Is Domino's high in carbs? An in-depth nutritional guide

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

One slice of a large, regular-crust Domino's pizza can contain over 30 grams of carbohydrates, making a standard pizza order significantly high in carbs for many diets. So, is Domino's high in carbs? The short answer is yes, but it depends heavily on your menu selections.

Quick Summary

Domino's carb content varies significantly by crust, size, and toppings, with most items being carb-heavy due to refined flour, but smart ordering can help manage intake.

Key Points

Crust is Key: The vast majority of carbs in a Domino's pizza come from the crust, which is made from refined flour.
Thin Crust is Lowest: Opting for the thin crust is the most effective way to drastically reduce the carbohydrate content of your pizza.
Beware of Sides: Items like bread twists, cheesy bread, and pasta bowls are extremely high in carbs and should be avoided on a low-carb diet.
Load Up on Veggies: Adding vegetable toppings can increase the fiber and nutrient content without adding a significant number of carbohydrates.
Watch Portion Sizes: Even with lower-carb options, controlling your portion size is critical to managing your overall carbohydrate intake.
Customize Your Order: Build your own pizza to control ingredients and avoid hidden sources of sugar in sauces and processed meats.
Sauce Matters: Regular pizza sauce can have added sugars; keep this in mind when evaluating the total carb count per slice.

Decoding Domino's Carbohydrate Count

For many health-conscious individuals, understanding the nutritional makeup of fast food is key to maintaining a balanced diet. A common question revolves around pizza, specifically: Is Domino's high in carbs? The straightforward answer is that many of their popular menu items are indeed very high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the pizza crust. However, by understanding the differences between crust types and other menu offerings, consumers can make more informed decisions.

The Biggest Culprit: Pizza Crusts

The crust is, by far, the most significant source of carbohydrates in any Domino's pizza. Made from refined white flour, these crusts provide a large amount of carbohydrates with minimal fiber content, which can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar. The total carb count per slice can fluctuate dramatically based on the crust type and pizza size.

Here’s a breakdown of how different crusts contribute to the overall carb load:

Hand Tossed Crust: This is a middle-of-the-road option, but still contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates. A large pepperoni slice can pack around 33 grams of carbs.
Handmade Pan Crust: Known for its buttery, thick texture, this crust is among the highest in calories and carbs. The added fats and dense dough make it a less ideal choice for those counting carbs.
Crunchy Thin Crust: The best option for carb-conscious diners, the thin crust significantly reduces the amount of dough per slice. A small thin crust pizza can have as low as 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving before toppings are added.
Brooklyn Style: This crust, while thinner than the Hand Tossed, is still a significant source of carbs. The stretched dough means a larger slice size, which can easily add up when eating more than one piece.

Impact of Toppings and Sides

While the crust is the main factor, toppings and sides can further increase the carbohydrate count. Some ingredients, while seemingly harmless, can contain hidden carbs.

High-Carb Toppings and Ingredients

Meats and Cheeses: Plain meats and most cheeses are low-carb, but some processed options or sauces can add to the total. For example, barbecue sauce is often sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.
Sauces: Many standard pizza sauces contain added sugar, increasing the overall carb content per slice.

Sides and Desserts: Carb Bombs

Domino's offers a variety of sides and desserts, most of which are extremely high in carbohydrates and sugar. Items to be wary of include:

Garlic Bread Twists: Made from pizza dough, these are dense with refined flour carbs.
Cheesy Bread: Similar to the pizza crust, the bread base is loaded with carbs.
Pasta Bowls: The pasta itself is a very high-carb food, and the sauce often contains sugar.
Desserts: Lava cakes and cookies are sugary treats designed to be high in carbs.

Making Smart Choices at Domino's

If you are committed to a lower-carb diet, you don't have to avoid Domino's entirely. With a few strategic choices, you can manage your intake effectively. The primary strategy involves minimizing the crust and focusing on the higher-protein, lower-carb toppings.

Lower-Carb Ordering Strategies

Opt for Thin Crust: This is the most impactful decision you can make. The difference in carbs between a thin and a pan crust slice is substantial.
Pile on the Veggies: Vegetables add volume, fiber, and micronutrients without piling on the carbs. Load up on spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
Choose Plain Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, and chicken are good choices for adding protein and flavor without extra carbs from sweet sauces.
Consider a Salad: Ordering a classic garden salad with a low-carb dressing can serve as a fulfilling, low-carb meal or complement to a smaller pizza portion.
Be Mindful of Portion Size: Controlling how many slices you eat is crucial. A single slice of thin crust can be a manageable indulgence, whereas multiple slices of thick crust can blow your carb budget.

Domino's Crust Comparison Table


Crust Type	Carbs per Slice (Large, Approx.)	Main Carb Source	Best for Low-Carb Diet?
Hand Tossed	~33g	Refined White Flour	No
Handmade Pan	~30g+	Refined White Flour, added oil	No
Crunchy Thin	~18g	Refined White Flour	Yes
Brooklyn Style	~20-25g (estimated)	Refined White Flour	Moderate

Conclusion

Is Domino's high in carbs? Absolutely, especially when you consider their thicker crusts and carb-heavy sides. However, the exact impact on your diet is entirely dependent on your personal choices. By selecting the thin crust, loading up on vegetables, and being mindful of portion sizes, you can significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of your meal. The crust remains the biggest factor, so for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet, the thin and crispy option is the only realistic way to go. For everyone else, moderation and smart selection are the keys to fitting Domino's into a balanced eating plan. For further nutritional details, you can consult the official Domino's Nutrition Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Crunchy Thin Crust has the lowest carbohydrate content of all the standard Domino's crusts. For instance, a small thin crust pizza can have as low as 15 grams of carbs per serving before adding toppings.

There are no truly keto-friendly pizzas, as even the thin crust contains a notable amount of carbs from the flour. However, you can make a meal by ordering hot wings without sugary sauces or a garden salad with a low-carb dressing.

Yes, Domino's standard pizza sauce often contains added sugar and contributes to the overall carb count of the pizza. If you are highly sensitive to carbs, this is another factor to consider.

To lower the carb count, always choose the thin crust, avoid sugary sauces, load up on low-carb vegetable toppings, and skip the carb-heavy sides and desserts.

The carbohydrate count varies by crust. For a large Hand Tossed pepperoni pizza, a single slice can contain around 33 grams of carbohydrates. A large Handmade Pan pizza would likely have more.

Domino's offers a gluten-free crust, but it is not inherently low-carb and is made with rice flour and other starches. It is designed for those with gluten sensitivities, not for low-carb diets.

People with type 2 diabetes can eat pizza in moderation by making careful choices. Opting for a whole-wheat thin crust (if available) or the standard thin crust with plenty of vegetable toppings and managing portion size is key to controlling blood sugar.