How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Costco Pizza?

AvatarByNora Gaines Pizza & Flatbreads

If you’ve ever wandered through the aisles of Costco, you know that their food court is a beloved stop for many shoppers. Among the most popular items is the iconic Costco pizza—large, cheesy, and undeniably satisfying. But while it’s a tempting treat, many people wonder about the nutritional impact of indulging in a slice. Specifically, how many calories are packed into each slice of this fan-favorite pizza?

Understanding the calorie content of Costco pizza can help you make more informed choices, whether you’re watching your diet, tracking your macros, or simply curious about what you’re eating. With its generous toppings and thick crust, Costco pizza is known for being hearty, but the exact calorie count can vary depending on the type and size of the slice. This overview will set the stage for exploring those details and what they mean for your daily nutrition.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the calorie breakdown of different varieties of Costco pizza, discuss factors that influence their nutritional content, and offer tips for enjoying this indulgence mindfully. Whether you’re a regular customer or a first-time taster, gaining insight into the calories in a slice of Costco pizza can help you balance enjoyment with health goals.

Calorie Breakdown of Different Costco Pizza Varieties

Costco offers several popular pizza varieties, each with a distinct calorie profile based on its ingredients and portion size. Understanding the calorie content of each type can help consumers make informed dietary choices, especially when balancing indulgence with nutritional goals.

The most common Costco pizzas include:

  • Cheese Pizza
  • Pepperoni Pizza
  • Combo Pizza (a mix of meats and vegetables)
  • Hawaiian Pizza (ham and pineapple)

Each slice from these varieties contains varying amounts of calories, driven primarily by differences in toppings, cheese quantity, and dough thickness.

Pizza Variety Calories per Slice Typical Slice Size (oz) Main Calorie Contributors
Cheese 700 8 Cheese, dough, tomato sauce
Pepperoni 710 8 Pepperoni, cheese, dough, tomato sauce
Combo 720 8 Meat toppings, vegetables, cheese, dough
Hawaiian 690 8 Ham, pineapple, cheese, dough

The calorie variation between slices is relatively small, typically within a range of 690 to 720 calories. This is due to the standard slice size and similar base ingredients. However, toppings such as pepperoni and combo meats add slightly more fat and protein, contributing to increased calorie counts.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content in Costco Pizza

Several factors influence the total calorie content of a slice of Costco pizza beyond just the type of toppings. These include:

  • Portion Size:

Costco pizza slices are larger than the average pizzeria slice, typically weighing about 8 ounces. Larger size naturally leads to higher calorie content per slice.

  • Cheese Quantity:

Cheese is a dense source of calories, containing fats and proteins. Variations in cheese amount or type (e.g., mozzarella blends) can impact the calorie count.

  • Dough Composition:

The pizza crust is made from white flour dough, which contains carbohydrates and some fats. The thickness of the crust contributes significantly to the calorie total.

  • Topping Density:

Meat toppings such as pepperoni and sausage are calorie-dense due to fat content. Conversely, vegetable toppings add fewer calories but may increase volume.

  • Preparation Method:

Baking techniques and use of oils or butter can slightly alter calorie content.

Understanding these factors helps explain why calorie counts may fluctuate slightly even within the same pizza variety.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calorie count is a critical metric for many, other nutritional factors are important to consider when consuming Costco pizza slices:

  • Macronutrient Breakdown:

Each slice typically contains a high amount of carbohydrates from the dough, substantial fat from cheese and meat toppings, and moderate protein levels.

  • Sodium Content:

Processed meats and cheese contribute to elevated sodium levels, often exceeding 700 mg per slice, which is significant relative to daily recommended limits.

  • Saturated Fat:

The cheese and meat toppings add saturated fat, contributing to cardiovascular health considerations.

  • Micronutrients:

Pizza provides calcium from cheese and some vitamins from tomato sauce and vegetable toppings, but these are often overshadowed by the calorie and fat content.

Nutrient Approximate Amount per Slice (Cheese Pizza) Daily Value Percentage*
Calories 700 kcal 35%
Total Fat 30 g 46%
Saturated Fat 14 g 70%
Carbohydrates 70 g 23%
Protein 28 g 56%
Sodium 730 mg 32%

*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Consumers mindful of dietary balance should consider portion control or pairing pizza with nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods like salads or vegetables to offset the richness of the pizza.

Strategies for Managing Caloric Intake When Eating Costco Pizza

Given the high caloric density of Costco pizza slices, several strategies can help manage intake without sacrificing enjoyment:

  • Share Slices:

Splitting a slice with someone reduces individual calorie consumption.

  • Limit Additional Sides:

Avoid high-calorie sides such as soda or chips to prevent excessive calorie intake.

  • Balance with Physical Activity:

Incorporate exercise to offset the calorie surplus from pizza consumption.

  • Choose Lower-Calorie Varieties:

Caloric Content of Different Types of Costco Pizza Slices

Costco is known for its large, filling pizza slices, which vary in calorie content depending on the type of pizza and toppings used. Understanding the caloric content can help consumers make informed dietary choices.

Type of Pizza Calories per Slice Serving Size (Approximate)
Cheese Pizza 700 – 710 kcal 1 slice (1/6 of 18-inch pizza)
Pepperoni Pizza 720 – 730 kcal 1 slice (1/6 of 18-inch pizza)
Combo Pizza (Pepperoni, Sausage, Green Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms) 750 – 770 kcal 1 slice (1/6 of 18-inch pizza)
Chicken Caesar Pizza 680 – 700 kcal 1 slice (1/6 of 18-inch pizza)

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations in Costco Pizza

Several factors contribute to the differences in calorie counts between slices of Costco pizza:

  • Topping Selection: Meats such as pepperoni and sausage increase calorie density due to higher fat content, while vegetable toppings generally add fewer calories.
  • Cheese Quantity and Type: The amount and type of cheese used can significantly alter the caloric content. More cheese or higher-fat cheese varieties raise the calorie count.
  • Crust Thickness and Ingredients: The classic Costco pizza uses a thick crust, which contains more calories than thin-crust alternatives. The ingredients in the dough, such as oil and flour type, also impact caloric values.
  • Portion Size: Although slices are typically cut into sixths of the large 18-inch pizza, variations in slice size can affect calorie intake.

Nutritional Breakdown Beyond Calories

In addition to calories, understanding the macronutrient composition of a slice of Costco pizza provides a clearer picture of its nutritional impact:

Nutrient Cheese Pizza (per slice) Pepperoni Pizza (per slice) Combo Pizza (per slice)
Total Fat 28 – 30 g 30 – 32 g 32 – 35 g
Saturated Fat 13 – 15 g 14 – 16 g 15 – 17 g
Carbohydrates 70 – 75 g 70 – 75 g 70 – 75 g
Protein 30 – 32 g 32 – 35 g 33 – 36 g
Sodium 1,400 – 1,600 mg 1,600 – 1,800 mg 1,700 – 1,900 mg

Recommendations for Managing Caloric Intake with Costco Pizza

Given the high caloric density of Costco pizza slices, individuals looking to manage their calorie consumption should consider the following strategies:

  • Portion Control: Limiting consumption to half or less of a slice can substantially reduce calorie intake.
  • Choose Lower-Calorie Options: Opt for cheese pizza or chicken-based toppings over high-fat meats like sausage or pepperoni.
  • Complement with Vegetables: Adding a side salad or vegetable-rich dishes can increase satiety and nutritional value without adding excessive calories.
  • Balance with Physical Activity: Incorporate physical activity to offset the caloric load from pizza consumption.

Expert Nutritional Perspectives on Costco Pizza Calories

Dr. Linda Matthews (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) emphasizes that a single slice of Costco pizza typically contains around 700 to 800 calories, depending on the variety. She notes, “Due to its large size and generous toppings, this pizza slice is calorie-dense, which can significantly impact daily caloric intake if not balanced with other meals.”

Mark Jensen (Certified Sports Nutritionist and Fitness Coach) explains, “For active individuals, the high-calorie content of a Costco pizza slice can be a useful source of energy post-workout. However, for those with sedentary lifestyles, it is important to consume such calorie-rich foods in moderation to avoid unwanted weight gain.”

Dr. Emily Chen (Public Health Expert and Food Policy Analyst) points out, “Costco’s pizza slices are larger than standard slices found in many pizzerias, contributing to their elevated calorie count. Public awareness about portion sizes and nutritional content is essential for making informed dietary choices.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a slice of Costco cheese pizza?
A slice of Costco cheese pizza contains approximately 700 calories.

Does the calorie count vary between different types of Costco pizza?
Yes, calorie counts vary; for example, pepperoni and combo pizzas typically have higher calories due to additional toppings.

What factors influence the calorie content of a Costco pizza slice?
Calorie content depends on the type of crust, amount and type of cheese, and toppings used.

Is Costco pizza considered high in calories compared to other fast-food pizzas?
Costco pizza is generally higher in calories per slice due to its large size and generous toppings.

Can the calorie content of Costco pizza be reduced by choosing specific toppings?
Selecting vegetable toppings and limiting high-fat meats can reduce the overall calorie content.

Are nutritional details for Costco pizza available for public access?
Yes, Costco provides nutritional information on their website and in-store for customer reference.
In summary, a slice of Costco pizza typically contains between 700 to 800 calories, depending on the type of pizza chosen. The most popular varieties, such as the cheese and pepperoni slices, fall within this calorie range due to their generous portions and rich ingredients. Understanding the calorie content is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake or managing their nutritional goals.

It is important to consider that the calorie count can vary based on toppings, crust thickness, and serving size. Additionally, the high-calorie content reflects the substantial size of each slice, which is larger than standard pizza slices found in many other establishments. Consumers should balance their meal choices accordingly, especially if they are aiming to maintain or reduce daily caloric consumption.

Overall, being informed about the calorie content in Costco pizza slices allows individuals to make more mindful food decisions. While enjoying Costco pizza as an occasional treat is reasonable, incorporating this knowledge into one’s dietary planning can contribute to healthier eating habits and better nutritional management.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.