How many calories are in Papa John's meat lovers pizza?

A single slice of a large, original crust Papa John's meat lovers pizza contains approximately 380 calories, but this figure changes drastically with different crust types and pizza sizes. This article provides a comprehensive look at how many calories are in Papa John's meat lovers pizza and what other nutritional factors you should consider to make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Papa John's meat lovers pizza varies significantly based on size and crust, ranging from approximately 250 to 440 calories per slice, influenced by dense meat and cheese toppings.

Key Points

• Calories vary by crust and size: A slice of Papa John's meat lovers pizza can contain between 250 and 440 calories, depending on the crust and size ordered.

• Thick crust is most calorie-dense: The Stuffed Crust version of 'The Meats' pizza is the most caloric option, with 440 calories per slice for a large pizza.

• Thin crust is the lightest option: Choosing a large Thin Crust for your meat lovers pizza reduces the per-slice calorie count to 300 kcal, compared to the 380 kcal of the Large Original Crust.

• High in protein and sodium: The multi-meat toppings and cheese make this pizza a significant source of protein, but also result in a high sodium content, which should be monitored.

• Meats drive the calorie count: Ingredients like pepperoni, sausage, beef, and bacon are major contributors to the high calorie and fat content of the pizza.

• Portion control is key: For those counting calories, limiting intake to one or two slices is a simple way to manage the impact of this indulgent meal.

A Full Nutritional Breakdown of Papa John's 'The Meats' Pizza

Papa John's, known for its "better ingredients, better pizza" slogan, offers its carnivore-centric pizza, "The Meats." This pizza is topped with premium pepperoni, savory sausage, real beef, hickory-smoked bacon, and julienne-cut Canadian bacon. As one of the most calorie-dense items on the menu, understanding its nutritional value is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake. The total calorie count is heavily dependent on the portion size and, more importantly, the crust type chosen.

The Anatomy of 'The Meats' Pizza

The high calorie content of the meat lovers pizza comes from several key ingredients:

• Multiple Meat Toppings: The combination of pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and Canadian bacon adds a significant amount of saturated fat and sodium, in addition to calories.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The pizza is generously topped with mozzarella cheese, which is a major contributor of fat and calories.
• Crust Type: The choice of crust fundamentally alters the nutritional profile. A thicker, more dough-heavy crust naturally has more carbohydrates and calories than a thin crust. The Epic Stuffed Crust, with its extra layer of cheese, is the most calorie-intensive option.

Comparison Table: Calories by Size and Crust

To give you a clear picture of the differences, here is a comparison of the calorie count per slice for various sizes and crust types of Papa John's 'The Meats' pizza.

Pizza Type	Serving Size	Calories per Slice	Total Fat per Slice	Protein per Slice
Small Original Crust	1/6 pizza	250 kcal	12g	10g
Medium Original Crust	1/8 pizza	260 kcal	11g	11g
Large Original Crust	1/8 pizza	380 kcal	17g	15g
Extra Large Original Crust	1/10 pizza	410 kcal	19g	17g
Large Thin Crust	1/8 pizza	300 kcal	19g	13g
Large Stuffed Crust	1/8 pizza	440 kcal	22g	20g

How to Enjoy Your Pizza More Mindfully

If you love 'The Meats' but are mindful of your caloric intake, here are some tips for a more balanced meal:

• Opt for a Thin Crust: As the comparison table shows, a large Thin Crust pizza has 80 fewer calories per slice than its Original Crust counterpart. This simple swap makes a significant difference.
• Choose a Smaller Size: Ordering a small or medium pizza instead of a large can help with portion control. A small original crust slice is 130 calories less than a large original crust slice.
• Pair with Lighter Sides: Complement your pizza with a fresh salad or a low-calorie side. This adds fiber and nutrients without the heavy load of other common pizza sides like garlic knots or breadsticks.
• Limit Your Slices: Enjoying one or two slices rather than a large portion can help keep your calorie count in check.

Exploring Other Nutritional Factors

Beyond calories, it's important to be aware of other nutritional aspects of the meat lovers pizza:

• Sodium: The cured and processed meats, along with the cheese, mean this pizza is very high in sodium. A large original crust slice can contain up to 1040mg of sodium, or 43% of the recommended daily value.
• Saturated Fat: The generous cheese and meat toppings contribute to a high saturated fat count. A large original crust slice provides 7g of saturated fat, which is 35% of the recommended daily value.
• Protein: Thanks to the multiple meat toppings, this pizza is also a good source of protein. A large original crust slice delivers 15g of protein.

Conclusion

While Papa John's meat lovers pizza is a delicious and protein-rich option, it is also very high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. The exact number of calories depends heavily on the pizza's size and the crust you choose, with a large original crust slice containing 380 calories and a stuffed crust slice reaching 440 calories. By opting for a smaller size, a thin crust, or simply enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, you can still indulge without overdoing it. Remember to check the official nutritional information on Papa John's website for the most accurate and up-to-date data. For more specific details on nutritional content, you can refer to Papa John's nutritional guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a single slice of large original crust meat lovers pizza from Papa John's?

A single slice (1/8 of a pizza) of a large original crust meat lovers pizza contains 380 calories.

Which crust option has the fewest calories for Papa John's meat lovers pizza?

For a large pizza, the thin crust option is the lowest in calories, with 300 calories per slice.

How many calories are in a whole large original crust meat lovers pizza?

Since a large original crust pizza has 8 slices, and each slice is 380 calories, the whole pizza contains approximately 3040 calories (380 x 8).

What is the difference in calories between a large thin crust and a large original crust meat lovers pizza?

A large thin crust meat lovers pizza slice has 300 calories, which is 80 calories less per slice than the large original crust pizza at 380 calories per slice.

How many calories are in the Papa John's meat lovers pizza with stuffed crust?

A slice (1/8 of a pizza) of a large stuffed crust meat lovers pizza from Papa John's contains 440 calories.

What kind of meats are on Papa John's meat lovers pizza?

The meat lovers pizza, also known as 'The Meats,' is topped with pepperoni, sausage, beef, bacon, and Canadian bacon.

Is Papa John's meat lovers pizza high in sodium?

Yes, due to the various processed meats and cheese, the meat lovers pizza is quite high in sodium. A single slice of a large original crust pizza contains 1040mg of sodium.