How many calories are in a Neapolitan? Pizza vs. Ice Cream

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

A traditional Neapolitan pizza, specifically the classic Margherita, contains approximately 800 calories for the entire pie. In contrast, a half-cup serving of store-bought Neapolitan ice cream can contain as few as 120 calories. This substantial caloric difference makes understanding what kind of 'Neapolitan' you're consuming essential for accurate dietary tracking.

Quick Summary

Explores the caloric breakdown of Neapolitan pizza and ice cream, outlining key factors like ingredients and serving size that cause calorie variations.

Key Points

Two Distinct Dishes: The term "Neapolitan" applies to both a type of pizza and a tri-flavored ice cream, with vastly different calorie counts.
Caloric Range Varies: Expect a whole Margherita pizza to be around 800 calories, while a standard ice cream serving is typically 120-180 calories.
Serving Size Matters: A single slice of pizza can contain more calories than a typical scoop of ice cream, but the full pizza is far more caloric.
Ingredients are Key: The simple, fresh ingredients of a traditional pizza contribute to its moderate calorie density, whereas the sugar and fat in ice cream contribute heavily to its count.
Check the Label: Always check nutrition labels for packaged ice cream, as brand and serving size drastically change the final calorie count.
Less is More with Pizza: Opting for a simpler Marinara pizza over a Margherita can save hundreds of calories for the entire pie.

The Tale of Two Neapolitans

When someone asks about the calories in a "Neapolitan," the answer depends entirely on what food they are referencing. The term can describe a thin-crust Italian pizza known for its simple, fresh ingredients or the tri-flavored ice cream dessert popular in the United States and elsewhere. While both are delicious, their nutritional profiles are dramatically different. This guide will clarify the calorie count for both dishes, highlighting the factors that cause the variations and helping you make informed choices.

Calories in Neapolitan Pizza

An authentic Neapolitan pizza adheres to a strict set of rules defined by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organization that protects its traditions. This includes using specific ingredients and cooking it in a blistering hot wood-fired oven for a short time. The result is a light, airy, and relatively low-calorie pizza compared to other styles.

Caloric Breakdown of Traditional Versions

Pizza Marinara: Made with tomato, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, a whole Marinara pizza contains approximately 550 calories. Its lower calorie count is due to the absence of cheese.
Pizza Margherita: The classic Margherita, featuring tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, has about 800 calories for the entire pie. The mozzarella adds a significant portion of the total calories and fat.

Per-Slice Calorie Estimates

Because an authentic Neapolitan pizza is not typically sliced and eaten by hand, slice calorie counts are estimates. However, many restaurants serving this style divide it into 6 to 8 slices. A general estimate for a slice of Margherita pizza is between 200 and 250 calories, depending on the slice size and the amount of cheese and olive oil.

Factors Affecting Neapolitan Pizza Calories

Toppings: While traditional versions are simple, adding extra mozzarella or meat toppings will increase the calorie count substantially.
Crust Thickness: While authentic Neapolitan is thin, some variations might use a thicker crust, altering the dough's caloric contribution.
Cooking Method: A wood-fired oven cooks quickly, preserving a lighter texture. Other methods can result in a greasier pizza with more calories.

Calories in Neapolitan Ice Cream

Neapolitan ice cream is defined by its three distinct flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The calories in this dessert can vary widely depending on the brand and whether it's a full-fat or reduced-fat version.

Average Calories per Serving

For a standard ½-cup serving, the calorie count typically falls within the 120 to 180 range, with some brands higher or lower based on their specific recipe. For example, a ½-cup serving of Family Pak Neapolitan is listed at 120 calories, while a ⅔-cup serving from Cedar Crest is 170 calories.

Factors Affecting Neapolitan Ice Cream Calories

Fat Content: Reduced-fat versions will naturally contain fewer calories per serving than full-fat options. Brands often have both versions available, so checking the label is important.
Serving Size: The most critical factor is the serving size, which can range from ½ cup to ⅔ cup or more, significantly changing the total calories consumed.
Added Sugar: The sugar content is a primary source of calories in ice cream, and this can differ between brands.

Neapolitan Pizza vs. Ice Cream: A Calorie Comparison

To illustrate the stark differences, here is a quick nutritional comparison. Note that these are average figures and can change based on brand, ingredients, and preparation.


Feature	Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita, 1 Slice)	Neapolitan Ice Cream (1/2 cup)
Calories	~200-250 calories	~120-180 calories
Carbohydrates	Moderate, from the dough	Moderate to high, mostly from sugar
Fat	Moderate, from mozzarella and olive oil	Moderate, from milk fat
Protein	Moderate, from cheese	Low to moderate, from milk
Sugar	Low (from tomatoes)	High (added sugar)

Making a Healthier Choice

Both Neapolitan pizza and ice cream can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. When ordering pizza, sticking to traditional, simple versions like the Marinara or a modest Margherita can help control calories. At home, making your own pizza with a whole wheat crust and light cheese can further reduce the count.

For Neapolitan ice cream, portion control is key. The small serving sizes listed on nutrition labels (typically ½ cup) are easy to exceed. Opting for a reduced-fat version or simply measuring your portion accurately can help manage calorie intake. Consider pairing a smaller portion of ice cream with fresh fruit to make it a more filling and nutritious dessert.

Conclusion: Tracking Your Neapolitan Treats

The difference in caloric value between Neapolitan pizza and ice cream is substantial and a prime example of why context is crucial for nutritional information. A single slice of pizza can contain more calories than a serving of the ice cream, but the total calories of a whole pizza far outweigh the ice cream. Always clarify which dish is being discussed and, if possible, refer to the specific nutrition label or recipe to get the most accurate information for your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While a standard serving of ice cream has fewer calories than a single slice of pizza, a whole Neapolitan pizza is a more complete meal. The ice cream contains high amounts of added sugar, whereas the pizza offers more protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's best to consume both in moderation.

A slice of traditional Margherita Neapolitan pizza typically contains between 200 and 250 calories. The exact count depends on the size of the slice and the amount of mozzarella and olive oil used.

The calorie difference can be significant. For instance, a regular version might have 170 calories per serving, while a light or reduced-fat version from a different brand might have only 120 calories for a similar portion.

The addition of fresh mozzarella cheese is the primary reason. Marinara pizza is cheeseless, so its calories come mainly from the dough, tomatoes, and a small amount of olive oil. Margherita includes mozzarella, which adds fat and protein calories.

No. The calorie count can change based on adherence to tradition. Thicker, restaurant-style pizzas or those with additional toppings like pepperoni will have significantly more calories than an authentic, simple Margherita.

The dough for authentic Neapolitan pizza is relatively low in calories and fat, using only flour, water, salt, and yeast. Its lightness comes from the hand-stretching process and quick cooking in a high-temperature oven, resulting in an airy crust.

Yes, absolutely. Different brands use different recipes with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and milk solids. This results in a wide range of calorie counts. Checking the specific nutrition label for your brand is the most reliable method.