Navigating the nutritional information of fast food can be tricky, especially with customizable options like pizza. While the toppings, cheese, and sauce all contribute, the base of the pizza—the crust—is a primary source of calories. Domino's offers several distinct crust types, and their nutritional values vary significantly based on the preparation, size, and ingredients.
To make an informed decision, it's essential to look at the specific crust type, as a thin crust slice is considerably different from a dense, pan-style slice. Let's break down the calorie counts for Domino's most popular crusts, typically focusing on a plain cheese pizza to isolate the crust's contribution.
The Calorie Breakdown by Crust Type
Handmade Pan Crust Calories
This is one of the more calorie-dense options due to its thick, buttery texture. For a medium 12" cheese-only pizza, a single slice (1/8 of the pizza) can contain approximately 290 calories. The preparation involves pressing the dough into a pan and adding oil, which increases its fat and calorie content. The satisfying, fluffy texture comes at a higher caloric cost, a trade-off for those who prefer a richer, more substantial crust.
Thin Crust Calories
As the name suggests, this is Domino's thinnest and crispiest crust, and it's also the lowest in calories. A medium thin-crust cheese pizza slice contains approximately 80 calories, although a large cheese-only thin crust slice can be around 123 calories. This option is popular with diet-conscious individuals for its lower carb and fat content per slice compared to its thicker counterparts. The crunchy texture is achieved through a different flour composition and leavening agents.
Hand Tossed Crust Calories
The classic Hand Tossed crust is a middle-ground option, thicker than the Thin Crust but not as dense as the Handmade Pan. For a large 14" cheese-only Hand Tossed pizza, one slice (1/8 of the pizza) has around 272 calories. The calorie count sits between the ultra-light Thin Crust and the heavier Handmade Pan, making it a versatile choice for those who want a softer crust without the full indulgence of a pan pizza.
Brooklyn Style Crust Calories
Designed for bigger appetites, the Brooklyn Style crust is stretched thinner than the Hand Tossed but is typically sold in larger sizes, which means fewer slices per pizza. For a large 14" Brooklyn Style pizza with just cheese, one slice (1/6 of the pizza) has roughly 231 calories. The dough's texture is crispier and often brushed with a garlic-oil blend, adding to its flavor and calorie total.
Gluten-Free Crust Calories
Domino's also offers a Gluten-Free crust for those with dietary restrictions. It is made with rice, potato, and tapioca flours and is typically only available in a small 10" size. A small cheese-only gluten-free slice (1/6 of the pizza) contains about 140 calories. While a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is not always the lowest calorie choice, as it is thicker than the standard thin crust.
A Quick Comparison of Domino's Crusts
| Crust Type | Approximate Calories per Slice (Cheese Only)* | Texture | Calorie Density (Lowest to Highest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin Crust (Medium) | 80 | Thin & Crispy | Lowest |
| Gluten-Free (Small) | 140 | Sturdy & Chewy | Low-to-Medium |
| Brooklyn Style (Large) | 231 | Thinner & Chewy | Medium |
| Hand Tossed (Large) | 272 | Softer & Chewy | Medium-to-High |
| Handmade Pan (Medium) | 290 | Thick & Buttery | Highest |
*Note: These figures are based on cheese-only pizzas of a specific size. Actual calories will vary with toppings, sauce, and cheese quantity.
What Impacts the Total Pizza Calorie Count?
While the crust is a major factor, several other components dramatically impact the total calories of your Domino's pizza. Being aware of these can help you manage your meal more effectively.
- Toppings: Meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon can significantly increase the calorie count, particularly due to their high-fat content. Choosing vegetable toppings is a great way to add flavor and nutrients without a hefty calorie increase.
- Cheese: The amount and type of cheese used play a significant role. Extra cheese will, of course, increase calories and fat. Some specialty pizzas like the Wisconsin 6 Cheese may use multiple types of high-fat cheeses.
- Sauce: While tomato sauce is relatively low in calories, specialty sauces like Alfredo or extra garlic oil can add extra fat and calories.
- Pizza Size: This is one of the most straightforward factors. A small pizza has fewer total calories than a large one simply because there is less of it. However, the calories per slice often remain surprisingly high on smaller, thicker crusts.
- Dips and Sauces: Many people pair their pizza with dips for the crust. Adding a Cheesy Dip or Garlic Oil Blend can add hundreds of extra calories to your meal.
Making Smarter Nutritional Choices
Enjoying pizza doesn't have to derail your dietary goals. By making mindful choices, you can savor your meal without overdoing it. Here are a few tips:
- Opt for Lighter Crusts: When ordering, consider the Thin Crust to immediately reduce your meal's overall calories. The Brooklyn Style is another relatively lighter option, especially if you're sharing and watching portions.
- Load up on Veggies: Veggies add volume and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied without adding many calories. A Pacific Veggie or a custom pizza with lots of vegetables is an excellent choice.
- Go Easy on the Cheese: Requesting less cheese or a lighter cheese option can trim down the fat and calorie content. Alternatively, choose a pizza with more vegetables to add flavor and texture without extra cheese.
- Practice Portion Control: For any crust, be mindful of how many slices you eat. Cutting a pizza into smaller, more numerous slices can help you manage your intake more precisely.
- Pair with a Salad: A simple garden salad on the side is a great way to round out your meal, adding fiber and nutrients. A nutritionist at Business Insider suggests pairing a thin-crust slice with a garden salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion: Balancing Your Pizza Night
When it comes to enjoying Domino's pizza while being mindful of your diet, the crust type is a primary consideration. Thinner crust options like the Crunchy Thin and Brooklyn Style are generally lower in calories than the Hand Tossed or Handmade Pan crusts. However, the total caloric impact depends on a combination of factors, including toppings, cheese, and portion size. By making thoughtful choices about your crust and other ingredients, you can find a delicious balance between indulgence and nutrition. For detailed and customized nutritional information, Domino's provides a Cal-O-Meter tool on its website.
