Nutrition Diet: Does Costco Pizza Protein? Unpacking the Macros

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single slice of Costco food court cheese pizza packs an impressive 44g of protein. However, simply answering the question, 'Does Costco pizza protein?' requires a deeper look into the full nutritional profile for those focused on a balanced nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

Costco's cheese pizza slice is notably high in protein, but also contains substantial calories, fat, and sodium. Proper diet planning is needed to incorporate it mindfully.

Key Points

High Protein Content: A single slice of Costco cheese pizza provides a substantial 44g of protein, largely due to its ample cheese.
Calorie and Macro Profile: While high in protein, a single slice of Costco pizza is also very high in calories, fat, and sodium, requiring moderation for most diets.
Dietary Context is Key: For a balanced nutrition diet, the high protein from Costco pizza should be considered alongside its high fat and sodium, making mindful eating and portion control important.
Homemade Alternatives Offer Control: Making a high-protein pizza at home with ingredients like Greek yogurt dough, low-fat cheese, and lean meats allows for superior macro control.
Pairing for Balance: To mitigate the impact of a Costco slice, pairing it with a large, fresh vegetable salad can help balance the meal with fiber and nutrients.

A Surprising Source of Protein

Many might not consider food court pizza to be a significant source of protein, but Costco's offerings present an interesting case. The high-volume, cheese-heavy formula results in a protein count that can be comparable to or even higher than some other fast-food options. A single slice of food court cheese pizza contains a whopping 44g of protein, while a pepperoni slice offers a respectable 34g. This protein content is primarily derived from the generous amounts of cheese and cured meats like pepperoni. For individuals with high protein goals, such as weightlifters or bodybuilders, this can be a tempting option for a quick protein fix. However, the picture is more complex when considering the entire nutritional profile.

The Full Nutritional Breakdown of Costco Pizza

While the high protein content is a notable feature, it's crucial to examine the other macronutrients to understand how Costco pizza fits into a balanced nutrition plan. The high protein is accompanied by significant calories, fat, and sodium.

Costco Food Court Pizza Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Cheese Pizza:
- Calories: ~700
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 44g
- Sodium: 1370mg
Pepperoni Pizza:
- Calories: ~620
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 1290mg

The Impact of Other Macros

For those on a diet, the caloric and sodium content are particularly important considerations. A single cheese slice accounts for a significant portion of the average person's daily calorie and sodium allowance. The high saturated fat content is also a factor, especially for individuals watching their cardiovascular health. The carbohydrate load is substantial, primarily from the thick crust. Therefore, while the high protein is a plus, the pizza's overall macro profile demands careful moderation.

Comparison: Costco vs. Other Pizza Options

To put Costco's pizza into perspective, here is a comparison with typical servings from other options. Note that these are approximations and can vary by brand and preparation.


Feature	Costco Food Court Slice	Standard Chain Cheese Slice	Homemade High-Protein Pizza
Protein (per slice)	~44g (Cheese) / ~34g (Pepperoni)	~12g	~28–32g
Calories (per slice)	~700 (Cheese) / ~620 (Pepperoni)	~285	~300–400
Sodium (per slice)	~1370mg (Cheese) / ~1290mg (Pepperoni)	Varies, often high	Lower (can be controlled)
Preparation	Food court item	Fast food / chain restaurant	Customizable
Health Control	Very little	Limited	Significant control

Strategies for a High-Protein Pizza Diet

If you love pizza and are on a nutrition-focused diet, a Costco slice doesn't have to be entirely off-limits. With some strategic planning, you can incorporate it in a balanced way.

Moderation is Essential: Consider a Costco slice an occasional indulgence rather than a regular meal. This helps prevent overconsumption of calories, fat, and sodium.
Pair with Veggies: Add a large side salad loaded with veggies to increase fiber and nutrient intake. This also helps you feel full and satisfied.
Portion Control: Instead of eating an entire slice, split it with a friend or save half for later to reduce the caloric load.
Make Your Own: For maximum control over macros, make a high-protein pizza at home.
- Use a Greek yogurt or cottage cheese-based dough for a high-protein, lower-carb crust.
- Choose low-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
- Top with lean proteins such as shredded chicken breast, turkey pepperoni, or ground turkey.
- Pile on the vegetables, including spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli.

Conclusion

So, does Costco pizza protein? Yes, in surprisingly high amounts, especially the food court cheese pizza. This is a crucial piece of the nutritional puzzle, but it's not the whole story. The significant protein content is balanced by a high calorie, fat, and sodium profile, meaning it should be consumed thoughtfully as part of a balanced nutrition diet. For those tracking macros, a Costco slice can be a calculated part of a meal plan, but mindful eating and portion control are critical. For more consistent and healthier protein intake from pizza, a customizable homemade option remains the superior choice.

For more ideas on how to incorporate high-protein options into your diet, resources like Hello Spoonful offer excellent homemade recipes and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A slice of Costco's food court cheese pizza contains a high 44g of protein. This makes it a surprisingly protein-rich fast-food option.

A slice of Costco food court pepperoni pizza contains approximately 34g of protein. This is slightly less than the cheese slice but still a significant amount.

A slice of Costco cheese pizza has around 700 calories, and a pepperoni slice has about 620 calories.

While it is high in protein, Costco pizza is also high in calories, fat, and sodium. It can be incorporated into a high-protein diet, but it requires moderation and mindful planning to avoid exceeding daily macro goals.

The main protein sources in Costco pizza are the large quantity of cheese and, in the case of pepperoni pizza, the meat toppings.

Costco's food court slices typically offer more protein and calories per slice than a standard chain pizza, mainly due to their larger size and thick crust.

For a healthier, high-protein pizza, you can use Greek yogurt-based dough, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and top it with lean meats like chicken breast and plenty of vegetables.