Is Costco Pizza Healthy? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Costco’s food court is legendary. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after shopping or making a special trip just for their famous pizza, you know it’s big, cheesy, and delicious. But the real question is—is it actually healthy?

With large portions and an unbeatable price, it’s no surprise that Costco pizza is a fan favorite. But what about the nutritional content? Are you eating more calories, fat, and sodium than you realize?

“Costco pizza may taste amazing, but is it a guilty pleasure or a diet disaster? Let’s find out.”

In this article, we’ll break down Costco pizza nutrition, compare it to other fast-food pizzas, and offer healthier alternatives for those watching their diet.

Costco Pizza Nutrition Facts: A Detailed Breakdown

Calories in Costco Pizza: How Much Are You Eating?

One of the biggest concerns with Costco pizza is its calorie count. A single slice is huge—much larger than a regular fast-food pizza slice. That means more cheese, more sauce, and more dough, which adds up in terms of calories.

For comparison, a slice of Domino’s cheese pizza is around 270-290 calories, while Pizza Hut’s large cheese slice has about 330-360 calories. Costco’s pizza is nearly double that amount per slice!

Costco Cheese Pizza vs. Pepperoni Pizza: Which Is Healthier?

If you’re debating between the two, here’s the breakdown:

• Cheese Pizza: Fewer calories and less sodium compared to pepperoni.
• Pepperoni Pizza: Slightly higher in calories and sodium due to the processed meat.
• Combo Pizza: (Previously available) Had veggies but also included sausage, making it high in fat.

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, stick with cheese pizza and pair it with a side salad to balance out your meal.

Fat, Carbs, and Protein: The Macronutrient Profile

Costco pizza is high in fat and carbohydrates, which contribute to its delicious taste and satisfying texture. However, it does provide a decent amount of protein, making it more filling.

Sodium and Cholesterol Levels: Is It Heart-Healthy?

One of the biggest drawbacks of Costco pizza is its high sodium content. The daily recommended sodium intake is about 2,300 mg, but just one slice of Costco pizza can contain over 1,500 mg!

“Eating one slice of Costco pizza already puts you close to your daily sodium limit. Imagine if you eat two or three!”

High sodium levels can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. If you’re trying to reduce sodium, eating Costco pizza occasionally is fine, but don’t make it a regular habit.

Costco Pizza Serving Size: How Portions Impact Nutrition

Costco pizza slices are much larger than standard pizza slices. A full Costco pizza is 18 inches in diameter, and a single slice is approximately 1/6 of the pizza. If you’re watching your diet, consider splitting a slice or eating it with a side of vegetables to balance the meal.

Costco Pizza Ingredients: What’s Really Inside?

Dough, Sauce, and Cheese: What Goes Into Each Slice?

Costco pizza is known for its massive size, but have you ever wondered what actually goes into making it? The ingredients are pretty simple, but the portion sizes make all the difference.

While these ingredients seem straightforward, the key issue is the portion size. A Costco pizza slice contains more cheese and sauce than your average pizza, leading to higher calorie and fat content.

Preservatives and Additives: Are There Hidden Unhealthy Ingredients?

Unlike some fast-food pizzas that use artificial ingredients, Costco pizza sticks to fairly basic components. However, there are still some concerns:

• High Sodium Levels – The sauce and cheese contribute to excessive sodium intake.
• Processed Meats – Pepperoni is high in saturated fats and preservatives like nitrates.
• Refined Carbs – The white flour dough can cause blood sugar spikes.

“While Costco pizza uses real cheese, its massive serving sizes and processed meats make it a less-than-ideal choice for frequent consumption.”

Is Costco Pizza Healthy? Pros and Cons

The Benefits: Convenience, Affordability, and Taste

Let’s be honest—Costco pizza is delicious. Here are some of its biggest advantages:

• Budget-Friendly: A whole 18-inch pizza costs around $9.95—cheaper than most fast-food pizzas.
• High in Protein: Each slice packs over 40g of protein, making it filling.
• Better Quality Ingredients: No fake cheese or mystery meats.

The Downsides: High Calories, Sodium, and Processed Ingredients

But before you grab another slice, consider these drawbacks:

• Too Many Calories: A single slice can be 700+ calories.
• High Sodium Content: One slice can contain more than half of your daily sodium limit.
• Processed Ingredients: Pepperoni and sausage contain preservatives that aren’t great for long-term health.

“Enjoying Costco pizza occasionally is fine, but eating it too often could lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.”

Healthier Alternatives to Costco Pizza

Lower-Calorie Options at the Costco Food Court

If you’re craving pizza but want a healthier option, consider these choices:

• Hot Dog Without the Bun: Fewer carbs, still high in protein.
• Chicken Caesar Salad (Without Dressing & Croutons): A lower-calorie option with protein.
• Half a Slice of Pizza: Split it with a friend to cut calories in half.

Customizing Your Costco Pizza for a Healthier Choice

Ordering a whole pizza? Try this:

• Blot Off Excess Grease: Removes some fat and calories.
• Pair with a Side Salad: Helps balance the meal.
• Drink Water Instead of Soda: Reduces added sugar intake.

Bringing Your Own Healthy Sides to Balance Your Meal

If you’re eating at the Costco food court, consider bringing:

• Fresh fruit for a naturally sweet dessert.
• Unsalted nuts for a healthy fat source.
• Vegetable sticks to add fiber.

Costco Pizza vs. Other Fast-Food Pizzas: A Comparison

How Does Costco Pizza Compare to Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars?

When it comes to fast-food pizza, Costco is a strong competitor. But how does it measure up against other popular pizza chains? Let’s compare them based on size, calories, and ingredients.

As you can see, Costco pizza is much larger than its competitors, which is why the calorie count is so high. If you compare per gram, Costco’s pizza isn’t necessarily unhealthier—it’s just supersized.

Which Fast-Food Pizza Has the Best Nutritional Value?

Here’s what we found:

• Lowest Calories: Little Caesars (280 per slice).
• Lowest Sodium: Little Caesars (460 mg per slice).
• Highest Protein: Costco (44g per slice).
• Biggest Serving Size: Costco (one slice is almost double the size of a Domino’s slice).

“If you’re going for value and protein, Costco pizza wins. If you want fewer calories and sodium, Little Caesars is the better choice.”

Common Problems with Costco Pizza and Solutions

Too Many Calories? Here’s How to Eat in Moderation

Love Costco pizza but don’t want the calorie overload? Try these tricks:

• Split a slice with a friend.
• Pair it with a salad to add fiber and balance your meal.
• Eat slowly so you feel full sooner.
• Avoid soda—Costco’s giant fountain drinks add even more sugar and calories.

High Sodium Content? Tips to Reduce Intake

If you’re worried about sodium, here’s what you can do:

• Drink plenty of water to help flush excess sodium.
• Skip processed meats like pepperoni and sausage.
• Limit your intake to one slice and avoid salty sides like hot dogs.

Can’t Resist Costco Pizza? Healthy Eating Strategies

If you know you’re going to indulge in Costco pizza, here’s how to make it work:

• Plan ahead—eat a lighter breakfast or lunch before your Costco trip.
• Stick to one slice and take the rest home for later.
• Balance your meal with fresh fruits or vegetables.

FAQs About Costco Pizza Nutrition

How many calories are in a slice of Costco pizza?

A single slice of Costco cheese pizza has 700 calories, while a pepperoni slice has 710 calories.

Is Costco cheese pizza really 700 calories?

Yes, due to its larger slice size, extra cheese, and thick crust, Costco cheese pizza contains more calories than a standard fast-food pizza slice.

How many calories are in a Costco pepperoni pizza?

One slice of Costco pepperoni pizza has 710 calories, mainly due to the added fat and sodium from the processed meat.

How much is a slice of Costco pizza?

A single slice of Costco pizza costs around $1.99, while a whole pizza costs about $9.95.

Should You Eat Costco Pizza?

So, is Costco pizza healthy? The answer is: it depends on how often you eat it and how much you eat. While it’s high in calories and sodium, it also provides a good amount of protein and uses real cheese instead of artificial substitutes.

If you eat it in moderation and balance it with healthier choices, you can still enjoy Costco pizza without derailing your diet. But if you’re watching your calorie or sodium intake, consider healthier alternatives like eating half a slice or choosing other Costco food court options.

“Enjoy Costco pizza occasionally as a treat, but don’t make it a weekly habit if you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle.”

Related Reads

Check out more pizza-related articles for food lovers:

• Heart-Shaped Pizza – Fun and festive pizza ideas.
• Birria Pizza – A delicious twist on traditional pizza.
• Donatos Pizza – How it compares to Costco.
• 12-Inch Pizza – How does size affect nutrition?
• Supreme Pizza Guide – Everything you need to know.

What’s Your Take?

Do you think Costco pizza is worth the calories? Have you tried any healthier alternatives? Let us know in the comments below!

Costco Pizza

Print Recipe

Wondering if Costco pizza is a healthy choice? This detailed nutritional breakdown covers calories, ingredients, and healthier alternatives. Find out how Costco pizza compares to other fast-food options and how to enjoy it without overloading on calories and sodium.

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 slice 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 slice of Costco cheese pizza (from an 18-inch pizza, cut into 6 slices)
• Flour (used in dough)
• Water
• Yeast
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Tomato sauce (contains sugar, salt, and spices)
• Whole milk mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni (optional, processed pork and beef with spices and nitrates)

Instructions

• Purchase a slice of Costco pizza from the food court.
• If eating at home, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes for a crispy texture.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or fruit to balance the meal.
• Drink water instead of soda to reduce sugar intake.
• Eat in moderation—consider splitting a slice to reduce calorie intake.
• If ordering a whole pizza, opt for cheese instead of pepperoni to lower sodium levels.
• Enjoy your pizza mindfully and avoid adding extra processed toppings.

Notes

• A Costco pizza slice is larger than standard fast-food pizza slices, leading to higher calorie intake.
• If you’re on a low-sodium diet, be mindful of Costco pizza’s high sodium levels.
• To make a healthier version, consider making homemade pizza with whole wheat crust and fresh toppings.

• Author: Hana Bel
• Prep Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (if reheating)
• Category: Fast Food, Pizza
• Method: Baking (if reheating)
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Costco pizza slice
• Calories: 700 (cheese) / 710 (pepperoni)
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1370mg (cheese) / 1580mg (pepperoni)
• Fat: 28g (cheese) / 29g (pepperoni)
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Costco pizza nutrition, Costco pizza calories, Costco food court pizza, Costco pizza ingredients