How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Buying & Availability

If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling aisles of Costco, you know that their food court is a beloved pit stop for shoppers craving a quick, satisfying meal. Among the fan favorites, the Costco cheese pizza stands out for its generous size, crispy crust, and gooey cheese topping. But as delicious as it is, many people find themselves wondering about the nutritional content, especially the calorie count, of this popular treat.

Understanding the calorie content of Costco’s cheese pizza can be a helpful step for those who are mindful of their diet or simply curious about what they’re consuming. Whether you’re tracking your daily intake, managing your weight, or just want to make informed choices, knowing the calories in a slice—or the whole pie—can provide valuable insight. This overview will guide you through the basics of what influences the calorie count and why it matters.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the calorie content of Costco’s cheese pizza and how it compares to other pizza options. You’ll also get tips on enjoying your favorite slice while keeping your nutritional goals in check. So, if you’re ready to dig into the details behind that cheesy goodness, read on!

Caloric Breakdown of Costco Cheese Pizza

Costco’s cheese pizza is well-known for its generous size and rich flavor, which naturally contributes to its calorie content. Understanding how many calories are in a slice can help consumers make informed dietary choices, especially when considering portion sizes or balancing meals throughout the day.

The calories in Costco cheese pizza primarily come from three macronutrient sources: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The dough provides most of the carbohydrates, the cheese contributes a significant portion of the fats and proteins, and the tomato sauce adds a small number of calories, primarily from carbohydrates and sugars.

A typical slice of Costco cheese pizza weighs approximately 140 grams. The calorie count per slice can vary slightly depending on preparation, but on average, a single slice contains around 700 calories. This relatively high calorie count is due to the thick crust and generous cheese topping.

Macronutrient Composition per Slice

Breaking down the macronutrients helps clarify why the calorie count is relatively high:

  • Carbohydrates: The crust is made from refined flour, contributing a substantial amount of carbohydrates, which provide energy but can spike blood sugar levels if consumed in excess.
  • Fats: The cheese is rich in saturated fats, which contribute to the creamy texture and flavor but should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.
  • Proteins: Cheese also provides protein, an essential macronutrient for muscle repair and satiety.
  • Sodium: Cheese and sauce contribute to a significant sodium content, relevant for those monitoring salt intake.

Nutritional Information Table

Nutrient Amount per Slice (140g) Percentage of Daily Value*
Calories 700 kcal 35%
Total Fat 34 g 44%
Saturated Fat 16 g 80%
Cholesterol 90 mg 30%
Sodium 1,300 mg 57%
Total Carbohydrates 70 g 25%
Dietary Fiber 3 g 12%
Sugars 6 g —
Protein 30 g 60%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several factors can impact the calorie content of a slice of Costco cheese pizza:

  • Portion Size: Larger or smaller slices will naturally alter calorie counts.
  • Cheese Amount: Variations in cheese quantity or type (e.g., whole milk mozzarella vs. part-skim) affect fat and calorie levels.
  • Crust Thickness: Thicker crust means more dough and carbohydrates.
  • Add-ons or Modifications: Adding toppings such as extra cheese, meats, or vegetables will change the nutritional profile.

Comparing Costco Cheese Pizza to Other Pizzas

Costco cheese pizza generally has a higher calorie count per slice compared to many standard fast-food cheese pizzas due to its size and ingredient proportions. For example:

  • A typical slice of Domino’s cheese pizza contains approximately 200–300 calories.
  • A slice of Papa John’s cheese pizza usually has about 250–300 calories.
  • Costco’s slice, at around 700 calories, is significantly larger and more calorie-dense.

This comparison underscores the importance of portion control when consuming Costco pizza, especially for individuals monitoring caloric intake.

Strategies for Managing Caloric Intake with Costco Pizza

To enjoy Costco cheese pizza while managing calorie intake, consider these tips:

  • Share a pizza with family or friends to reduce individual portion size.
  • Balance the meal with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase fiber and nutrient density.
  • Limit additional high-calorie toppings or dips like ranch or extra cheese.
  • Pair pizza consumption with physical activity to help offset caloric surplus.

By understanding the calorie content and nutritional makeup of Costco cheese pizza, consumers can make choices that align with their dietary goals while still enjoying this popular food option.

Calorie Content of Costco Cheese Pizza

Costco’s cheese pizza is a popular menu item, known for its large size and satisfying flavor. Understanding the calorie content is essential for managing dietary intake, whether for weight management or general nutrition awareness.

The standard Costco cheese pizza is typically sold in a large size with a diameter of approximately 18 inches. It is cut into 12 slices, making it easy to estimate calories per slice and per whole pizza.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g)
1 Slice (1/12 of pizza) 700 30 70 30
Whole Pizza (12 slices) 8,400 360 840 360

It is important to note that the calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact preparation, including the amount of cheese, sauce, and dough thickness. However, the values listed above are representative of a typical slice from Costco’s cheese pizza.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations

Several factors can influence the calorie content of Costco cheese pizza, including:

  • Cheese Quantity: The amount of cheese added per pizza can vary slightly, affecting fat and calorie content.
  • Dough Thickness: While generally consistent, slight variations in dough thickness may alter carbohydrate and calorie totals.
  • Toppings or Add-ons: Adding extra toppings or dipping sauces will increase the overall calorie count.
  • Serving Size Differences: Individual slice sizes may vary depending on how the pizza is cut.

Comparing Costco Cheese Pizza Calories to Other Pizza Options

When evaluating the calorie content of Costco cheese pizza, it is useful to compare it with other common pizza varieties to understand its place within typical fast-food offerings.

Pizza Type Calories per Slice (approx.) Typical Slice Size
Costco Cheese Pizza 700 Large (1/12 of 18-inch)
Domino’s Cheese Pizza 200 – 300 Medium (1/8 of 12-inch)
Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza 300 – 350 Medium (1/8 of 12-inch)
Frozen Cheese Pizza (e.g., DiGiorno) 350 – 400 Individual Slice

Costco’s slices are significantly larger than most typical pizza slices, which explains the higher calorie count per slice. This larger portion size should be considered when planning meals or calorie intake.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a key metric, it is also important to consider other nutritional factors when consuming Costco cheese pizza:

  • Fat Content: The pizza contains a high amount of saturated fats due to cheese, which can impact heart health if consumed excessively.
  • Sodium Levels: Cheese and sauce contribute to elevated sodium content, important for those monitoring blood pressure.
  • Protein: The cheese provides a significant protein source, which supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Carbohydrates: The crust is a substantial source of carbohydrates, primarily from refined flour.

Balancing a slice of Costco cheese pizza with vegetables or a salad can help create a more nutritionally balanced meal.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Costco Cheese Pizza

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) emphasizes that a single slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains around 700 calories due to its large size and generous cheese topping. She advises consumers to be mindful of portion sizes when incorporating this pizza into their daily caloric intake.

Mark Jensen (Food Technologist and Culinary Analyst) explains that the high calorie count in Costco’s cheese pizza is largely attributed to its thick crust and the substantial amount of cheese used, which increases fat content. He notes that this combination makes it a calorie-dense option compared to standard fast-food pizzas.

Linda Morales (Public Health Nutritionist and Author) points out that while the calorie content is significant, the pizza can fit into a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. She recommends pairing slices with vegetables or salads to enhance nutritional balance and reduce overall calorie density during meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one slice of Costco cheese pizza?
One slice of Costco cheese pizza contains approximately 700 calories, depending on the size and thickness of the slice.

Does the calorie count vary between different sizes of Costco cheese pizza?
Yes, the calorie count varies with pizza size; larger pizzas have bigger slices, which increases the calorie content per slice.

Are the calories in Costco cheese pizza mainly from fat or carbohydrates?
The calories primarily come from carbohydrates in the crust and fat from the cheese and oil used in preparation.

Is Costco cheese pizza suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Due to its high calorie content per slice, Costco cheese pizza is generally not recommended for low-calorie diets.

Can the calorie content of Costco cheese pizza be reduced by modifying toppings?
Reducing or substituting high-fat toppings can lower calories, but the cheese pizza itself is already high in calories due to its cheese and crust.

Where can I find official nutritional information for Costco cheese pizza?
Official nutritional details are available on Costco’s website or by requesting information directly at the store.
Costco cheese pizza is a popular choice for many due to its large size, affordability, and satisfying flavor. When considering the caloric content, a single slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains approximately 700 calories. This high calorie count is largely attributed to the generous portion size, thick crust, ample cheese, and rich tomato sauce used in its preparation.

Understanding the calorie content is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake or managing their nutrition. Given its substantial calorie density, consuming multiple slices can quickly contribute to a significant portion of an individual’s daily caloric needs. Therefore, moderation is advised, especially for those aiming to maintain or reduce their calorie consumption.

In summary, while Costco cheese pizza offers a convenient and tasty meal option, awareness of its calorie content is crucial for balanced dietary planning. Making informed choices about portion size and frequency of consumption can help individuals enjoy this popular pizza without compromising their nutritional goals.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.