Calorie Breakdown for a Coop Meat Feast Pizza
The calorie content of a Coop meat feast pizza is a key piece of information for anyone managing their dietary intake. It is important to note that different versions of the product, such as variations in size or recipe updates, can affect the final nutritional figures. Focusing on the popular 360g stonebaked variety, the manufacturer’s data provides a clear breakdown. A half-pizza serving, which weighs approximately 162g after cooking, contains around 364 kilocalories (kcal). This means consuming the entire 360g pizza would equate to roughly 728 kcal. The calories are derived from a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, with the meat toppings and cheese contributing a significant amount of the fat and protein content.
Detailed Nutritional Profile per 1/2 Pizza (162g cooked)
Beyond just the calorie count, the full nutritional profile offers a more comprehensive picture of what the pizza provides. For a single half of the 360g pizza, the breakdown is as follows:
- Fat: 12g (of which saturates: 5.6g)
- Carbohydrate: 45g (of which sugars: 8.2g)
- Protein: 18g
- Salt: 1.9g
This highlights that while the pizza offers a good amount of protein from its meat toppings and cheese, it is also relatively high in fat and salt. The 1.9g of salt in a single serving represents a high proportion of the average adult's recommended daily intake, which should be considered for those monitoring their sodium levels. For context, a different version, the 365g stonebaked meat feast, lists its calorie count at 416 kcal per half pizza, demonstrating the importance of checking the specific product packaging.
Comparing Coop Pizzas and Alternatives
When considering a meat feast pizza, it is useful to compare its nutritional content with other pizza options, both within the Co-op range and from other sources. This comparison can help individuals make more informed choices based on their dietary goals, whether they are focused on calorie intake, fat content, or general nutrition. Frozen pizzas, including Coop's, often have different nutritional profiles than takeaway versions or homemade alternatives.
Nutritional Comparison Table: Coop Pizzas (per half-pizza serving)
| Feature | Meat Feast Pizza (360g) | Cheese & Tomato Pizza (300g) | Margherita Pizza (240g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 364 kcal | 385 kcal | ~280 kcal (half of 560 kcal) |
| Fat | 12g | 15g | 11.5g |
| Saturates | 5.6g | 7.1g | 4.5g |
| Carbohydrate | 45g | 44g | 32.5g |
| Sugars | 8.2g | 3.1g | 4.4g |
| Protein | 18g | 17g | 11g |
| Salt | 1.9g | 1.35g | 0.87g |
Note: Margherita calorie count is per half-pizza based on full pizza data.
As the table demonstrates, despite being topped with more ingredients, the Meat Feast is not necessarily the highest-calorie pizza per half serving, particularly when compared to the Thin & Crispy Cheese & Tomato version which, per half, has slightly more calories and fat. However, the salt content is notably higher in the meat-focused variety. For a lower-calorie, lower-salt option, a wood-fired Margherita could be a better choice. For those looking for homemade alternatives, it's possible to significantly reduce fat and salt by using lean meats and reduced-fat cheese.
Making Healthier Pizza Choices
Even when choosing a product like the Coop meat feast pizza, there are several strategies you can employ to make it a more balanced meal. These tips focus on portion control and adding extra nutrients to complement the pizza.
Tips for a more balanced meal:
- Practice portion control: Since a full pizza is over 700 kcal, sharing the pizza with a friend or saving half for a later meal is an excellent way to manage your calorie intake. Remember that the nutritional information is based on a half-pizza serving.
- Add extra vegetables: While the frozen pizza lacks substantial vegetable content, adding fresh vegetables during the cooking process can boost your fibre and nutrient intake. Options like chopped onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are ideal.
- Pair with a fresh salad: Serving the pizza alongside a large green salad with a low-fat dressing is a simple way to add volume and nutrition to your meal without significantly increasing the calorie count.
- Blot excess oil: Before serving, use a paper towel to gently blot any excess oil from the surface of the pizza. This can help reduce the overall fat content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a half serving of the standard 360g Coop meat feast pizza contains approximately 364 calories, while a full pizza will contain around 728 calories. The product is a significant source of protein but is also high in fat, and particularly salt, which should be taken into account when planning a balanced diet. By understanding the full nutritional breakdown and employing simple strategies like portion control and adding fresh vegetables, it is possible to enjoy a meat feast pizza as part of a healthier overall eating plan. For specific product details, always refer to the packaging or the most recent information on the Co-op's official website.
For more information on Co-op's product range and other food initiatives, visit the Co-op blog.
