Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in one slice of a large Papa John's pepperoni pizza?

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard slice of pizza can contain over 300 calories. For those wondering how many calories are in one slice of a large Papa John's pepperoni pizza?, the figure is typically around 320 calories for the Original Crust, though some reports indicate up to 338 calories.

Quick Summary

One slice of a 14-inch large Original Crust Papa John's pepperoni pizza has approximately 320 to 338 calories. This meal also contributes significant fat, carbohydrates, and sodium, with precise nutritional details depending on the pizza's crust thickness.

Key Points

Calories per slice: A slice of a large Original Crust pepperoni pizza from Papa John's contains approximately 320 to 338 calories.
Crust impacts calories: The crust type significantly alters the nutritional profile, with thin crust containing fewer calories than original or stuffed crust options.
High in fat and sodium: The pizza is also high in saturated fat and sodium, with one slice containing roughly 13-15 grams of fat and over 800 mg of sodium.
Portion control is key: Limiting consumption to one or two slices is crucial for fitting pizza into a healthy diet and managing overall calorie intake.
Opt for healthier choices: To reduce the meal's impact, choose leaner protein toppings, add extra vegetables, and serve with a side salad to boost fiber and nutrients.
Skip the extras: Dipping sauces and stuffed crusts add significant calories and fat, so consider skipping them to make a healthier choice.

Understanding the Nutritional Details of Papa John's Pizza

When a craving for a large pepperoni pizza from Papa John's strikes, understanding the nutritional information can help you make informed decisions that align with your dietary goals. The calorie count and macronutrient breakdown for a single slice can vary slightly depending on the specific source of nutritional data, but it consistently sits on the higher end due to the combination of dough, cheese, and cured meats. Most nutrition trackers and databases report that a single slice (1/8th of a 14-inch pizza) of a large Original Crust pepperoni pizza contains approximately 320 to 338 calories.

Beyond just calories, it's important to look at the other components that contribute to this total. For a typical slice:

Total Fat: Ranges from 13 to 15 grams.
Saturated Fat: Around 6 grams.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 37 to 38 grams.
Protein: Roughly 12 to 15 grams.
Sodium: Significantly high, around 810 to 825 mg per slice.

It is important to note that a large pizza is typically cut into eight slices. Consuming multiple slices will quickly multiply these figures, as the entire 14-inch Original Crust pepperoni pizza contains over 2,500 calories.

How Crust and Toppings Impact Calories

The most significant factor influencing a pizza's nutritional value, aside from portion size, is the crust. Papa John's offers various crust options, each with a different calorie count per slice.

Thin Crust: Opting for a large Thin Crust pepperoni pizza can significantly reduce the calorie load per slice. For example, a slice of a large 14-inch thin-crust pepperoni pizza has about 250 calories. This is because it uses less dough than the Original Crust, lowering the carbohydrate and calorie content.
Stuffed Crust: Conversely, specialty options like stuffed crusts or pan crusts will increase the calories per slice due to the extra cheese and dough. A slice of a large stuffed crust pizza with a different meat topping can be up to 440 calories, illustrating the calorie jump.

Toppings also play a major role. Choosing processed, higher-fat meats like pepperoni and sausage will add more calories and saturated fat than opting for leaner proteins or a vegetable-heavy pizza.

Healthier Approaches to Your Pizza Fix

Pizza can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation and with a few strategic adjustments. Here are some ways to indulge smarter:

Choose a thin crust: As mentioned, this is one of the easiest ways to save on calories and carbs per slice.
Add extra vegetables: Pile on the veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to boost fiber and nutrients while adding flavor and volume.
Consider leaner protein: While pepperoni is a classic, swapping it for grilled chicken or other lean protein can reduce fat and calories.
Pair with a salad: Begin your meal with a large side salad to help you feel full, potentially reducing the number of pizza slices you consume.
Control your portion size: Stick to one or two slices rather than mindlessly eating until you are overly full. This is key to managing overall calorie intake.
Skip the dipping sauce: The extra sauces, especially the popular garlic butter, add a significant number of additional calories and fat.

Comparison of Papa John's Pizza Types


Pizza Type	Crust	Serving Size	Approximate Calories Per Slice	Total Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Pepperoni	Original (14")	1/8 slice	320	13	810
Pepperoni	Thin (14")	1/8 slice	250	14	590
Cheese	Original (14")	1/8 slice	290	10	710
Garden Fresh	Original (14")	1/8 slice	280	-	-

Conclusion

In short, one slice of a large Original Crust Papa John's pepperoni pizza contains a minimum of 320 calories and is relatively high in fat and sodium. While it can certainly be an enjoyable part of an occasional treat, mindful consumption is key to maintaining a healthy nutrition diet. By being aware of portion sizes, choosing lighter crust options, loading up on vegetable toppings, and serving with a fresh salad, you can still enjoy your favorite pizza while staying on track with your health goals. Remember that the overall balance of your diet is what matters most, and no single food is inherently 'bad' when consumed thoughtfully.

Making Your Pizza Healthier

For those looking to lower the impact of a pizza meal, consider these proactive steps:

Order a side salad: Start with a salad to add fiber and fill up before the pizza arrives. This can help you eat less pizza overall.
Request light cheese: A smaller portion of cheese will reduce the fat and calorie content without sacrificing all the flavor.
Customize your toppings: Choose vegetable-heavy pizzas or ask for half-and-half with one side featuring leaner, veggie-based toppings.
Save the leftovers: Instead of eating until you're stuffed, put away the remaining slices right away. This helps control your portion size and saves you a meal for another day.
Pair with water: Avoid sugary sodas or excessive beer, which add unnecessary calories. Stick to water to stay hydrated.

Incorporating these strategies allows you to satisfy your pizza craving responsibly and enjoy it as part of a varied, balanced nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large (14-inch) Original Crust pepperoni pizza from Papa John's is typically cut into eight slices and contains over 2,500 calories in total, with each slice containing approximately 320 to 338 calories.

Yes, a thin-crust version has fewer calories. A slice of a large Thin Crust pepperoni pizza has approximately 250 calories, making it a lighter option compared to the Original Crust.

Pepperoni pizza is generally not considered a daily staple for a healthy diet due to its high content of fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthier alternatives include lean meats like grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or plenty of vegetable toppings like mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

One slice of a large Original Crust pepperoni pizza contains a high amount of sodium, typically around 810 to 825 mg, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

To reduce calories, you can opt for a thin crust, load up on vegetable toppings, and control your portion size by limiting yourself to one or two slices.

Yes, the dipping sauces, like the popular Special Garlic sauce, add a significant number of additional calories and fat to your meal and should be avoided if you are trying to minimize calorie intake.