni depends on your dietary goals, as they differ significantly in calorie and fat content. Turkey pepperoni is consistently lower in fat and calories. However, it is crucial to read labels, as some turkey versions may contain more sodium than regular pepperoni.


Nutrient	4 Slices Turkey Pepperoni (Avg.)	4 Slices Regular Pepperoni (Approx.)
Calories	~19	~35-40
Total Fat	~1g	~3-4g
Saturated Fat	~0.4g	~1.5g
Protein	~2g	~2g
Sodium	~140-160mg	~100-120mg
Cholesterol	~10-15mg	~8-10mg

Note: Nutritional values can vary significantly by brand. Regular pepperoni data is an approximation based on common USDA values.

Health Considerations for Turkey Pepperoni Consumption

Even as a leaner alternative, turkey pepperoni is a processed meat and should be consumed in moderation. The primary concern for most processed meats is their high sodium content, which can be detrimental to cardiovascular health if consumed in excess. Some brands also use preservatives like sodium nitrite, BHA, and BHT, which are flagged by some health organizations as additives of concern.

Here are some tips for incorporating turkey pepperoni healthily:

Pair with Whole Foods: Combine a few slices with fruits, vegetables, or whole-wheat crackers to create a balanced snack plate.
Use as a Flavoring: Rather than a main protein, use turkey pepperoni as a spicy garnish for salads, pasta dishes, or omelets.
Monitor Serving Sizes: Be mindful of portion control. The calorie savings are significant when comparing a single serving, but eating the entire package can negate any health benefits.
Choose Lower Sodium Options: Check the nutrition label and opt for brands that offer lower sodium content.

Healthy Recipe Ideas with Turkey Pepperoni

Turkey pepperoni can be a versatile ingredient for adding flavor to various dishes. Here are a few examples:

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl: A high-protein, low-carb snack made with cottage cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni.
Pizza Spaghetti Squash Boats: A hearty meal where spaghetti squash is filled with a mixture of lean ground turkey, marinara, and turkey pepperoni.
Turkey Pepperoni Mini Pizzas: Using a healthier base like whole-wheat dough or even portobello mushrooms, create bite-sized pizzas with sauce, cheese, and a few slices of turkey pepperoni.
Salad Topper: Chop up a few slices of turkey pepperoni to add a zesty, savory crunch to your favorite salad instead of higher-calorie toppings.

Conclusion

In summary, four slices of turkey pepperoni contain approximately 19 calories, making it a lower-calorie, lower-fat option compared to traditional pepperoni. However, as a processed meat, it remains high in sodium and should be enjoyed in moderation. By pairing it with whole foods and being mindful of portion sizes, you can effectively incorporate turkey pepperoni into a healthy diet. Always check the nutritional information for the specific brand you purchase, as values can differ. For more information on the health implications of processed meats, consider consulting a reliable source like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, turkey pepperoni is a processed meat and, like other processed meats, is often high in sodium. For example, some brands contain over 500mg of sodium per serving of 17 slices.

Turkey pepperoni is generally a leaner, lower-calorie, and lower-fat alternative to regular pepperoni. However, it can sometimes be higher in sodium, so it's important to compare nutrition labels.

Yes, turkey pepperoni is a keto and low-carb-friendly snack, as it contains 0g of carbohydrates per serving. It provides a good source of protein for those on such diets.

Serving sizes vary by brand, but common label serving sizes are 16 or 17 slices (around 30g). A typical portion for a snack would be smaller, such as the 4 slices discussed, which amounts to a fraction of a standard label serving.

For healthier consumption, pair turkey pepperoni with whole foods like vegetables or whole-wheat crackers. Use a few chopped slices to add flavor to salads, omelets, or high-protein pizza bowls.

Yes, turkey pepperoni is a decent source of protein, especially when compared to its calorie count. For example, 4 slices provide around 2g of protein.

Many brands of turkey pepperoni contain sodium nitrites as a preservative. Some brands offer products with 'No Nitrates or Nitrites Added' (except those naturally occurring), so it's important to check the ingredients list.