The Surprising Truth Behind Costco's Pizza Calories
For many members, a trip to Costco isn't complete without a visit to the food court. The large, affordable pizza slices are a major draw, but their size also comes with a significant nutritional profile. The exact calorie count varies by topping, with the plain cheese slice, surprisingly, being the most calorie-dense option among the popular choices.
Cheese Pizza Slice Calories
A single slice of Costco's cheese pizza is the top contender for calories. This is primarily due to the large amount of cheese used, creating a rich, flavorful, and calorie-heavy slice. CalorieKing, a nutritional information website, cites that a cheese slice (approx. 9.8 oz) contains approximately 699 calories. A more recent Instagram post corroborates this, reporting a count of 700 calories per slice, alongside 44g of protein and 28g of fat. The substantial amount of dairy contributes heavily to both the calorie and protein content.
Pepperoni Pizza Slice Calories
In a turn of events, the pepperoni slice at the Costco food court actually comes in at a lower calorie count than its cheese counterpart. This is because, while pepperoni adds calories from cured meat, it doesn't outweigh the sheer volume of extra cheese on the plain slice. CalorieKing lists the pepperoni slice (approx. 8.9 oz) at 620 calories. This makes it a slightly lighter option for those looking to indulge with a bit less impact on their daily intake.
Combo Pizza Slice Calories
For a time, the combo pizza slice was a food court staple, offering a mix of pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, olives, and mushrooms. While it's no longer a standard offering, nutritional data for the discontinued slice is still available. Eat This Much, a dietary planning tool, notes that a combo slice contained 679 calories. This number fell between the cheese and pepperoni options, reflecting the balanced combination of toppings.
A Closer Look at the Macros
Beyond just calories, the macronutrient breakdown offers a fuller picture of the Costco pizza slices. The high protein and carb content, in addition to significant fat, reflects the pizza's role as a hearty and filling meal.
Nutritional Breakdown by Pizza Type
- Cheese Pizza: Contains approximately 70g of carbs, 28g of fat, and 44g of protein. It also has a very high sodium count, with some sources reporting over 1300mg.
- Pepperoni Pizza: Offers around 68g of carbs, 24g of fat, and 34g of protein. The lower fat and protein reflect the slightly lower cheese content compared to the cheese-only slice.
- Combo Pizza: Had around 72g of carbs, 29g of fat, and 36g of protein. The varied toppings contributed to the overall macro profile.
Comparison of Costco Pizza Slices
| Nutritional Aspect | Cheese Slice | Pepperoni Slice | Combo Slice (Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~700 kcal | ~620 kcal | ~679 kcal |
| Protein | ~44g | ~34g | ~36g |
| Fat | ~28g | ~24g | ~29g |
| Carbs | ~70g | ~68g | ~72g |
| Sodium | ~1370 mg | ~1290 mg | ~1540 mg |
Considering Your Meal
When enjoying a Costco pizza slice, it's important to remember that it is a very large single serving that can constitute a substantial portion of a person's daily recommended calorie and sodium intake. For context, a typical person on a 2,000-calorie diet might consume around a third of their daily calories and more than half of their sodium from just one cheese slice. This doesn't mean it should be avoided entirely, but rather enjoyed with awareness, particularly if monitoring weight or blood pressure.
For those looking for a lower-calorie alternative at the Costco food court, options like the chicken bake or a plain salad might be more suitable, though it's always best to check current nutritional information. The high protein content of the pizza, especially the cheese slice, does make it a filling option, but the overall nutritional profile is not balanced for regular consumption. For more details on nutritional values, credible resources like CalorieKing can be referenced.
Conclusion
In summary, the number of calories in a Costco slice is dependent on the type of pizza, with the cheese slice typically having the highest count at around 700 calories. The pepperoni slice is slightly lower at approximately 620 calories. These figures reflect the slices' considerable size and dense ingredients, particularly the generous use of cheese. While a delicious and filling treat, the caloric and sodium load should be taken into account for a balanced diet. Being informed allows consumers to make better choices while still enjoying their favorite food court item.
