How many calories are in a slice of Giordano's deep-dish pizza?

According to nutritional data, a single slice of Giordano's large deep-dish pizza, specifically the 'Chicago Classic,' can contain approximately 590 calories. This high number reflects the pizza's dense crust, generous layers of cheese, and other toppings, making it significantly more calorie-dense than a standard thin-crust slice.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for a slice of Giordano's pizza vary significantly based on the crust type, size, and toppings. Deep-dish and stuffed varieties are substantially higher in calories than their thinner crust counterparts, with some slices exceeding 700 calories.

Key Points

• Significant Calorie Difference: The number of calories in a slice of Giordano's varies dramatically based on whether you choose deep-dish or thin-crust.

• Deep-Dish is Calorie-Dense: A single slice of a large, meat-heavy deep-dish can contain 700 or more calories due to its thick crust, heavy cheese, and substantial toppings.

• Thin Crust is the Lighter Option: Opting for a thin-crust pizza is the best way to reduce calories, with some thin-crust slices containing as few as 180-220 calories.

• Stuffed Pizza is Also Heavy: Stuffed pizza, similar to deep-dish but with an extra crust layer, is also high in calories. A sausage stuffed slice from a grocery pack is around 410 calories.

• Size Matters: Slice size directly impacts calories. Small pizzas divided into fewer slices result in higher calories per slice than larger pizzas with more slices.

• Blotting Reduces Calories: Gently blotting the surface of your pizza with a napkin can remove excess oil and save around 35 calories per slice.

• Toppings Add Up: Calorie counts increase with toppings, especially high-fat meats like sausage and pepperoni, while vegetable toppings are a lower-calorie alternative.

Decoding Calories in Giordano's Deep-Dish Pizza

Giordano's is famous for its Chicago-style deep-dish and stuffed pizzas, renowned for their hearty layers of dough, cheese, and toppings. However, with this decadent experience comes a considerable calorie count. The exact number of calories in a slice of Giordano's can vary widely depending on the specific pizza and slice size. Deep-dish and stuffed pizzas, in particular, are calorie-dense due to their thick, buttery crusts and abundant cheese.

To understand the caloric impact, it's important to break down the different pizza types and sizes available. A small deep-dish slice, for instance, has a different nutritional profile than a large stuffed slice, which might be loaded with extra meat and cheese.

Nutritional breakdown by pizza type

The calories in a slice of Giordano's are primarily influenced by the crust type, toppings, and the overall size of the pizza. Deep-dish and stuffed options feature a much higher concentration of ingredients per slice than thin-crust alternatives.

• Deep-Dish Cheese: A slice from a large deep-dish cheese pizza is reported to have over 500 calories.
• The Special, Small Deep-Dish: One slice from a small 'The Special' deep-dish pizza is approximately 550 calories, with 30 grams of fat and 43 grams of carbohydrates.
• Meat & More Meat, Large Deep-Dish: A slice of this large, meat-packed deep-dish pizza contains a hefty 700 calories, with 22 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein.
• Stuffed Pepperoni: A slice of the pre-packaged, stuffed pepperoni deep-dish pizza sold at grocery stores contains 380 calories, with 19 grams of fat and 37 grams of carbohydrates.
• Thin Crust (various): Thin-crust options from Giordano's are a lighter choice. For example, a slice of a large 'The Special' thin-crust pizza contains 220 calories, while a small 'Chicago Classic' thin-crust slice has 210 calories.

Comparing Giordano's Deep-Dish and Thin-Crust Calories

For those mindful of their calorie intake, understanding the difference between Giordano's signature deep-dish and their thin-crust pizza is essential. The contrast is substantial, primarily due to the volume of ingredients.

Feature	Deep-Dish/Stuffed Slice	Thin-Crust Slice
Crust Thickness	Thick, buttery, and dense	Thin and crisp
Cheese Volume	Extremely generous layers	Standard, lighter layer
Topping Volume	Large quantity layered beneath sauce	Standard amount on top of cheese
Calorie Count (Average)	550–700+ calories	180–220 calories
Fat Content	Higher, due to dough and cheese	Lower overall

How to make a lighter choice at Giordano's

Even at a restaurant famous for its rich, heavy pizza, there are ways to manage your calorie intake. Here are a few tips to enjoy Giordano's with a lighter nutritional footprint:

• Choose Thin Crust: Opt for a thin-crust pizza instead of deep-dish. This is the single most effective way to reduce the calorie count per slice.
• Select Vegetable Toppings: Load up on vegetable toppings like onions, spinach, and peppers, which add flavor and fiber without significantly increasing calories.
• Blot the Oil: A quick and effective trick is to blot the surface of your pizza with a napkin to remove excess oil. This can save around 35 calories per slice.
• Practice Portion Control: A single slice of deep-dish is often very filling. If you still want to enjoy deep-dish, stick to one slice and pair it with a light salad.

Conclusion

Giordano's deep-dish and stuffed pizzas are an indulgent treat with a high calorie count that varies significantly by size and toppings. A single slice can range from under 200 calories for a thin-crust option to over 700 calories for a large, meat-laden deep-dish. By understanding the nutritional differences and making mindful choices like opting for a thin crust or adding more vegetables, you can still enjoy Giordano's while keeping your dietary goals in mind. For those who prefer the authentic deep-dish experience, enjoying a single slice as a special treat is a balanced approach. For more nutritional information, Giordano's provides a detailed PDF on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a single slice of Giordano's cheese deep-dish pizza?

A single slice of Giordano's deep-dish cheese pizza can have approximately 350-500+ calories, though the exact number depends on the pizza's size and whether it's a restaurant or grocery version.

What is the calorie count for a slice of Giordano's stuffed pizza?

A slice of Giordano's stuffed pizza is typically higher in calories than a deep-dish, with a stuffed sausage grocery pizza slice at about 410 calories and other restaurant versions potentially higher.

Is Giordano's thin-crust pizza significantly lower in calories?

Yes, Giordano's thin-crust pizza is substantially lower in calories. A large thin-crust slice of 'The Special' contains 220 calories, making it a much lighter option than the deep-dish.

How do toppings affect the calorie count of Giordano's pizza?

Toppings greatly impact the total calories. Meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage add considerable fat and calories, while vegetable toppings are a much healthier, lower-calorie choice.

Does the size of the deep-dish pizza matter for calories per slice?

Yes, it does. For example, a small deep-dish pizza cut into fewer slices results in higher calories per slice compared to a large pizza that is cut into more slices.

Is there a way to reduce the calories in a slice of Giordano's pizza?

Yes, one simple method is to blot the excess oil from the top of the pizza with a paper towel. According to Giordano's, this can remove approximately 35 calories per slice.

Where can I find the official Giordano's nutritional information?

You can find comprehensive nutritional information on the official Giordano's website, often in a downloadable PDF document that breaks down menu items by calorie, fat, and other nutritional metrics.