Costco is a beloved destination for many shoppers who are looking to save money while purchasing in bulk. One of Costco’s most famous offerings is their pizza, which is known for its large size and delicious taste. However, many people are surprised to learn that Costco pizza is quite high in calories. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the high calorie count and what it means for your health.
While you may be tempted to indulge in a slice or two of Costco pizza, it is important to understand the nutritional information before you do. With a whopping 700 calories per slice, this pizza is not for the faint of heart. So why is Costco pizza so high in calories? We will delve into the ingredients, preparation, and portion size to uncover the truth behind this popular food item.
Costco pizza is high in calories due to its large size and high-fat content. A slice of Costco pizza contains an average of 700 calories, making it a high-calorie meal. The pizza’s crust is also made with high-fat cheese, which adds to its calorie count. Additionally, the toppings used on Costco’s pizza, such as pepperoni and sausage, are high in calories and fat. It’s important to enjoy Costco pizza in moderation to avoid consuming too many calories.
Why is Costco Pizza So High in Calories?
Costco is a popular destination for shoppers who want to buy in bulk and save money. One of the most popular items at Costco is their pizza, which is known for its large size and low price. However, many people are surprised to learn that Costco’s pizza is also high in calories. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Costco’s pizza is so high in calories and what you can do to make it a healthier option.
1. The Size of the Pizza
Costco’s pizza is known for its large size. It is available in two sizes: 18-inch and 20-inch. The 18-inch pizza has 12 slices, while the 20-inch pizza has 16 slices. The large size of the pizza means that each slice is bigger than a typical slice of pizza. This means that each slice has more calories than a typical slice of pizza.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can choose to share a slice with someone else or opt for a smaller size. You can also choose to order a salad or a side of vegetables to go with your pizza.
2. The Cheese
Cheese is one of the main ingredients in Costco’s pizza. The cheese used is a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. While cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also high in calories and fat.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can ask for less cheese or choose a pizza with fewer toppings. You can also choose to add vegetables as toppings instead of meat.
3. The Crust
The crust of Costco’s pizza is made from a combination of wheat flour, water, yeast, and sugar. The crust is then topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings. The crust is what makes the pizza filling, but it is also high in calories and carbohydrates.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can choose a thin crust pizza or opt for a gluten-free crust. You can also ask for less crust on your pizza or choose a pizza with fewer toppings.
4. The Toppings
Costco’s pizza is available in a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, cheese, and vegetables. While vegetables are a healthy option, meat toppings are high in calories and fat.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can choose a pizza with fewer toppings or opt for vegetables as toppings. You can also ask for less meat on your pizza.
5. The Cooking Method
Costco’s pizza is cooked in a commercial oven at a high temperature. This method of cooking can make the pizza crispy and delicious, but it can also add calories and fat.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can ask for the pizza to be cooked for a shorter amount of time or at a lower temperature. You can also choose to order a pizza with fewer toppings to reduce the cooking time.
6. The Serving Size
When you order a pizza at Costco, you are typically given a large slice. This serving size can be too much for one person and can lead to overeating.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can choose to share a slice with someone else or opt for a smaller size. You can also choose to order a salad or a side of vegetables to go with your pizza.
7. The Nutrition Information
Costco provides nutrition information for their pizza on their website. The nutrition information includes the number of calories, fat, and carbohydrates per slice.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can use the nutrition information to make informed choices about what toppings to choose and how much to eat.
8. The Benefits of Costco Pizza
While Costco’s pizza is high in calories, it also has some benefits. The pizza is a good source of protein and can be a filling meal. It is also a good option for families or large groups.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can choose to add vegetables as toppings and opt for a smaller size.
9. The Vs of Costco Pizza
Compared to other fast food pizza chains, Costco’s pizza is a healthier option. The pizza is made with fresh ingredients and is reasonably priced.
To make the pizza a healthier option, you can choose a pizza with fewer toppings and opt for a smaller size.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, Costco’s pizza is high in calories due to its large size, cheese, crust, toppings, cooking method, and serving size. However, there are ways to make the pizza a healthier option, such as choosing a smaller size, opting for vegetables as toppings, and using the nutrition information to make informed choices. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to eating pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costco pizza is a popular food item that many people enjoy. However, some may wonder why it is so high in calories. Here are some frequently asked questions about this topic.
Why is Costco pizza so high in calories?
One reason why Costco pizza is high in calories is due to its large size. The pizza slices are much larger than a typical slice of pizza, which means there is more cheese, sauce, and toppings. Additionally, the crust is quite thick and can be high in carbohydrates and calories.
Another reason why Costco pizza is high in calories is due to the ingredients used. While the pizza may taste delicious, it is made with processed meats, cheeses, and other ingredients that are high in fat and calories. This, combined with the large size of the pizza, can contribute to a high calorie count.
How many calories are in a slice of Costco pizza?
The number of calories in a slice of Costco pizza can vary depending on the toppings and size of the slice. However, on average, a slice of cheese pizza from Costco contains around 700-800 calories. If you add toppings like pepperoni or sausage, the calorie count can increase even more.
It is important to keep in mind that consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and other health issues. If you are watching your calorie intake, it may be a good idea to limit your consumption of Costco pizza or choose healthier options.
Can you make Costco pizza healthier?
While Costco pizza may not be the healthiest food option, there are some things you can do to make it slightly healthier. One option is to choose a slice with fewer toppings or opt for a vegetable topping instead of a meat option. This can help to reduce the calorie and fat content of the pizza.
Additionally, you can try to limit your portion size. Instead of eating a full slice of pizza, try eating half a slice or sharing with someone else. This can help to reduce your calorie intake while still allowing you to enjoy the delicious taste of Costco pizza.
Are there any benefits to eating Costco pizza?
While Costco pizza may not be the healthiest food option, there are some benefits to consuming it in moderation. For example, the pizza is high in protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, it is a quick and convenient meal option that can be enjoyed on the go.
However, it is important to keep in mind that consuming too much pizza, especially from fast food restaurants, can lead to health issues like weight gain and increased risk of heart disease. If you do choose to enjoy Costco pizza, it is important to do so in moderation and make healthy choices in other areas of your diet.
This Is Why Costco’s Pizza Is So Delicious
In conclusion, the reason why Costco pizza is so high in calories is due to its large size and the use of high-fat cheese and meat toppings. While it may be tempting to indulge in a slice or two, it’s important to remember that consuming too many calories can have negative effects on our health.
However, that doesn’t mean we have to swear off Costco pizza altogether. By sharing a slice or opting for a veggie option, we can still enjoy this delicious treat while being mindful of our calorie intake.
Ultimately, it’s up to us to make informed choices about what we eat. By understanding the reasons behind the high calorie count in Costco pizza, we can make healthier decisions and still satisfy our cravings.
