How many calories are in a Potbelly pizza sandwich?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a Potbelly Pizza Original Sandwich contains 578 calories, while the larger BIGS version packs a substantial 838 calories. The exact calorie content and nutritional breakdown can vary widely depending on the size chosen and any additional modifications.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Potbelly pizza sandwich depends on its size, with the Original containing 578 calories and the BIGS 838. Other nutritional details like fat, carbs, and sodium also differ significantly based on the size and any additions.

Key Points

Calorie variation by size: A Potbelly pizza sandwich's calories range from around 500 to over 800, depending on whether you order a Half, Flat, Original, or BIGS size.
High sodium and saturated fat: The larger BIGS pizza sandwich contains extremely high levels of sodium and saturated fat, exceeding daily recommended values.
Customization is crucial for calorie control: You can reduce the calorie count by choosing thinner bread options like Flats, ordering a smaller size, or requesting less cheese and sauce.
Standard ingredients impact nutrition: The sandwich's foundation of meatball, capicola, pepperoni, and provolone contributes significantly to its calorie and fat content.
Healthier menu alternatives exist: For those seeking lower-calorie or lower-sodium options, other menu items like the Mediterranean sandwich or vegetable-based soups are better choices.

Potbelly Pizza Sandwich Calorie Breakdown by Size

The calories in a Potbelly pizza sandwich are not one-size-fits-all. Potbelly offers several different bread and size options that drastically change the final calorie count. The standard sandwich is built with a combination of meatball, capicola, pepperoni, marinara sauce, melted provolone cheese, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Any deviation from this standard recipe will also impact the nutrition.

Pizza Sandwich Calorie Counts

Original: The most common size, served on a standard roll, contains 578 calories.
BIGS: This larger version of the pizza sandwich packs a much higher calorie punch at 838 calories.
Half: A smaller portion, the Half sandwich is listed at 510 calories.
Flats/Thin Cut: Ordering the pizza sandwich on a flatter, thinner bread can reduce the calorie count. For example, a Pizza Flat Sandwich contains 488 calories, though some nutrition sites list a 'flats' version at 570 calories.

Customizing Your Sandwich for a Lower Calorie Count

For those looking to enjoy the flavors of the pizza sandwich with fewer calories, customization is key. Potbelly is known for its wide range of options, allowing customers to tailor their meal to their dietary needs. By making conscious choices, you can significantly reduce the overall caloric and sodium intake.

Here are some customization tips:

Choose a smaller size: Opting for a Half or Skinny size is the most direct way to cut calories.
Modify the bread: A Thin Cut or Flat bread option can reduce the carbohydrate and calorie content compared to the standard roll.
Hold the cheese: Provolone cheese adds a significant amount of saturated fat and calories. Asking for less or no cheese is a simple fix.
Add more vegetables: Loading up on extra, non-starchy vegetables like lettuce and tomato can increase the sandwich's volume and fiber without adding many calories.
Go light on sauce: While marinara is a core flavor, asking for a lighter amount can help reduce sodium and sugar.

Macronutrient Breakdown and Considerations

The pizza sandwich is not just high in calories; it also contains notable amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein, with particularly high levels of sodium and saturated fat in the larger sizes.

Macronutrient Comparison by Size


Nutrient	Original Sandwich	BIGS Sandwich	Flat Sandwich
Calories	578	838	488
Total Fat	25g	38g	27g
Saturated Fat	10g	15g	10g
Carbohydrates	63g	84g	40g
Protein	30g	45g	27g
Sodium	1604mg	2288mg	1304mg

As the table shows, the BIGS sandwich contains nearly 100% of the recommended daily value for sodium. For those monitoring their intake of saturated fat and sodium for heart health, opting for a smaller size or a different menu item is advisable.

How the Pizza Sandwich Stacks Up to Other Potbelly Sandwiches

When considering the nutritional profile of the pizza sandwich, it's helpful to compare it to other popular options on the Potbelly menu. Items like the Mediterranean sandwich or a skinny turkey sandwich offer lower-calorie alternatives. For example, a Mediterranean sandwich on multigrain can have significantly fewer calories, especially if ordered without meat.

Furthermore, Potbelly offers a range of soups and salads that can be healthier alternatives or sides. The Garden Vegetable Soup, for instance, is a low-fat, low-calorie option. Customizing a salad with lean protein and a vinaigrette dressing is another way to enjoy a meal at Potbelly with more nutrient-dense ingredients. You can explore and build your own meal using the Potbelly Nutrition Calculator.

Conclusion

The calories in a Potbelly pizza sandwich can range from under 500 to over 800, depending on the size and customization. The sandwich, while flavorful, is high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, particularly in its larger formats. By choosing a smaller size, opting for thinner bread, and being mindful of toppings, you can reduce the nutritional impact. Ultimately, understanding the different sizes and being willing to customize your order is the most effective way to manage your caloric intake when enjoying a Potbelly pizza sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Potbelly Pizza Original Sandwich contains 578 calories, based on standard nutrition information.

The Pizza Big Sandwich from Potbelly has a calorie count of 838, significantly more than the Original size.

Yes, ordering the pizza sandwich on a flat bread is a lower-calorie option. A Pizza Flat Sandwich contains 488 calories, which is less than the Original sandwich.

The Potbelly pizza sandwich typically includes meatball, capicola, and pepperoni with marinara sauce, melted provolone cheese, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning on your choice of bread.

To make the sandwich healthier, you can choose a smaller size or a thin-cut bread. Additionally, ask for less cheese, load up on extra vegetables, and request lighter marinara sauce.

The sodium content is quite high, especially in larger sizes. A Pizza Big Sandwich, for instance, contains 2288mg of sodium, nearly a full day's recommended allowance.

Due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content, especially in larger sizes, the pizza sandwich may not be the best choice for weight management. Healthier options are available by customizing or choosing other menu items like salads.