Nutrition Diet: How much protein does a Costco slice have?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

A single, massive slice of Costco food court cheese pizza contains a surprising 44 grams of protein. For those tracking their intake as part of a nutrition diet, knowing precisely how much protein does a Costco slice have is crucial for managing your daily macronutrients.

Quick Summary

A standard cheese slice from the Costco food court provides 44g of protein, while a pepperoni slice offers 34g, delivered in a large and calorie-dense portion. It is important to consider the total calories, fat, and sodium content when balancing this food item within a healthy diet.

Key Points

Cheese Slice Protein: A large Costco food court cheese slice contains 44 grams of protein, making it surprisingly high in this macronutrient.
Pepperoni Slice Protein: The pepperoni version of the Costco slice offers 34 grams of protein.
High Calories and Fat: The high protein comes with a significant number of calories (700 for cheese) and high amounts of saturated fat.
Excessive Sodium Content: Both slices are very high in sodium, with the cheese slice containing 1,370mg, over half the daily recommended limit.
Portion Size is Key: The nutritional impact is largely due to the extra-large serving size, which is far larger than a typical fast-food pizza slice.
Moderation is Recommended: While a good protein source, the high overall nutritional load means it should be eaten in moderation and balanced with other, healthier meals.

The Surprising Macronutrients of a Costco Slice

Costco is famous for many things, but its food court pizza often stands out for its low price and considerable size. For anyone monitoring their nutritional intake, the sheer size prompts questions about its macro profile, especially its protein content. While the numbers are impressive, they are also tied to a substantial calorie count.

The Breakdown: Cheese vs. Pepperoni

To understand the full picture, it's helpful to look at the specific nutritional data for both the cheese and pepperoni options available at the food court.

Cheese Pizza Slice

Protein: 44g
Calories: ~700 calories
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Sodium: 1,370mg

Pepperoni Pizza Slice

Protein: 34g
Calories: ~620 calories
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Sodium: 1,290mg

The main reason for the high protein and overall nutritional density is the sheer volume of ingredients, particularly the large amount of cheese. Costco's generous portions mean a single slice is equivalent to a substantial meal, a fact that can easily be overlooked.

A Nutritional Comparison: Costco vs. Standard Pizza

To put these numbers into context, it's useful to compare a Costco slice to a more standard fast-food pizza slice. This highlights how Costco's portion size significantly impacts the nutritional breakdown.


Feature	Costco Cheese Slice	Standard Fast-Food Slice*
Protein	44g	~12g
Calories	~700 kcal	~285 kcal
Fat	28g	~10g
Sodium	1,370mg	~640mg

*Note: Nutritional information for a standard slice can vary based on the restaurant and crust type. The data represents a typical baseline for comparison.

Nutritional Pros and Cons of a Costco Slice

Pros:

High Protein Source: A single slice provides a large portion of a person's daily protein needs, supporting muscle maintenance and repair.
High Calcium: Thanks to the copious amounts of cheese, the slice delivers a solid dose of calcium, essential for bone health.

Cons:

High Calorie Count: At around 700 calories for the cheese version, a single slice can represent a significant percentage of a person's daily caloric intake, especially if they are trying to manage their weight.
Excessive Sodium: The sodium content is alarmingly high, contributing to the daily maximum recommended intake and potentially affecting blood pressure.
High Saturated Fat: The fat content, particularly saturated fat from the large amount of cheese, is substantial and requires consideration for heart health.

Smart Strategies for Incorporating a Costco Slice into Your Diet

For those who love a Costco pizza but want to maintain a balanced diet, here are a few tips for enjoying it in moderation.

Portion Control: Given the immense size, consider sharing a single slice with a friend. This instantly halves your calorie, fat, and sodium intake.
Add a Salad: Pair your slice with a large, fresh side salad (perhaps another Costco food court option) to increase your vegetable and fiber intake, helping you feel fuller and balancing the meal.
Adjust Other Meals: If you know you're having a slice for lunch, plan lighter, lower-sodium meals for breakfast and dinner to keep your daily totals in check.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process the high sodium content.
Look for Other Options: Costco offers a wide variety of healthier alternatives in its warehouse, such as rotisserie chicken, hummus, and Greek yogurt, that can help you meet your protein goals without the added calories and sodium.

For more detailed information on balancing indulgent foods like pizza with a healthy lifestyle, consider consulting resources like this article from Verywell Fit: Pizza Calories and Nutrition Facts.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Costco Pizza Protein

Ultimately, a Costco pizza slice is a high-protein, calorie-dense meal. For fitness enthusiasts looking to pack in protein, it offers a quick and easy way to meet a large portion of their daily requirement. However, its high levels of calories, fat, and sodium mean it's not a food to be consumed without conscious consideration. The key is balance and moderation. When enjoyed strategically as part of a varied diet, a Costco slice can be an occasional, satisfying treat without completely derailing your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large cheese slice from the Costco food court contains 44 grams of protein.

The pepperoni pizza slice from Costco's food court has 34 grams of protein.

While providing a high amount of protein, Costco pizza slices are also very high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. They should be consumed in moderation as part of an otherwise balanced diet.

The elevated protein content is a direct result of the large portion size and the generous amount of mozzarella cheese and meat used on each slice.

A cheese slice contains approximately 700 calories, and a pepperoni slice has around 620 calories.

To enjoy a slice without overdoing it, consider pairing it with a side salad, sharing the slice to manage portion size, or adjusting your other meals throughout the day to be lighter.

No, the nutritional information for the frozen pizzas sold in the warehouse differs from the freshly made food court slices. Always check the specific packaging for accurate details.