While many types of pizza are high in calories, fat and sodium, those made with fresh, whole ingredients can be a good choice. Though occasionally enjoying a slice of fast-food or frozen pizza most likely won’t impact your weight, eating these items regularly can lead to weight gain and may increase your risk of chronic health conditions. What’s more, choosing stuffed crust or deep-dish pizzas will increase the carb and overall calorie content of your slice. Regular consumption of refined foods rich in added sugar has been shown to increase your risk of chronic conditions like obesity and heart disease ( 9). In fact, one serving (1/4 pizza) of Red Baron Barbecue Chicken pizza contains a whopping 21 grams (4 teaspoons) of sugar ( 8). Plus, some pizzas contain added sugar in the crust, certain toppings and sauces. Most types of pizzas are high in calories and sodium, as they’re usually topped with cheese, salty meats and other high-calorie toppings. Some Types Are High in Calories, Carbs, Sodium and Sugar This type of flour is low in fiber and, therefore, less filling than whole-grain flours.Įating refined grain products - such as ready-made meals like pizza - has been linked to weight gain.Ī study in 1,352 people found that people who consumed over 70 grams of ready-made products like pizza daily were more likely to have more belly fat than those who consumed under 70 grams per day ( 7). However, all pizzas, no matter how they’re prepared, are typically made using refined wheat flour. Like all foods, more processed types of pizza are often higher in unhealthy ingredients than those made from scratch.įrozen and fast-food pizzas can contain ingredients like preservatives, colorings and unhealthy fats. More processed varieties may contain unhealthy ingredients, such as colorings, added sugar and preservatives.Īlthough certain types of pizza are unhealthy, other less processed types can be nutritious. Many types of pizza, particularly frozen and fast-food varieties, tend to be high in calories, fat and sodium. They’re also often packed with sodium, making them a poor choice for those who are salt-sensitive ( 6). Plus, fast-food pizzas usually contain more ingredients than freshly made ones, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial colorings and high-fructose corn syrup - all of which may negatively impact your health ( 3, 4, 5). One large slice (167 grams) of Pizza Hut Pepperoni Lovers Pizza provides ( 2): It tends to be the highest in calories, unhealthy fats, carbs and sodium. Pizza sold in fast-food restaurants and convenience stores is among the unhealthiest of choices. However, no matter if you choose frozen or fresh pizza, piling on extra toppings can make it unhealthy, so be mindful with your selection when eating out. Most pizzerias make their dough from scratch using simple ingredients like olive oil and wheat flour.ĭepending on the restaurant, some use homemade sauces with no added sugar, fresh cheeses and other healthy toppings. Though the nutrition content of pizzeria pizza is not always listed, some pizzeria chains do make nutrition information available to consumers.įreshly made pizzas often contain healthier ingredients than the more processed ones sold in convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. Like frozen pizzas, pizzeria-made pizza can vary in ingredients and preparation methods.
Often a diet staple of college students and busy families, frozen pizzas are popular meal choices for many people.
However, some varieties can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients. The nutrition and ingredients of pizza can vary widely depending on the type.