How Many Calories Are in Pepe? A Comprehensive Nutritional Breakdown

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition tracking site CalorieKing, the Classic #1 Pepe sandwich from Jimmy John's contains 630 calories. The seemingly simple question, "how many calories are in Pepe?", is surprisingly complex because "Pepe" refers to several different popular food items, from Piri Piri chicken dishes to fast-food sandwiches. A clear understanding of context is key to finding the correct nutritional information.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for 'Pepe' vary widely, depending on whether the reference is to Pepe's Piri Piri meals like chicken and tenders, or the specific Jimmy John's sandwich named 'Pepe.' Specific nutritional data for each item is required.

Key Points

Identify the Correct 'Pepe': The name refers to different food items from various restaurants, notably Pepe's Piri Piri and Jimmy John's.
Pepe's Piri Piri Varies: A quarter chicken has approximately 399 kcal, while a half chicken is nearly 800 kcal.
Jimmy John's Sandwich is 630 kcal: The Classic #1 Pepe sandwich contains 630 calories, not including add-ons.
Sauces and Sides Impact Total Calories: Additional sauces and high-calorie sides like fries can significantly increase the total meal's calorie count.
Leanest Options at Pepe's Piri Piri: Choose smaller portions like Tender Strips (166 kcal for 5 units) to keep calories lower.
Not a Meme: For nutritional purposes, disregard the internet meme "Pepe the Frog".
Vegetable Context: Be aware that "pepe" can also refer to peppers, which are low in calories.

Deciphering the Pepe Mystery

The name "Pepe" is not a single dish but a moniker associated with several distinct food products. Primarily, it refers to items from the UK-based fast-food chain Pepe's Piri Piri and the popular Jimmy John's gourmet sandwich called the "#1 Pepe." For those tracking their diet, understanding which version of "Pepe" you're consuming is the first and most important step to getting accurate calorie information.

Calories in Pepe's Piri Piri Menu Items

Pepe's Piri Piri is known for its flame-grilled chicken, marinated in a distinct Piri Piri sauce. The calorie content varies significantly by the size and type of the item. For example, a quarter chicken will have a different calorie count than a full chicken box or a wrap.

Here is a breakdown of nutritional information for some popular Pepe's Piri Piri items, based on publicly available data:

1/4 Chicken: Approximately 399 kcal. A lean protein choice, but sauces and cooking methods can add to this.
Tender Strips: 5 units contain 166 kcal, making them one of the lowest-calorie options.
1/2 Chicken: This larger portion contains roughly 798 kcal, nearly double that of the quarter portion.
Chicken Box: At 836 kcal, this option includes sides like rice and is a full meal.
Piri Piri Chicken Wrap: Reports suggest a Piri Piri chicken wrap can range from 365 kcal to over 400 kcal, depending on the sauce and other ingredients.

Calories in Jimmy John's #1 Pepe Sandwich

For customers in the United States, "Pepe" most likely refers to the Classic #1 Pepe sandwich from the Jimmy John's restaurant chain. This sandwich consists of fresh-sliced ham and provolone cheese, and according to CalorieKing, it contains 630 calories. This count does not include any additional toppings or extra mayonnaise, which would increase the total calorie intake.

Reducing Calories When Eating Piri Piri Chicken

If you're ordering from Pepe's Piri Piri and want to make a healthier choice, consider these tips:

Choose the Leanest Cuts: Opt for grilled chicken breast or tender strips over fattier cuts or dishes served with sides.
Go Easy on the Sauce: Piri Piri sauces, while flavorful, often contain added sugar and calories. Ask for the mildest heat level or use less sauce.
Skip the Sides: Rice, fries, and coleslaw can significantly increase the total calories of your meal. Opt for a simple side salad if available.
Be Mindful of Condiments: Additional mayonnaise or creamy sauces can add hundreds of calories without adding much nutritional value.
Portion Control: Opt for a smaller portion size, such as a quarter chicken instead of a half, to immediately halve your calorie intake from the main protein source.

Other Potential Pepe References

While less common in a nutritional context, it's worth addressing other possibilities:

The Internet Meme (Pepe the Frog): This famous meme is an internet cartoon and has no calories. Searching for calories in "Pepe meme" is likely to yield humorous or irrelevant results.
Peppers (Vegetable): In some languages, "pepe" or "peper" can refer to a pepper. Bell peppers have very few calories, with green peppers having only about 15 kcal per 100g.

Comparison of Pepe Food Items (Approximate Calories)


Food Item	Restaurant	Calories	Notes
1/4 Chicken	Pepe's Piri Piri	399 kcal	Flame-grilled chicken portion.
Tender Strips (5 units)	Pepe's Piri Piri	166 kcal	A lower-calorie protein option.
Classic #1 Pepe Sandwich (8")	Jimmy John's	630 kcal	Includes ham and provolone.
Chicken Wrap	Pepe's Piri Piri	365–413 kcal	Calories depend on specific ingredients.
Chicken Box	Pepe's Piri Piri	836 kcal	A full meal including sides.

Conclusion: Context is Everything for Calorie Counting

The wide range of answers to "how many calories are in Pepe?" highlights the importance of context when searching for nutritional information. Whether you're enjoying a flame-grilled chicken dish from Pepe's Piri Piri or a savory sub from Jimmy John's, the calorie count can vary by hundreds of calories. Always check the specific menu item, portion size, and restaurant to ensure you have an accurate assessment of your meal's nutritional content. By being specific in your search, you can make informed dietary choices and better manage your overall health.

For detailed nutritional information, consult the official website of the specific restaurant or a reliable food database. For instance, more data on Pepe's Piri Piri can be found on their official site: Pepe's Piri Piri Nutrition Allergens UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quarter chicken from Pepe's Piri Piri has approximately 399 kcal, according to the official Pepe's UK nutrition page.

The Jimmy John's Classic #1 Pepe sandwich, an 8" French sub with ham and provolone, contains 630 calories.

Yes, five units of Pepe's Piri Piri Tender Strips contain only 166 kcal, making them a relatively low-calorie choice on their menu.

The addition of sauces can add calories to your meal. For instance, Pepe's Piri Piri Mayo adds 176 kcal per serving, while the Piri Piri flavor itself can vary in calorie content depending on the level of heat.

A half chicken from Pepe's Piri Piri contains 798 kcal, which is exactly double the 399 kcal found in a quarter chicken portion.

No. Pepe the Frog is an internet meme and a cartoon character; it is not a food item and has no caloric value.

To reduce calories, opt for smaller portions like a quarter chicken or tenders. Also, be mindful of high-calorie sauces and choose a low-calorie side instead of fries or rice.