How many calories are in a 12 white pizza?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a 12-inch white pizza can vary dramatically, ranging from around 1,000 to over 2,300 calories, depending heavily on the crust, cheese, and toppings used. Understanding these variables is key to estimating how many calories are in a 12 white pizza and making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A 12-inch white pizza's total calories typically range between 1,000 and 2,300, influenced by the crust type, cheese amount, and any added toppings.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 12-inch white pizza typically contains between 1,000 and 2,300+ calories, depending on the preparation.
Crust Matters: The crust type, from thin to thick, significantly impacts the total calorie count, as it's a major source of carbs.
Cheese is Key: The amount and type of cheese, especially ricotta and mozzarella, are major drivers of the high calorie and fat content.
Olive Oil Adds Up: The olive oil base, a signature of white pizza, is calorie-dense and contributes significantly to the overall total.
Customization is Control: Choosing a thinner crust, less cheese, and adding vegetables are effective ways to reduce calories and fat.
Brand Variation: Calorie counts differ widely by restaurant brand, so checking specific nutritional information is crucial for accuracy.

The Core Components of a 12-inch White Pizza

Unlike a traditional red-sauce pizza, a white pizza uses a base of olive oil, garlic, and cheese, often featuring ricotta and mozzarella. This composition means the calorie count is predominantly driven by the crust and cheese, with sauces and toppings playing a secondary, though still significant, role. The total caloric value is a sum of these parts, and variations in each ingredient directly impact the final nutritional profile.

Crust Thickness and Type

The crust forms the foundation of any pizza and is a primary source of carbohydrates and calories. A thin crust will contain significantly fewer calories than a thick, pan-style, or stuffed crust. For example, a generic thin-crust white pizza is listed at around 2,176 calories, while a Neapolitan style could be as low as 800. This is due to the denser, more substantial dough used in thicker crusts, which also absorb more oil and butter during preparation.

Cheese: The Calorie Catalyst

Cheese is the most calorie-dense component of a white pizza, especially when using a blend of multiple types. White pizzas often feature a creamy base of ricotta, which is higher in moisture and fat, and a generous layer of mozzarella. An extra-cheese pizza can easily add hundreds of calories compared to a standard serving. The quality and type of cheese also matter; for instance, a fresh mozzarella might have a different fat content than a low-moisture shredded variety, but both contribute substantially to the total count.

The Role of Oil and Garlic

While red sauce is low in calories, white pizza bases typically rely on an olive oil and garlic mixture. Extra virgin olive oil is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, but it is also calorie-dense, with one tablespoon containing over 100 calories. Pizzerias often use more than a single tablespoon to coat the pizza, and this seemingly simple ingredient can drive up the overall calorie total.

Calorie Comparison: Different 12-inch White Pizzas

The table below illustrates how the calorie count can differ based on the preparation and source. These figures highlight the importance of checking nutritional information for specific restaurant brands or recipes.


Source/Type	Calories (approximate)	Key Differentiators
Generic Thin Crust	2,176 kcal	Standard thin crust, estimated.
Rosati's Thin Crust (No Sauce)	2,390 kcal	Higher fat and saturated fat content, likely from more cheese.
Sbarro 4-Cheese White Pizza	1,590 kcal	Specific brand formulation; likely a different ingredient mix.
Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven	1,030 kcal	Often uses a thinner crust and potentially different cheese amounts.
Homemade (Conservative)	1,200 - 1,600 kcal	Allows for controlled ingredient portions and healthier choices.

How to Reduce the Calories in Your White Pizza

Even with a calorie-heavy food like white pizza, there are ways to make more health-conscious choices without sacrificing flavor. A few simple adjustments can have a big impact on your meal's nutritional profile.

Choose a thinner crust: Opting for a standard thin crust or making your own reduces carbohydrate and calorie intake significantly. Many restaurants offer thin crust as a standard option.
Control the cheese: Requesting less cheese or opting for a lighter cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella, can trim hundreds of calories. A light dusting of parmesan can also add flavor without a high caloric cost.
Add vegetable toppings: Loading up on low-calorie vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or onions adds fiber and nutrients while making the pizza more filling.
Use a lighter oil base: If making at home, use olive oil sparingly or consider a blend with a lower-calorie alternative. For takeaway, you can't control this, but a homemade pizza gives you full control.
Enjoy smaller portions: The simplest way to manage calories is portion control. Instead of eating half the pizza, limit yourself to one or two slices and pair it with a fresh salad.

Conclusion: Navigating Your White Pizza Choices

The answer to "How many calories are in a 12 white pizza?" is complex because it depends on many factors, with commercial preparations often packing a significant caloric punch. A generic thin-crust version is surprisingly high at over 2,100 kcal, while specific brands can vary dramatically based on their recipes. By being mindful of crust thickness, cheese amount, and adding healthier toppings, you can enjoy this delicious treat while staying on track with your dietary goals. A homemade white pizza gives you the most control over ingredients and nutrition. When ordering out, look for nutritional information if available, or consider a brand with a reputation for lighter offerings, like Grimaldi's. Knowing the variables allows you to make a more informed choice that fits your lifestyle. For more nutritional information on various food items, check out Nutritionix's Food Search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While white pizza lacks the added sugars of some tomato sauces, it often compensates with a high-calorie combination of olive oil and multiple cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella, which can make it just as high in calories and fat, if not higher.

The calorie count per slice depends on how many slices the pizza is cut into. For a standard 8-slice cut, and based on a generic 2,176-calorie pizza, one slice would be around 272 calories. However, a slice from a lower-calorie brand could be less, while one from a higher-calorie version could be more.

Yes, absolutely. A thicker or denser crust adds more dough, which means more carbohydrates and calories per serving. A thin-crust pizza will almost always have fewer calories per slice than a thick, deep-dish, or stuffed-crust pizza of the same size.

The primary sources of calories in a white pizza are the cheese and the crust. The cheese, often a combination of high-fat varieties, and the carbohydrates in the crust make up the majority of the calorie count.

Yes, making a white pizza at home is one of the best ways to control the calorie count. You can use a thin, whole-wheat crust, a reduced amount of part-skim cheeses, and load up on vegetable toppings to boost fiber and nutrients.

Healthy toppings include spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and fresh herbs like basil. These add flavor, fiber, and nutrients without adding significant calories. Opting for lean proteins like grilled chicken is also a healthier choice than processed meats.

If the restaurant doesn't provide nutritional information, you can use the data from similar brands as a rough guide. Keep in mind whether the restaurant uses a particularly thick crust or lots of cheese, as these will likely push the total toward the higher end of the spectrum.