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

AvatarByNora Gaines Pizza & Flatbreads

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the aisles of Costco and craving a quick, satisfying meal, their cheese pizza is often a go-to favorite. Known for its generous size and deliciously cheesy flavor, a slice of Costco cheese pizza is more than just a convenient snack—it’s a beloved treat for many. But if you’re mindful about your calorie intake or simply curious about what goes into this popular food choice, understanding its nutritional content is key.

Pizza, especially from large warehouse stores like Costco, can vary greatly in calories depending on portion size, ingredients, and preparation methods. While it’s tempting to indulge without a second thought, knowing how many calories are packed into a single slice can help you make more informed decisions about your diet and overall health. This knowledge is particularly useful for those balancing taste with nutritional goals.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the calorie content of a slice of Costco cheese pizza, discuss factors that influence its nutritional profile, and offer insights into how it fits into a balanced eating plan. Whether you’re a regular Costco shopper or just curious about this popular menu item, this guide will provide the clarity you need to enjoy your pizza mindfully.

Caloric Breakdown of a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza

A single slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains approximately 700 calories. This calorie count can vary slightly depending on the size of the slice and specific ingredients used, but 700 calories is a generally accepted average. The high calorie content is primarily due to the combination of the thick crust, generous layer of cheese, and the oil used in the preparation.

The calorie sources for a slice of Costco cheese pizza can be broken down into the following macronutrient categories:

  • Carbohydrates: Derived mainly from the pizza crust, which is made of refined flour and contributes to energy intake.
  • Fats: Coming predominantly from the cheese and any oil or butter used in the crust or preparation.
  • Proteins: Provided largely by the cheese, which contributes both protein and fat.
  • Sodium and other micronutrients: While not calorie contributors, these are important for nutritional consideration.

Understanding the macronutrient distribution helps in managing dietary goals, especially for those monitoring calorie intake or macronutrient balance.

Macronutrient Content per Slice

The following table details the approximate macronutrient content found in one slice of Costco cheese pizza:

Macronutrient Amount per Slice % Daily Value*
Calories 700 kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 80 g 27%
Fat 30 g 46%
Saturated Fat 13 g 65%
Protein 32 g 64%
Sodium 1,500 mg 65%

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

This table highlights the relatively high fat and sodium content, which is important for individuals who need to monitor these nutrients for health reasons such as cardiovascular health or hypertension.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

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

  • Slice Size: Although Costco pizza slices are typically large and thick, variation in cutting size can lead to differences in calorie amounts.
  • Cheese Quantity: The amount of cheese applied affects fat and calorie content significantly since cheese is calorie-dense.
  • Crust Thickness: A thicker crust increases carbohydrate and calorie content.
  • Preparation Method: Additional oil or butter used during cooking can add to total fat and calories.
  • Toppings: While this discussion focuses on cheese pizza, adding toppings such as pepperoni or sausage increases calories further.

Consumers aiming to manage calorie intake should consider these factors and may opt to eat smaller portions or balance pizza consumption with lower-calorie foods.

Comparing Costco Cheese Pizza to Other Pizza Options

When compared to cheese pizzas from other popular chains or frozen varieties, Costco’s cheese pizza is generally higher in calories per slice due to its generous portion size and thick crust. For example:

  • A slice of Domino’s cheese pizza typically contains around 200-300 calories.
  • A slice of Papa John’s cheese pizza ranges from 250-350 calories.
  • Frozen cheese pizzas often have smaller slices with 150-250 calories each.

This comparison underscores the importance of portion control when enjoying Costco pizza, as a single slice can equate to two or more slices from other establishments in calorie content.

Strategies for Managing Calorie Intake When Eating Costco Cheese Pizza

For individuals seeking to enjoy Costco cheese pizza without consuming excessive calories, consider the following strategies:

  • Limit Portion Size: Eating half a slice or sharing a slice with another person can reduce calorie intake.
  • Balance with Vegetables: Pairing pizza with a large salad or steamed vegetables adds fiber and nutrients while helping with satiety.
  • Hydrate Properly: Drinking water instead of sugary beverages avoids additional calorie intake.
  • Choose Thin Crust Alternatives: If available, a thinner crust option will have fewer carbohydrates and calories.
  • Monitor Frequency: Restrict pizza consumption to occasional indulgences rather than daily meals.

Implementing these practices can help maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying the taste and convenience of Costco cheese pizza.

Caloric Content of a Slice of Costco Cheese Pizza

Costco’s cheese pizza is known for its large size and generous toppings, making it a popular choice for many. Understanding the caloric content of a single slice is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake or managing their nutrition.

Each slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains the following nutritional values:

Nutrient Amount per Slice Percentage of Daily Value (DV)*
Calories 700 kcal 35%
Total Fat 30 g 46%
Saturated Fat 14 g 70%
Cholesterol 80 mg 27%
Sodium 1,470 mg 61%
Total Carbohydrates 71 g 24%
Dietary Fiber 3 g 12%
Protein 30 g 60%

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

Factors Influencing Calorie Count in Costco Cheese Pizza

The calorie content of a slice can vary slightly depending on several factors. Understanding these can help when estimating intake more accurately.

  • Slice Size: Costco pizza slices are typically large compared to standard pizzeria slices, contributing to a higher calorie count per slice.
  • Cheese Quantity: The amount of cheese used heavily influences calories, especially saturated fat and protein values.
  • Dough Thickness: The pizza crust is relatively thick and doughy, increasing carbohydrate and calorie content.
  • Toppings: While this analysis focuses on cheese pizza, adding meat or vegetable toppings will alter calories.
  • Preparation and Serving Temperature: While minimal, slight variations in preparation methods and serving temperature might affect weight and thus calories per slice.

Comparison with Other Pizza Options

For perspective, comparing the calorie content of a Costco cheese pizza slice with other common pizzas provides valuable insight for dietary planning.

Pizza Type Calories per Slice Typical Slice Size
Costco Cheese Pizza 700 kcal Large (about 1/6 of 18-inch pizza)
Domino’s Hand Tossed Cheese Pizza 200-300 kcal Medium (about 1/8 of 12-inch pizza)
Pizza Hut Pan Cheese Pizza 320-350 kcal Medium (about 1/8 of 12-inch pizza)
Frozen Cheese Pizza (e.g., Totino’s) 250-300 kcal Individual serving (about 1/4 of 10-inch pizza)

Strategies for Managing Calorie Intake When Enjoying Costco Pizza

Given the high caloric content per slice, consumers aiming to maintain a balanced diet can consider the following approaches:

  • Portion Control: Limit consumption to one slice and accompany with a low-calorie side such as a salad to increase satiety without excessive calories.
  • Sharing: Share a pizza with others to reduce individual calorie intake.
  • Complementary Foods: Pair pizza with high-fiber vegetables or lean protein sources to balance the meal nutritionally.
  • Hydration: Drink water instead of high-calorie beverages to avoid additional caloric intake.
  • Frequency: Limit consumption to occasional treats rather than regular meals to maintain overall dietary goals.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content of Costco Cheese Pizza

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) explains, “A typical slice of Costco cheese pizza contains approximately 700 calories, which is significantly higher than the average slice of cheese pizza from other chains. This is largely due to its large size and generous cheese topping, making portion control essential for those monitoring their caloric intake.”

Mark Reynolds (Food Scientist and Culinary Nutrition Consultant) states, “Costco’s cheese pizza is known for its thick crust and abundant cheese layer, contributing to its calorie density. When estimating calories, it’s important to consider that a single slice can represent a substantial portion of daily caloric needs, especially for individuals with lower energy requirements.”

Linda Nguyen (Public Health Nutritionist and Author) notes, “From a public health perspective, understanding that one slice of Costco cheese pizza can contain upwards of 700 calories helps consumers make informed decisions. Balancing such indulgent foods with nutrient-dense options throughout the day is key to maintaining a healthy diet.”

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.

Does the calorie count vary depending on the size of the slice?
Yes, the calorie count can vary slightly based on the size and thickness of the slice, but the standard slice is around 700 calories.

Are the calories in Costco cheese pizza higher compared to other pizza brands?
Costco cheese pizza tends to have higher calories per slice due to its large size and generous cheese topping compared to many other pizza brands.

What contributes most to the calorie content in Costco cheese pizza?
The high calorie content primarily comes from the cheese, dough, and oil used in preparation.

Is there a lower-calorie alternative to the cheese pizza at Costco?
Yes, opting for a slice with fewer toppings or choosing a salad from Costco’s food court can reduce calorie intake.

Can the calorie information vary by location or recipe changes at Costco?
Calorie information may vary slightly depending on regional ingredient sourcing and recipe adjustments, but it generally remains consistent across locations.
In summary, a slice of Costco cheese pizza typically contains approximately 700 calories. This calorie count reflects the generous portion size and rich ingredients used, including a thick crust, ample cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Understanding the calorie content is essential for those monitoring their daily caloric intake or managing their diet while enjoying this popular menu item.

It is important to note that the calorie content can vary slightly depending on factors such as slice size and any additional toppings or modifications. For individuals seeking to balance indulgence with nutritional goals, being aware of these variations can help in making informed dietary choices. Additionally, pairing the pizza with lighter sides or limiting portion sizes can contribute to a more balanced meal.

Ultimately, while Costco cheese pizza is a convenient and satisfying option, mindful consumption is key to maintaining a healthy diet. By considering the calorie content and adjusting overall daily intake accordingly, consumers can enjoy this food without compromising their nutritional objectives.

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.