Nutrition Diet: How much protein is in a Domino's meat lovers pizza?

October 15, 2025 •

5 min read

While a slice of Domino's pizza is often considered an indulgent treat, the protein content can be surprisingly high depending on the type and size. Answering the question, "How much protein is in a Domino's meat lovers pizza?", requires looking at the specific crust and serving size, as this can cause the amount to vary significantly.

Quick Summary

The protein content of a Domino's 'meat lovers' pizza varies greatly depending on the crust type and size. The US 'MeatZZa' version provides a significant amount of protein per slice, but also comes with high calorie, fat, and sodium counts. This article details the protein breakdown for different pizza configurations and discusses how to incorporate such meals into a balanced nutritional plan.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: The protein in a Domino's meat lovers pizza, also known as the MeatZZa in the U.S., varies significantly based on crust type, size, and number of toppings.
Crust and Size are Critical: A single slice of a large 14-inch hand-tossed MeatZZa offers about 15 grams of protein, whereas a small slice may have slightly more per piece but is also much larger in size.
High Calories, Fat, and Sodium: While rich in protein, the MeatZZa is also notably high in calories, total fat, and sodium compared to other Domino's pizzas like Cheese or Pepperoni.
Customization for Health: To improve its nutritional profile, consider opting for a Thin & Crispy crust, adding extra vegetables, or controlling your portion size.
Part of a Balanced Diet: A meat lovers pizza can fit into a high-protein diet as an occasional treat, especially when paired with a healthy, fiber-rich side salad to improve satiety and overall nutritional balance.
Regional Variations Exist: Nutritional information can differ based on location. The U.S. MeatZZa and U.K. Meat Lovers pizzas have different protein levels due to variations in their recipes and serving sizes.

For many, pizza represents a delicious but nutritionally ambiguous meal. When considering a protein-packed option like Domino's MeatZZa (the US equivalent of a Meat Lovers pizza in some regions), understanding the exact nutritional breakdown is key for anyone monitoring their macros. The protein count is not a single number but a variable based on crust, size, and toppings.

The Protein Breakdown: MeatZZa vs. Meat Lovers

Domino's menu items and their nutrition can differ by country. In the United States, the meat-heavy pizza is known as the "MeatZZa," while in places like the UK, it's called "Meat Lovers." The core ingredients are similar—pepperoni, ham, sausage, beef—but the nutritional data varies. The table below provides a quick comparison of protein content based on data from nutritional websites.

United States (MeatZZa Pizza)

Hand Tossed Crust: For a large 14-inch pizza cut into 8 slices, one slice contains approximately 15 grams of protein. A smaller 10-inch hand-tossed version might offer 16 grams of protein per slice (cut into 4), but also a higher calorie count. A medium 12-inch hand-tossed slice provides about 12 grams of protein.
Handmade Pan Crust: A slice of a medium 12-inch Handmade Pan MeatZZa pizza contains around 13 grams of protein.
Brooklyn Style Crust: A slice from a large 14-inch Brooklyn Style MeatZZa offers about 18.3 grams of protein.

United Kingdom (Meat Lovers Pizza)

Thin & Crispy Crust: A large Meat Lovers Thin & Crispy pizza slice contains approximately 8.3 grams of protein.
Classic Crust: A small Classic Crust Meat Lovers slice has about 9.6 grams of protein.

Factors That Influence Protein Content

The wide range in protein values highlights how crucial it is to consider your specific order. Several elements contribute to the final nutritional numbers:

Crust Type: The density and composition of the crust play a significant role. A Thin & Crispy crust has less dough and, therefore, fewer carbohydrates and overall bulk, which impacts the protein percentage per slice. Pan and Hand-Tossed crusts are thicker, changing the overall macro balance.
Pizza Size: A larger pizza is cut into more slices, meaning a single slice has fewer toppings and less crust than a slice from a smaller pizza, even if the recipe is the same. For example, a large hand-tossed pizza is cut into 8 slices, whereas a small is typically cut into 4 or 6, meaning the small slices are substantially larger.
Extra Toppings: Adding extra protein sources like chicken, beef, or extra cheese can increase the total protein per slice, but will also increase the fat and calorie count. Customizing your pizza is an easy way to increase or decrease certain macros.

Nutrition Comparison: MeatZZa vs. Other Domino's Pizzas

When comparing the MeatZZa to other pizza options at Domino's, it is clear that the type of pizza you choose has a huge impact on your total nutrient intake. This table provides a snapshot comparison of key nutritional components for a single slice of a large 14-inch pizza with a hand-tossed crust, based on available data.


Feature	MeatZZa (Hand Tossed Large)	Pepperoni (Hand Tossed Large)	Cheese (Hand Tossed Large)
Protein (per slice)	~15g	~13.9g	~11.6g
Calories (per slice)	~380 kcal	~324 kcal	~272 kcal
Total Fat (per slice)	~18g	~12.6g	~8.9g
Sodium (per slice)	~850mg	~608mg	~507mg

As the comparison shows, the MeatZZa is the most protein-heavy option of the three, but it also contains the highest amount of fat, sodium, and calories. The Pepperoni pizza offers a balance, while the standard Cheese pizza is the leanest option. The added meats on the MeatZZa significantly increase the protein count, but also the overall energy and sodium content, making it a less balanced choice compared to options with more vegetables.

Fitting Pizza into a High-Protein Diet

Even if you're watching your nutrition, enjoying a pizza can fit into a balanced diet with some strategic choices. Here are a few tips:

Pair with a Salad: As advised by dietitians, pairing a slice of pizza with a side salad is a great way to add fiber and nutrients while making a single slice more filling.
Choose the Right Crust: Opting for a thin crust can reduce your overall carb and calorie intake per slice.
Load up on Veggies: Add vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms for extra fiber and vitamins without significantly increasing calories. Consider making half your pizza with meat and half with just vegetables.
Portion Control: Rather than eating an entire pizza, focus on having a slice or two and filling up on the nutritious salad. This prevents overindulgence while still enjoying the meal.

Conclusion

In short, the amount of protein in a Domino's MeatZZa or Meat Lovers pizza can be substantial, with a single slice of a large hand-tossed US MeatZZa offering around 15 grams. However, this protein boost comes packaged with high levels of calories, fat, and sodium. For those seeking to integrate this popular food into a balanced nutrition diet, paying close attention to the specific crust type, size, and complementary side dishes is key. The MeatZZa can be a protein-rich part of a meal, but should be consumed in moderation alongside healthier options to maintain overall dietary balance. The best approach is to customize your order to better align with your specific nutritional needs and fitness goals.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult the official Domino's nutritional calculator online, which can provide precise data for your region and customizations.

Customizing for a Healthier Pizza

For those looking to mitigate some of the less-desirable aspects of a meat-lovers pizza, customization is your best friend. Choosing a lighter crust, like the Thin & Crispy, and adding extra vegetables can significantly improve the nutritional profile while keeping the flavor. Some people even opt to pair their meaty slice with a protein-rich salad for a more balanced meal that still feels indulgent. Ultimately, making informed choices about your meal is the most important step.

Understanding the Macro Balance

For high-protein diet followers, it's important to see how a pizza slice impacts the overall daily macro balance. The high carbohydrate and fat content means that even a single slice represents a substantial caloric intake. While it provides a good protein hit, it's not the leanest source. Therefore, a MeatZZa pizza is best viewed as a treat that fits into a balanced and active lifestyle, rather than a primary protein source for a strictly monitored diet. Pairing it with a low-calorie, high-fiber side can help mitigate its impact and improve satiety. The key takeaway is moderation and conscious eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

MeatZZa is the name for the meat-topped pizza in the U.S. market, while the same or a very similar pizza is called the Meat Lovers in other regions, such as the UK. The specific ingredients and nutritional content can vary by region.

A single slice of a large (14-inch), hand-tossed MeatZZa pizza contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Yes, the crust type significantly affects the protein content. For instance, a thin crust pizza will have a different protein-to-carb ratio than a thicker, hand-tossed or pan crust version due to the difference in total dough and ingredients per slice.

While it contains a significant amount of protein, the MeatZZa is also high in calories, fat, and sodium. It can be a protein source but should be consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods, like a side salad, to fit a healthy diet.

To lower the calories, opt for a thin crust instead of a hand-tossed or pan crust. You can also control your portion size and add extra vegetables to increase fiber and make the meal more filling with fewer calories.

Yes, adding extra cheese will increase the protein content of the pizza. Cheese is a concentrated source of protein and fat, so it will also add to the overall calorie and fat totals.

A MeatZZa generally has more protein per slice than a Pepperoni pizza because it includes multiple types of meat toppings. For example, a large hand-tossed MeatZZa slice has more protein than a comparable Pepperoni slice.