How many calories are in a Katz pastrami sandwich per serving?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reports, a single Katz's Delicatessen pastrami sandwich can contain around 800 calories, a figure that is comparable to many fast-food footlong subs. The exact number of calories in a Katz pastrami sandwich varies, primarily due to the generous, hand-carved portion of meat that can weigh close to a pound. This makes it a hearty, calorie-dense meal that is a significant part of the daily recommended intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Katz's pastrami sandwich is substantial, often estimated at 800 calories or more due to its massive, nearly one-pound portion of meat. The high-fat content of the brisket cut and the rye bread contribute significantly to the total, making it a very filling meal. The portion size often allows for it to be split between multiple people.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: A full Katz pastrami sandwich is estimated to contain around 800 calories or more due to the large portion size.
Meat is the Primary Source: The bulk of the calories come from the almost one-pound portion of fatty pastrami, not the bread or mustard.
Leaner Option Available: Katz's offers a 'lean-cut pastrami' for those who want to reduce the fat and overall calorie intake of their sandwich.
Sharing is Key: Due to its immense size, splitting the sandwich with a friend is a popular and practical way to cut the calorie count in half.
High in Sodium and Cholesterol: In addition to calories, the sandwich is noted for its high sodium and cholesterol levels, important factors for those monitoring their health.
Rye Bread Contributes: The two slices of rye bread, while less impactful than the meat, still contribute around 140 calories to the total.
Condiments are Low-Calorie: Standard additions like deli mustard add minimal calories to the final product.

Deciphering the Calorie Count of a Legendary Sandwich

A visit to Katz's Delicatessen in New York City is an iconic culinary experience, centered on its legendary hand-carved pastrami sandwich. But for the health-conscious or simply curious, the sheer size of the sandwich begs the question: how many calories are packed into this meaty monument? The answer is not a single, fixed number but rather an informed estimate based on its key components.

The large portion of meat, traditionally sliced from the fatty brisket navel, is the primary driver of the calorie count. A full sandwich contains a massive, nearly one-pound serving of pastrami. By contrast, many standard deli sandwiches use significantly smaller portions. This means that a Katz's sandwich contains a calorie load far beyond that of an average pastrami-on-rye, which typically uses 3 to 4 ounces of meat.

The Meat: Heart of the Calorie Load

Pastrami's preparation, involving brining, smoking, and boiling, results in a tender and flavorful cut of beef. However, the navel cut is naturally high in fat, contributing a large portion of the sandwich's total calories. Some sources suggest that pastrami meat contains around 40-41 calories per ounce. Given that a Katz's sandwich can hold up to 16 ounces of meat, the pastrami alone could account for 640 to 656 calories. For those seeking a slightly lighter version, Katz's offers a lean-cut pastrami, which would lower the fat and calorie intake.

The Role of Rye Bread

The foundation of the sandwich is the classic rye bread. A typical serving of two slices of rye bread contributes a moderate but notable number of calories. With two standard slices adding approximately 140 calories, the bread provides the necessary carbohydrates to round out the meal. Since the bread at Katz's is often larger and more substantial, it might add even more calories. The dense, chewy texture is designed to hold up to the substantial weight of the pastrami.

The Unassuming Condiments

Mustard, the traditional accompaniment, adds minimal calories. Deli-style mustard has a negligible impact on the overall calorie count, typically adding fewer than 10 calories per tablespoon. Some people also add a side of coleslaw or a pickle, which can add calories depending on preparation. A plain dill pickle, however, is a low-calorie addition.

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown of a Katz Pastrami Sandwich


Component	Estimated Calories (Standard)	Estimated Calories (Lean)
Pastrami (14-16 oz)	640-700	~560-600
Rye Bread (2 slices)	140	140
Mustard (1 tbsp)	<10	<10
Total (Approximate)	790-850+	~710-750+

Note: These are estimations. The exact calorie count will vary depending on the specific cut and quantity of meat served on a given day. The lean-cut pastrami is specifically offered by Katz's as a lower-fat option.

How to Manage the Calorie Intake

For most people, consuming a full Katz pastrami sandwich in one sitting is a major calorie commitment. A few strategies can make it a more manageable meal:

Share the sandwich: Given its large size, splitting the sandwich with a friend is an excellent way to reduce your intake to a more reasonable 400-450 calories.
Opt for the lean cut: Choosing the lean-cut pastrami is a direct way to reduce the overall fat and calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
Pair with a light side: Instead of fries or another heavy side, pair your half-sandwich with a light salad or a simple pickle. This helps create a more balanced meal.
Mind the sodium: Beyond calories, the high sodium content of pastrami is another factor to consider. Drinking plenty of water can help mitigate this.

Conclusion

A Katz pastrami sandwich is an indulgence, and its calorie count reflects that. With approximately 800 or more calories in a full serving, it is a substantial meal, not an everyday lunch option. The majority of the calories come from the generously portioned, fatty pastrami, with the rye bread contributing a smaller portion. The high protein and fat content mean it is very filling, and it can easily be shared. Understanding the nutritional profile allows patrons to enjoy this classic New York experience while making informed decisions about their dietary goals. For a true taste of deli tradition, a bite of a Katz pastrami sandwich is well worth the mindful calorie consideration. Katz's Delicatessen provides details on their pastrami's origins and their menu options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sandwich is high in calories primarily because of its very large portion size. Unlike typical deli sandwiches, a Katz's pastrami sandwich contains nearly a full pound of fatty brisket pastrami, which is calorie-dense.

Yes, Katz's Delicatessen offers a lean-cut pastrami option. Ordering this version will significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of the sandwich compared to the traditional, fattier cut.

The most effective way is to split the sandwich with someone else, cutting your intake in half. Opting for the lean-cut meat is another good strategy. Also, pair your half-sandwich with a low-calorie side like a pickle instead of a high-calorie side dish.

While the meat is the main calorie contributor, the rye bread does add to the total. Two slices of standard rye bread contribute approximately 140 calories, though the specific bread at Katz's may be slightly different.

A traditional Katz's pastrami sandwich is famously large, with approximately 14 to 16 ounces (nearly a pound) of hand-carved pastrami packed between the slices of rye bread.

The traditional cut of pastrami comes from the brisket navel, which is a fatty cut of meat. While high in protein, the resulting sandwich is also high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, making it an indulgent meal best enjoyed in moderation.

A Katz's pastrami sandwich is typically much higher in calories than standard deli sandwiches because of its significantly larger meat portion. It is comparable in calories to some large, chain-restaurant subs but with a different nutritional profile, higher in fat and sodium.