What are the lowest calorie pizzas?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

A typical slice of pepperoni pizza from a chain restaurant can contain around 300 calories, but enjoying a delicious pizza doesn't have to be a diet killer. Recognizing what are the lowest calorie pizzas and making smart ingredient choices can help to enjoy this popular food without any guilt, whether dining out or making it at home.

Quick Summary

This guide explores low-calorie pizza options, from healthy homemade recipes using alternative crusts like Greek yogurt dough or cauliflower, to smart choices when ordering from major chains. The content covers the impact of ingredients like crust, cheese, and toppings on the overall calorie count, providing strategies for a more mindful pizza experience.

Key Points

Homemade Greek Yogurt Dough: Create a high-protein, low-calorie pizza crust with a simple mix of Greek yogurt and flour.
Cauliflower Crust for Low-Carb: For a gluten-free and vegetable-packed alternative, use a cauliflower base.
Thin Crust is the Top Takeout Choice: Always select a thin crust to significantly reduce calories per slice when ordering from chains.
Load Up on Veggie Toppings: Minimize processed meats and pile on low-calorie vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms for flavor and nutrients.
Light Cheese and Marinara Sauce: Request lighter cheese or opt for lower-fat versions, and stick to a simple tomato-based sauce.
Practice Portion Control: Serve a measured portion on a plate with a side salad to manage overall calorie intake.
Control Your Ingredients at Home: Making pizza at home allows for the most control over fat and calories, from the crust to the toppings.

Understanding the Calorie Culprits in Pizza

It is important to understand where the calories in a traditional pizza originate before identifying lower-calorie choices. The crust, cheese, and toppings are the primary components that contribute to the overall calorie count.

Crust: The crust often contains the greatest number of carbohydrates and calories. Thick, deep-dish, and stuffed crusts can significantly increase the caloric density when compared to a thin-crust or a homemade alternative.
Cheese: Full-fat mozzarella, though important for flavor, is high in saturated fat and calories. Using a smaller quantity or selecting lower-fat options can make a considerable difference.
Toppings: Processed meats, such as pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, are high in fat and sodium. Vegetable toppings, however, add flavor and volume while contributing very few calories.
Sauce: Tomato sauces are typically low in calories. Creamy or oil-based sauces can be much higher in calories.

Lowest Calorie Pizzas to Make at Home

Making a low-calorie pizza at home allows for complete control over the ingredients. Some of the lowest calorie pizzas are:

Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough

This recipe uses three simple ingredients to create a light and fluffy crust.

Ingredients: Whole wheat self-rising flour, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, and salt.
Method: Combine the flour and yogurt to form a dough, knead briefly, then roll it out. The resulting crust bakes quickly and has fewer calories compared to traditional pizza dough.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Cauliflower crust is a great option for a gluten-free and low-carb alternative. It is made by processing cauliflower florets into a rice-like texture and then combining it with egg and cheese before baking.

Whole Wheat Pita Bread Pizza

Whole wheat pita bread halves make a perfect thin and crispy base for a quick, single-serving pizza. Lightly toast the pita before adding toppings.

List of Low-Calorie Topping Ideas

Using nutritious toppings is key to keeping the calorie count low. Here is a list of good options:

Fresh vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.
Lean proteins: Grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, or Italian turkey sausage.
Low-fat cheeses: Part-skim mozzarella or a sprinkle of goat cheese or feta.
Herbs and spices: Fresh basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes for flavor without added calories.

How to Order the Lowest Calorie Pizzas from Major Chains

It is still possible to make healthier choices when ordering delivery. Some tips for ordering from popular chains are:

Domino's

Choose the thin crust for the lowest calorie option. A medium thin-crust veggie pizza with light cheese is a smart choice. Choose marinara sauce over creamier or barbecue sauces and load up on vegetable toppings.

Pizza Hut

Similar to Domino's, the Thin 'N Crispy crust is the best choice for a lower-calorie meal. A medium Thin 'N Crispy Veggie Lover's pizza has significantly fewer calories per slice compared to other crust options.

Comparison Table: Calorie Breakdown per Pizza Slice (Approximate)


Pizza Type	Crust	Calories per Slice	Key to Low Calories
Homemade Veggie	Greek Yogurt Dough	~100-150	High protein dough, low-fat cheese, veggie toppings
Homemade Veggie	Cauliflower Crust	~80-120	Gluten-free, lower carb base, reduced cheese
Chain Veggie	Thin Crust	~180-250	Thinner base, veggie toppings, light sauce
Chain Cheese	Thin Crust	~200-250	Less dough and cheese than standard options
Chain Pepperoni	Hand-Tossed	~300-350	Traditional crust with higher-fat toppings
Chain Meat Lover's	Hand-Tossed	~350-500+	Multiple high-fat, processed meat toppings
Chain Cheese	Deep-Dish	~400-600+	Thick crust and heavier on the cheese

Essential Tips for Mindful Pizza Enjoyment

Beyond choosing the right type of pizza, conscious eating habits can also help manage calorie intake. Instead of eating directly from the box, serve one or two slices on a plate with a side salad. This provides more volume and nutrients, which can help to feel fuller and more satisfied. Drinking plenty of water can aid in satiety. When dining with others, consider sharing a larger, lower-calorie pie to enjoy the flavor without overindulging. The goal is to make pizza a balanced part of a diet, not a source of guilt.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying pizza is possible by focusing on the elements that most influence its calorie count: the crust, cheese, and toppings. Homemade options with Greek yogurt or cauliflower crusts are perfect for the lowest calorie pizzas because you have control over the ingredients. When ordering out, using thin crusts, opting for vegetable toppings, and asking for lighter cheese or sauce are key strategies. By making mindful substitutions and practicing portion control, you can indulge in your pizza craving without guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thin crust is almost always the lowest calorie option because it uses less dough. Homemade crusts made from Greek yogurt or cauliflower are even lower in calories.

Vegetarian pizzas are typically lower in calories than meat-lover versions, but toppings matter. A veggie pizza with lots of cheese or a deep-dish crust can still be very high in calories.

The lowest calorie option at Domino's is a medium thin-crust pizza with marinara sauce, light cheese, and vegetable toppings.

Yes, it is possible to eat pizza and lose weight by practicing moderation and making smart choices. Portion control, opting for healthier toppings, and balancing your overall calorie intake are key.

Good low-calorie pizza toppings include fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach, as well as lean proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni.

To reduce cheese calories, you can ask for light or less cheese when ordering out, or use part-skim mozzarella at home. Adding flavorful, non-cheese toppings can also make up for less cheese.

Yes, there are many easy homemade recipes. The Greek yogurt dough recipe and using whole wheat pita bread as a base are two popular and simple low-calorie options.