How many carbs are in a 10 inch thin crust pizza?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

A plain 10-inch thin crust pizza can contain around 87 to 98 grams of carbohydrates, though amounts differ by brand and toppings. Knowing the carb content is important for those watching their intake for health or diet reasons.

Quick Summary

This article discusses the carbohydrate content of a 10-inch thin crust pizza. It covers how crust, sauce, and toppings affect the total carbs. It also provides carb counts for popular brands and ways to reduce the carbohydrate load in pizza.

Key Points

Crust is the Primary Source: The thin crust itself contributes the most carbohydrates to the pizza, though it has fewer than a thick crust.
Toppings Matter: Your choice of toppings significantly affects the total carb count, with lean meats adding minimal carbs and starchy veggies adding more.
Hidden Sugars in Sauce: Some commercial pizza sauces can contain added sugars, which increases the overall carb content.
Low-Carb Alternatives Exist: You can reduce the carbs by choosing crusts made from cauliflower, almond flour, or chicken.
Portion Control is Key: Even with a thin crust, managing your serving size and pairing it with a low-carb side like a salad helps manage total intake.
Brand Variations: The exact carbohydrate count differs substantially between different pizza brands and recipes.

What Influences the Carb Count in Your Pizza?

Several aspects affect the total carbohydrate count of a 10-inch thin crust pizza. While the crust is the main source, other ingredients contribute. The following elements influence the final nutritional data.

The Crust: The Primary Carb Contributor

The dough is the main source of carbohydrates. The type of flour and how it is prepared determine the final count. A standard thin crust made from wheat flour will have a high carb count due to the flour's composition. However, many brands offer low-carb options, such as cauliflower or other vegetable-based crusts, which reduce total carbohydrates. Opting for whole-wheat or multigrain thin crusts can increase fiber, affecting net carbs, though it doesn't always lower the overall carbohydrate total.

The Sauce: Hidden Sugars Can Add Up

The pizza sauce can contain a surprising amount of added sugar, especially with certain commercial brands. A sugary sauce can add extra carbohydrates per serving. Choosing a sauce with no added sugar or making your own can help manage this. Many low-carb brands offer sauce options with minimal carbs, such as Rao's Tomato Basil Sauce.

The Toppings: Meats, Cheeses, and Veggies

Your choice of toppings can either increase or decrease the carbohydrate content. Meats and most cheeses add protein and fat but very few carbs. Some vegetables contain more carbohydrates than others. For example, bell peppers and mushrooms have minimal carbs, while starchy toppings or certain prepared vegetables can add more. Heavier, processed meats like pepperoni and sausage add calories and fats but do not significantly increase the carb count.

Comparison of 10-Inch Thin Crust Pizza Carbs by Brand

The carb count for a 10-inch thin crust pizza varies based on the brand and topping choices. Here is a comparison based on available nutritional data from different sources, for a baseline 10-inch cheese or plain crust pizza.


Pizza Brand	Carbs per 10-inch pizza (or equivalent)	Notes
Donatos Famous Thin Crust	~98g	This data refers to the base, suggesting additional carbs from toppings.
Johnny's Pizza House Thin Crust (crust only)	87g	This measurement is for the plain crust and does not include toppings.
Pizza Hut Thin 'n Crispy (small 10" pepperoni)	~104g*	*Estimated total, based on 13g per 1/8 slice.
Rosati's Thin Crust (per piece, 16 pieces)	11g	Per piece data for a base, making the whole pizza approx. 176g of carbs.
Generic Thin Crust with Meat	114.69g	A specific example, showing the increase with meat toppings.

How to Reduce Carbohydrates in Your Pizza

For those looking to enjoy pizza while managing their carb intake, there are several effective strategies:

Choose a low-carb crust alternative: Many brands and restaurants now offer crusts made from cauliflower, almond flour, or chicken, which can dramatically lower the carb count.
Select your toppings wisely: Load up on low-carb vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Opt for lean proteins like grilled chicken instead of processed meats.
Control your sauce: Choose a low-sugar or keto-friendly sauce. You can also make your own simple tomato sauce to have full control over the ingredients.
Limit cheese: While not high in carbs, cheese can add a lot of fat and calories. Using a lighter hand with the cheese or opting for part-skim mozzarella can make a difference.
Focus on portion control: Even a healthy pizza can become a high-carb meal if you eat too much. Consider serving a large salad with your pizza to fill up on low-carb, nutrient-dense food.

Conclusion

The number of carbohydrates in a 10-inch thin crust pizza is not a fixed number and varies based on the crust, sauce, and toppings. While a plain crust can range from 87 to 98 grams of carbs, added ingredients like high-sugar sauce and certain vegetables can increase this figure. However, by making informed choices about the crust type, sauce, and toppings, it is entirely possible to enjoy pizza while keeping your carb intake in check. Exploring low-carb crust alternatives and mindful portioning are key strategies for incorporating this popular food into a balanced diet. For detailed nutrition facts, use databases like the USDA's National Nutrient Database.

How to Find Nutritional Information Online

Check the restaurant's website: Most major pizza chains provide detailed nutritional information for all their menu items. This information is typically found under sections like 'Nutrition' or 'Allergens'.
Use a nutritional database: Websites like Nutritionix, CalorieKing, and MyNetDiary offer extensive databases that include nutritional information for restaurant and generic food items.
Search for official government resources: In the US, the USDA's FoodData Central is an authoritative source for nutritional data. Searching for generic food entries can provide a reliable estimate.
Look for peer-reviewed studies: For specific or complex nutritional questions, academic papers and journals, which can be found via a service like ResearchGate, may offer in-depth analyses.
Utilize reputable health and wellness websites: Organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or major health websites often publish articles and guides based on scientific research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a thin crust pizza generally has fewer carbs than a thick crust pizza because it uses less dough. However, the total nutritional impact will also depend on the toppings added.

A low-carb pizza crust is one made from ingredients other than traditional wheat flour, such as cauliflower, almond flour, or even chicken. These alternatives can significantly lower the carbohydrate count.

Not all pizza sauces are high in carbs. Some commercial sauces and most homemade ones are relatively low, but many pre-made sauces contain added sugar that can increase the carbohydrate count. Checking the nutrition label is recommended.

A traditional thin crust pizza is likely too high in carbs for a strict keto diet. However, specific keto-friendly pizzas with crusts made from ingredients like cauliflower or chicken are available at some restaurants and stores.

To reduce carbs in homemade thin crust pizza, use a low-carb flour alternative, choose a no-sugar-added sauce, and load up on non-starchy vegetables and lean protein toppings.

Most non-starchy vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers are low in carbs. However, starchy vegetables or those prepared with sugary glazes can be higher in carbohydrates.

Total carbs are all the carbohydrates in a food. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and sometimes sugar alcohols from the total carbs. For a pizza, fiber is the main factor, making net carbs a slightly lower number.