How many calories does a slice of vegan pizza have? A comprehensive nutrition breakdown

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

On average, a single slice of vegan pizza can contain anywhere from 170 to over 350 calories, depending heavily on the ingredients and portion size. The answer to How many calories does a slice of vegan pizza have? is not one-size-fits-all, as it depends on the crust, cheese, sauce, and toppings.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a vegan pizza slice is highly variable, influenced by its ingredients and preparation method. Key factors include the type of crust, the composition of the vegan cheese, and the quantity of plant-based toppings, which collectively determine the total nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a slice of vegan pizza is not fixed and typically ranges from 170 to over 350, depending on the ingredients.
Crust Matters: The type of crust used—thin, thick, or gluten-free—significantly impacts the overall calorie density of the pizza.
Vegan Cheese Variation: Different vegan cheeses, based on ingredients like coconut oil, cashews, or soy, have different calorie profiles, with some being higher than others.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade vegan pizza generally allows for more control over ingredients and calorie count, potentially making it a lighter option than many store-bought varieties.
Toppings Add Up: While fresh vegetable toppings are low in calories, processed plant-based meat substitutes and heavy sauces can increase the total calorie count.
Opt for Lighter Choices: Choosing a thin crust, low-fat vegan cheese, and plenty of vegetables are effective strategies for reducing the calorie content of your pizza.

Understanding the Calorie Range in Vegan Pizza

While vegan pizza omits traditional dairy cheese and meat, its calorie count is far from uniform. The nutritional profile, especially the calorie content, can differ significantly between a simple, homemade vegetable pizza and a commercially produced version with heavy vegan cheese and plant-based meat substitutes. The variance hinges on key components like the crust, the specific vegan cheese used, and the chosen toppings.

The Role of the Crust in Calorie Count

The foundation of any pizza is the crust, and its type greatly influences the overall calorie intake. A thin-crust pizza will naturally have fewer calories than a thick, deep-dish crust. Different doughs also play a part:

Classic White Flour Dough: A standard option, offering a moderate calorie base.
Whole Wheat Dough: Typically higher in fiber and nutrients, but often similar in calories to white flour dough. A healthy option for its added fiber.
Gluten-Free Dough: Often made with alternative flours like rice or almond flour, which can vary in calorie density. Some gluten-free crusts are lighter, while others can be denser and more caloric.

The Impact of Vegan Cheese

One of the most significant variables for vegan pizza calories is the cheese. The market offers a wide variety of vegan cheeses, each with a different calorie and fat profile based on its primary ingredient.

Coconut Oil-Based Cheese: Many store-bought vegan cheeses are made with coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat and can have a calorie count similar to or slightly lower than dairy mozzarella cheese. A study found coconut oil-based vegan cheese to have a median of 287 kcal per 100g.
Nut-Based Cheese: Cheeses made from cashews or other nuts can be energy-dense. Cashew-based options were found to have a median of 328 kcal per 100g in one study.
Soy or Tofu-Based Cheese: These are often the lowest-calorie options. Tofu-based cheese products reported a median of 185 kcal per 100g.
No Cheese: For a significantly lower-calorie pizza, omitting vegan cheese and focusing on a sauce and vegetable toppings is a great option. A recipe for a vegan pizza with no cheese showed just 171 calories per slice.

Sauce and Toppings

The sauce provides a base flavor and adds minimal calories unless it is oil-heavy. Toppings, however, can quickly add up.

Vegetable Toppings: Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach add flavor, fiber, and nutrients with very few calories. Load up on these to create a filling, low-calorie slice.
Plant-Based Meat Substitutes: Vegan pepperoni, sausage, or other meat substitutes can significantly increase both calorie and fat content. Always check the nutrition label, as values vary widely.

How to Create a Lower-Calorie Vegan Pizza

For those looking to enjoy vegan pizza while being mindful of calorie intake, a few adjustments can make a big difference:

Opt for a thin crust instead of a deep-dish or thick-crust version.
Use a low-calorie base like a simple marinara sauce, avoiding heavy, oil-based alternatives.
Choose your cheese wisely, or use less of it. Consider a light sprinkle of nut-based cheese or a homemade cashew cream instead of a heavy, melted layer.
Maximize vegetable toppings, such as mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, and spinach, for volume and nutrients without excess calories.
Be cautious with processed plant-based meats, as these can be high in both calories and sodium.

Comparison of Vegan Pizza Calorie Ranges


Pizza Type	Approximate Calorie Range (per slice)	Key Factors Influencing Calories
Simple Veggie & No Cheese	170-220 calories	Thin crust, basic tomato sauce, lots of vegetables
Standard Store-Bought with Vegan Cheese	260-320 calories	Medium crust, processed coconut oil-based vegan cheese, limited toppings
Gourmet or Nut-Based Cheese	320-350+ calories	Denser dough, creamy cashew-based cheese, premium toppings
Heavy Plant-Based Meat & Cheese	350+ calories	Thick crust, substantial vegan cheese, and plant-based meat substitutes

Conclusion

In short, there is no single answer to How many calories does a slice of vegan pizza have?. The calorie count is a product of its individual ingredients. By understanding the calorie contributions of the crust, cheese, and toppings, you can make informed choices to fit your nutritional goals. Whether you are aiming for a lighter, veggie-heavy pie or a more decadent, cheesy experience, customizing your vegan pizza allows for complete control over its nutritional profile.

For more information on nutritional values, you can consult reliable sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a vegan pizza is not always lower in calories. While omitting dairy cheese can reduce some calories, many vegan cheeses, especially those made with coconut oil, are calorie-dense. The total calorie count depends heavily on the crust, type of vegan cheese, and toppings.

To find the specific calorie count for a store-bought vegan pizza, check the nutrition facts panel on the packaging or visit the manufacturer's website. Nutritional apps like FatSecret also provide data for many commercial products.

Vegan cheeses based on soy or tofu tend to be the lowest in calories, with some varieties reporting as low as 185 kcal per 100g. In contrast, nut-based and coconut oil-based options are typically higher in calories.

Yes, removing vegan cheese can significantly reduce the calorie count. For example, a pizza with sauce and vegetable toppings but no cheese has been recorded to be as low as 171 calories per slice.

Homemade vegan pizzas offer more control over ingredients, allowing you to choose a low-calorie crust, less oil, and healthier toppings. This often results in a lower-calorie and more nutritious meal compared to many restaurant or frozen varieties.

Yes, you can. Focus on loading your pizza with high-volume, low-calorie vegetable toppings like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Using a thin crust and a modest amount of lower-calorie vegan cheese or a light sauce base can create a satisfying meal without excess calories.

Calorie-wise, some vegan cheeses (especially those based on coconut oil) can be similar to dairy cheeses, while others, like nut or soy-based options, can be lower or higher. Dairy cheese generally contains more protein and calcium than most vegan counterparts.