Yes, pizza is a good source of protein. A typical slice of cheese pizza has about 10 to 12 grams of protein, and a slice topped with meat like pepperoni, sausage, or chicken can reach 15 grams or more. The protein comes mostly from the cheese and the wheat crust, with meat toppings adding the rest. Below is how much protein is in a slice, where it comes from, and how to build a higher protein pizza at Bella Pizza in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.
How much protein is in a slice of pizza?
Protein per slice depends on the toppings and the size of the pie. Here is a rough guide for one regular slice, about one eighth of a 14 inch pizza.
| Slice type | Protein | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | 10 to 12 g | about 285 |
| Pepperoni | 12 to 14 g | about 310 |
| Sausage or meat | 13 to 15 g | about 325 |
| Grilled chicken | 15 to 18 g | about 300 |
| Veggie | 9 to 11 g | about 265 |
Two slices of a meat pizza can deliver 25 to 30 grams of protein, which is in the same range as a chicken breast or a protein shake. Actual numbers vary by recipe, cheese amount, and crust thickness.
Where does the protein in pizza come from?
Three parts of a pizza carry the protein.
- Cheese. Mozzarella has roughly 6 to 7 grams of protein per ounce, and most slices carry a good layer of it. Cheese is the single biggest protein source on a plain pie. See our pizza cheeses.
- The crust. Wheat flour is about 10 to 13 percent protein, so the dough itself adds 4 to 5 grams per slice. A thicker crust means a bit more.
- Meat and other toppings. Pepperoni, sausage, ham, chicken, meatballs, and anchovies each push the protein higher. Browse our protein toppings.
The health benefits of pizza
Eaten in a sensible portion and topped well, pizza brings real nutrition to the table.
- Balanced macros. A slice combines protein, carbohydrates for energy, and fat, so it works as a full mini meal rather than an empty snack.
- Calcium and B vitamins. The cheese supplies calcium for bones, and the enriched wheat crust adds B vitamins and iron.
- Lycopene from the sauce. Cooked tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that the body absorbs better when tomatoes are cooked. See our pizza sauces.
- Vegetables you will actually eat. Onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and broccoli add fiber and vitamins. Load up from our vegetable toppings.
- Fully customizable. You control the cheese, the toppings, and the crust, so you decide how light or how protein heavy each pie is.
How to build a higher protein pizza
Want more protein per slice? Order it this way at Bella Pizza.
- Add a lean meat like grilled chicken or ham.
- Ask for extra cheese, or add ricotta for a white pie.
- Choose a thin crust so more of the calories come from the toppings, not the dough.
- Pair a slice or two with a side salad for extra volume without much added starch.
Ready to order? See the full Bella Pizza menu or order online for 5 percent off.
So, is pizza healthy?
Pizza is as healthy as you build it. A slice or two of a well made pie, topped with vegetables and a lean protein and paired with a salad, is a balanced meal with a solid 10 to 18 grams of protein. Like any food, it comes down to portion and quality. At Bella Pizza every pie is hand stretched, our sauce is made fresh daily, and we use 100 percent olive oil, so you start from good ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Is pizza a good source of protein?
Yes. A slice of cheese pizza has about 10 to 12 grams of protein, and a meat topped slice can reach 15 grams or more, mostly from the cheese, the wheat crust, and the toppings.
How much protein is in a slice of pizza?
Around 10 to 15 grams for most slices. Grilled chicken slices can reach 15 to 18 grams, while a plain veggie slice is closer to 9 to 11 grams.
Which pizza has the most protein?
A pie topped with grilled chicken or a mix of meats and extra cheese carries the most protein per slice. A white pizza with ricotta and mozzarella is also protein dense.
Is pizza good for building muscle?
It can help. The protein supports muscle repair and the carbohydrates refill energy after a workout. Choose a lean meat topping and watch the portion.
Is pizza good for you?
In a sensible portion and with good toppings, yes. It delivers protein, calcium, B vitamins, and lycopene. Balance it with vegetables and a salad.