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How many calories are in one slice of Giordano's pizza?

4 min read

A single slice of Giordano's deep dish pizza can contain more than twice the calories of a thin crust slice, demonstrating significant variation based on the crust style. Understanding how many calories are in one slice of Giordano's pizza requires considering several key factors, from the thickness of the crust to the type of toppings chosen.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one slice of Giordano's pizza varies significantly depending on the crust type and toppings. Deep dish slices are substantially more caloric than thin crust options, and larger sizes or meatier toppings will further increase the total count.

Key Points

  • Calorie Variation: A single slice of Giordano's deep dish pizza contains substantially more calories than a slice of thin crust pizza due to the thicker crust and extra ingredients.

  • Deep Dish Calories: A single slice of a small Deep Dish Chicago Classic has approximately 530 calories, with calorie counts increasing for larger sizes and extra toppings.

  • Thin Crust Calories: Thin crust options are significantly lighter; for instance, a small, re-designed cheese thin crust slice is around 170 calories.

  • Topping Impact: High-fat meat toppings like sausage and pepperoni add considerable calories, whereas vegetable toppings offer a low-calorie way to add flavor and nutrients.

  • Portion Control: The density of deep dish means a smaller portion is often more satisfying and lower in calories than multiple slices of thin crust, but controlling intake is key for both styles.

  • Healthier Choices: Opting for a thin crust, loading up on vegetables, and managing portion size are effective strategies for a healthier Giordano's experience.

In This Article

Giordano's is famous for its hearty deep dish pizza, but the brand also offers a popular thin crust option. For those watching their caloric intake, the difference between these two styles is substantial. The precise calorie count is influenced by pizza size, crust thickness, and toppings, so it is important to check the nutritional information for the specific menu item you are interested in.

The Calorie Breakdown by Pizza Type

The calorie counts for a single slice of Giordano's pizza can vary dramatically. The deep dish style, known for its thick, flaky crust and generous layers of cheese and sauce, is naturally more calorie-dense than the lighter, thinner crust. The most accurate information will come from Giordano's official nutritional guides, which provide detailed data per slice based on pizza size and type.

Deep Dish Pizza Calories

The deep dish version represents a significant caloric investment due to its dense crust and abundant fillings. For example, a single slice of a small Deep Dish Chicago Classic is listed at 530 calories, with higher numbers for larger pies or pizzas with extra meat. The substantial cheese and dough contribute heavily to this number.

Thin Crust Pizza Calories

In contrast, the thin crust pizza is a much lighter alternative. A slice from a small, re-designed thin crust cheese pizza contains approximately 170 calories, while a larger 'The Special' thin crust slice is around 220 calories. These numbers highlight the benefit of choosing the thin crust if you are looking to save calories without sacrificing flavor.

Calorie Comparison: Deep Dish vs. Thin Crust

The table below illustrates the significant calorie difference between a few popular options at Giordano's based on crust type. Note that slice sizes can differ depending on the pizza's overall size and the number of slices it is cut into.

Pizza Type Size Topping Calories per Slice (Approx.) Source
Deep Dish Small Chicago Classic 530
Deep Dish Grocery Cheese 349
Thin Crust Large The Special 220
Thin Crust Small, Re-Designed Chicago Classic 210
Thin Crust Small, Re-Designed Cheese 170
Deep Dish Small Meat & More Meat 640
Thin Crust Small Meat & More Meat 280

Factors Influencing Your Calorie Count

Understanding the calorie counts is just the beginning. Several factors can either increase or decrease the total calories in your pizza meal. By being mindful of these variables, you can make more informed choices.

Toppings and Their Impact

Toppings play a major role in the final calorie count. Meat toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, and bacon add a significant amount of fat and calories. Adding extra cheese will also drive the calorie total upward. On the other hand, vegetable toppings like green peppers, onions, and mushrooms add minimal calories while providing fiber and other nutrients.

The Importance of Portion Control

Deep dish pizza is much denser and more filling than thin crust, so one slice is often sufficient for a meal. For thin crust, however, it is easier to eat multiple slices, which can quickly add up calories. Be aware of how many slices you are consuming and the size of each slice.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Giordano's

If you're craving Giordano's but want to keep your meal on the healthier side, consider these tips to reduce your calorie intake:

  • Opt for thin crust: This is the most effective way to cut a significant number of calories. The thin crust still offers the classic Giordano's flavor with a much lighter base.
  • Load up on veggies: Adding vegetable toppings like spinach, broccoli, or peppers will increase the fiber content and make the pizza more filling without a major calorie boost.
  • Eat less, enjoy more: Given the richness of deep dish, simply enjoying one slice and savoring it is an excellent form of portion control. Pairing it with a salad can help fill you up.
  • Share with friends: Splitting a deep dish pizza with a group allows everyone to enjoy the unique flavor while managing individual portion sizes.

Conclusion

The number of calories in one slice of Giordano's pizza is not a single, fixed number but varies significantly based on the crust type, size, and toppings. A slice of thin crust pizza is a much lighter option, typically containing under 250 calories, while a deep dish slice can easily exceed 500 calories. By understanding these differences and making mindful choices about your order, you can enjoy a delicious meal from Giordano's while staying aware of your dietary goals.

For the most up-to-date and specific nutrition information, it is always recommended to check the official source. The company provides a nutritional PDF on their website for detailed figures across all menu items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on available information, a small, re-designed thin crust cheese pizza contains the lowest calorie count, with approximately 170 calories per slice.

Yes, Giordano's thin crust pizza is a significantly healthier option in terms of calories and fat per slice. The thin crust allows you to enjoy the classic taste with a much lighter base.

Meat toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and bacon substantially increase the calorie count of a Giordano's pizza slice. For example, a small deep dish 'Meat & More Meat' slice has around 640 calories, compared to a Chicago Classic deep dish slice at 530 calories.

Yes, the overall size of the pizza affects the size of each individual slice, which in turn impacts the calorie count. The deep dish 'Chicago Classic' in a small size has 530 calories per slice, but a medium 'Meat & More Meat' deep dish slice is even higher at 650 calories.

You can find a detailed nutritional PDF on the Giordano's official website. This document provides calorie, fat, sodium, and other nutritional information for all their menu items.

To reduce calories, opt for the thin crust pizza, choose vegetable toppings over meat, or practice portion control by enjoying just one slice of deep dish. Pairing your pizza with a side salad is another great strategy.

The calorie count for a grocery store Giordano's deep dish pizza can differ from the restaurant version. For example, a grocery deep dish cheese pizza is listed at 349 calories per slice, whereas a small restaurant deep dish 'Chicago Classic' slice is 530 calories.

Yes, the calorie information is specific to the crust type, size, and toppings. Deep dish pizza has a denser, thicker base and more cheese, leading to a higher calorie count per slice compared to the thinner, less substantial crust.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.