How many calories are in a 10 inch takeaway pizza?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a basic 10-inch standard takeaway pizza contains approximately 870 calories, but this can fluctuate dramatically depending on the type. This article breaks down exactly how many calories are in a 10 inch takeaway pizza and explores the key factors that influence the total nutritional value.

Quick Summary

A 10-inch takeaway pizza's calorie content varies greatly, from around 800 for a basic cheese and tomato to over 1,400 for a meat-heavy option, influenced by crust type, toppings, and cheese.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The calories in a 10-inch takeaway pizza are not fixed, ranging from approximately 800 to over 1500 kcal, primarily determined by toppings and crust.
Crust Matters: Thin-crust pizzas have a lower calorie count than thicker, deep-pan, or stuffed-crust options due to less dough.
Topping Choices: High-fat meat toppings like pepperoni add significantly more calories than vegetable toppings.
Brand and Processing: Fast-food chain pizzas tend to be higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to those made with fresh ingredients.
Healthier Hacks: You can reduce calories by asking for thin crust, extra vegetables, and less cheese.
Portion Control: Eating the entire pizza significantly increases your calorie intake; splitting it is a better strategy for managing portion size.

The Base Calorie Count

When you order a 10-inch takeaway pizza, the total calorie count is not a single, fixed number. It's a spectrum, heavily influenced by its core components and additions. The foundation is the dough, followed by the sauce, and finally the cheese. A simple Margherita pizza serves as a good benchmark for understanding the base calorie count. For example, a standard 9-10 inch takeaway Margherita pizza typically contains around 870 calories. This figure provides a starting point before adding more calorie-dense ingredients.

How Dough and Crust Affect Calories

One of the most significant factors is the type of crust. A thinner, crisper crust contains less dough and, therefore, fewer calories than a thicker, hand-tossed or deep-pan variety. For instance, a thin crust could be hundreds of calories lighter than a deep-pan version, even with the same toppings. Some takeaway options also offer stuffed crusts, which can drastically increase the total count due to the addition of more cheese and processed ingredients.

Thin Crust: Lower dough volume, fewer calories.
Hand-Tossed / Regular Crust: Medium dough volume, moderate calories.
Deep-Pan Crust: High dough volume, highest base calories.
Stuffed Crust: Significantly increases calories due to added cheese.

The Impact of Toppings on Total Calories

The choice of toppings is a primary driver of calorie variation. Fatty, processed meats and extra cheese can quickly elevate a pizza's calorie content. For example, pepperoni is consistently one of the highest-calorie toppings due to its high fat content. Conversely, opting for vegetables adds minimal calories while boosting nutritional value and fiber.

High-Calorie Toppings: Pepperoni, sausage, extra cheese, creamy sauces.
Medium-Calorie Toppings: Ham, chicken, certain types of cheeses.
Low-Calorie Toppings: Onions, peppers, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, herbs.

Calorie Comparison Table for 10-Inch Pizzas

The following table illustrates how different types of 10-inch pizzas can vary significantly in their calorie totals. These are approximate values based on typical takeaway styles, not specific brand data unless noted.


Pizza Type (10-Inch)	Approx. Calories	Primary Calorie Contributors
Margherita (Standard Takeaway)	870	Dough, cheese, oil
Marinara (Neapolitan Style)	640	Dough, sauce, oil (cheese-less)
Pepperoni (Neapolitan Style)	990	Dough, cheese, pepperoni fat
Meat Feast (Example - Pizza Hut)	~1440	Multiple meat toppings, cheese, thicker crust
Plain Cheese (Pizza King)	970	Generous cheese, standard dough

Smarter Takeaway Pizza Choices

Enjoying a takeaway pizza doesn't have to completely derail a balanced diet. With some smart choices, you can significantly reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor. Focus on the core components and make conscious decisions about toppings and portion size.

Tips for Reducing Pizza Calories:

Go Thin: Always opt for a thin-crust base over a deep-pan or stuffed crust to save on dough and calories.
Load Up on Veggies: Increase your vegetable toppings, like peppers, mushrooms, and onions, to add fiber and nutrients with minimal calories.
Light on the Cheese: Ask for a reduced amount of cheese or opt for lighter cheese options if available. A sprinkle of parmesan or feta can provide flavor without a massive calorie hit.
Choose Leaner Meats: If you want meat, choose leaner options like grilled chicken or ham instead of high-fat sausage or pepperoni.
Control Portion Size: Instead of eating the whole 10-inch pizza yourself, share it with someone or save half for later. Portion control is key for managing calorie intake.

Understanding Different Pizza Types

The calorie breakdown isn't just about toppings; the style of pizza itself plays a huge role. For instance, a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, made with simple ingredients and a specific cooking method, differs nutritionally from a thick, American-style fast-food pizza. The processing level of ingredients is also a key factor. Fresher, less-processed ingredients generally result in a healthier, lower-calorie pizza. Fast-food chain pizzas tend to be higher in calories, fat, and sodium due to their ingredient processing and preparation methods.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a 10-inch takeaway pizza varies widely, typically falling between 800 and 1500, depending on several factors. The biggest influences are the crust type, the quantity and type of cheese, and the choice of toppings. While a basic Margherita might come in around 870 calories, a meat-heavy, deep-pan version could be well over 1400 calories. Making mindful decisions, such as choosing a thin crust and vegetable toppings, can significantly lower the calorie count. For more detailed nutritional information, it's always best to check the specific restaurant's website or an online resource like Nutracheck at https://www.nutracheck.co.uk/calories/calories_in_takeaways/calories_in_pizza_910_standard_pizza. Ultimately, a takeaway pizza can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation and with careful consideration of its ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 10-inch pepperoni pizza can range from 950 to over 1200 calories, as the processed meat and extra cheese significantly increase the fat content compared to a basic cheese and tomato pizza.

A thin-crust 10-inch pizza is almost always lower in calories than a deep-pan version. The thicker crust of a deep-pan pizza uses more dough, which adds hundreds of extra calories.

A standard 9-10 inch Margherita takeaway pizza contains around 870 calories, while a more authentic Neapolitan style can be around 930 calories.

Yes, adding extra cheese will increase the total calories and fat content of your 10-inch pizza. Asking for 'light cheese' is a simple way to reduce calories.

For a lower-calorie 10-inch pizza, choose vegetable toppings like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Opting for leaner meats like chicken is also a better choice.

Often, fast-food chain 10-inch pizzas can be higher in calories due to standardized, often more processed, ingredients. However, this depends on the specific pizza and preparation method.

A freshly made takeaway pizza can be healthier than a frozen one, as it often contains fewer processed ingredients and preservatives. However, both can be high in calories, sodium, and fat.