Is There Protein in Pizza? Let’s See What the Experts Say

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“Life goes faster on protein.”

It is crucial to consume protein for healthy growth and development. So, you should regularly consume a good source of protein, regardless of what you eat.

Thus, before eating pizza, you may have a question: does pizza have protein?

A 14-inch regular pizza slice has around 12 to 14 grams of protein, which meets your daily needs by almost 25%. A whole regular pizza of 14-inch contains around 97g of protein, coming from cheese and meat toppings. So, a pizza slice can be a good protein source for people, not counting calories.

However, it is not advised to consume fast food pizza regularly just to get protein.

Check out this article to know more details on whether pizza provides a good source of protein with other health benefits and how to get all of them.

Does Pizza Have protein?

does pizza have protein

Pizza is, indeed, everyone’s favorite. However, have you ever thought about how much protein you get from a pizza? Or how much protein is in a slice of pizza?

Well, a regular 14-inch pizza has around 95-97g of protein. So, you might get between 12 and 14 grams of protein from a regular-sized pizza slice. The majority of the protein content in pizza comes from cheese and meat toppings. Especially with chicken as a topping, pizza can be a good source of protein.

You would be amazed to know a slice of pizza provides 25% of your daily protein requirement. So, a slice of pizza can be a good protein source for you if you have an active life or not counting calories.

But there are always restrictions on consuming fast food. So, before eating pizza, make sure it provides not only protein but also other health benefits.

For example – frozen or restaurant pizzas are loaded with fat, sodium, and processed meat, which can contribute to several health risks. So you may get enough protein from them; however, you may invite heart disease, obesity, stroke, and cancer. Therefore, consuming them regularly is not recommended.

But don’t worry; you can make your pizza at home by cutting out the unhealthy ingredients. In addition to being a good source of protein, a healthy homemade pizza will also be high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein Content In Different Types Of Pizza

Protein Content In Different Types Of Pizza

Now, not all pizzas contain the same protein content. It may vary, and that’s what we will explore now.

1. Protein In Cheese Pizza

Is cheese pizza nutritious enough to provide sufficient protein?

The amount of protein in a regular-sized cheese pizza slice varies depending on the brand. However, generally, the protein content in a regular cheese pizza slice is  between 12 and 13 grams.

However, cheese pizza is also a saturated fat source, contributing to high cholesterol and heart disease.

As a result, eating only cheese pizza may not be a good source of protein

2. Protein in pepperoni pizza

A large-size of pizza contains almost 122 grams of protein content; one regular size contains about 14g. However, pepperoni only adds flavor to your pizza, not a healthy addition.

Furthermore, pepperoni pizza is high in saturated fat and sodium, which makes it an absolutely unhealthy pizza version.

3. Protein in veggie pizza

One serving of veggie pizza may contain nearly 3 grams of protein. Apart from providing a good source of protein, veggie pizza is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.    

4. Protein in chicken pizza 

1 large chicken pizza has around 48g of protein, offering 17% of the recommended daily protein. It’s not only delicious but also provides several benefits being low sodium and fat meat.

5. Protein in frozen pizza

1 slice of frozen pizza contains around 14 grams of protein. They are convenient and easy to cook, and delicious to eat. However, due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium.

6. Protein in sardine pizza

Have you ever tried sardine pizza? It’s heaven on a plate.

You will find almost 13 grams of protein in 1 slice of sardine pizza. Besides, it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Protein in cauliflower pizza

An authentic cauliflower pizza crust contains 6 grams of protein. Besides, it has a lot of fiber, which may aid in weight loss.

8. Protein in pizza rolls

One serving of pizza rolls contains around 1 gram of protein. In addition to being low in protein, they are also high in calories, fat, carbs, sugar, and sodium, making them entirely unhealthy to consume.

High Protein Toppings For Pizza Suggestions

High Protein Toppings For Pizza Suggestions

Do you want to know which ingredients can increase the protein content in your pizza? Here are some high-protein toppings for you.

1. Chicken 

Well, pizza toppings can be protein-rich with the addition of chicken. In addition, chicken is the healthiest lean meat compared to red meat.

2. Sausage

You can add sausage to your pizza to make a protein-rich topping. Sausage, however, is processed meat, which may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, avoiding them and substituting a lean protein for sausage is best.

3. Ham

Your pizza topping becomes more protein-rich by including ham. But ham is a highly processed meat, which may also contribute to adding fat and sodium to your pizza.

5. Feta

Cheese is the major ingredient that enhances the protein source in pizza. But most of the cheese is rich in calories and saturated fat.

7 Advantages Of Eating Healthy Pizza 

7 Advantages Of Eating Healthy Pizza 

Consuming fresh, healthy pizza instead of fast or frozen pizza may add several advantages to your diet.

1. Rich in protein

Your pizza can easily satisfy your daily protein requirements if you include a good source of protein, such as chicken, shrimp, and low-fat cheese. Meat and cheese make up most of a pizza’s protein content, but you must ensure that the meat is unprocessed and that the cheese is low in fat and calories.

2. Rich in fiber

Including fresh vegetables in your pizza adds fiber content, which helps to satisfy your cravings and helps to avoid taking additional foods. Thus, it will help you to meet your weight loss management.

Furthermore, the fiber content will contribute to healthy bowel management and control cholesterol and sugar levels, which will help you stay healthy.

3. Rich in antioxidants

Pizza made with vegetables is frequently high in antioxidants, which have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and many others.

4. Low in fat

You can reduce the fat content of your pizza by using chicken or shrimp and low-fat cheese, which might help you reach your weight loss objective. It will also assist in preventing several illnesses, including heart disease and stroke.  

5. Low in sodium

Pizza with a low sodium content is unquestionably healthy to consume, as it will reduce heart failure symptoms. Furthermore, it will prevent high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

6. Control intake of calories

As pizza with healthy ingredients is low in calories; it will help to control the intake of calories. Besides, the high fiber content will make you feel full and prevent you from consuming additional calories.

7. Support Mental health

If you’re having a bad time, you can treat yourself to pizza. You will undoubtedly feel satisfied, which may help your mental health condition.  

Ingredients To Make A Healthy Protein Pizza

To make a protein-rich pizza, you should have the ingredients. Including: 

For doughFor toppingFor tomato sauce
Whole wheat flourWarm waterYeastExtra virgin olive oilSalt.Tomato sauceTomatoesMushroomsChicken or shrimpOnionSaltPepperOreganoLow fat cheese or feta.Ripe tomatoesGarlic clovesTomato puréOlive oilSaltPepper.

FAQ’s:

  • Does cheese pizza have protein? 

Cheese pizza adds about 12 to 13 grams of protein to each slice, making it a good source of protein for you. However, cheese pizza high in calories and saturated fat may cause weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other conditions.

  • Is pizza good for muscle building?

Pizza provides a good protein source, which may be good for muscle building. But, most pizza from restaurants and stores is high in calories, fat, and sodium, which could harm your health.

  • Is it OK to eat pizza on a regular basis?

Regularly consuming frozen pizza or fast food can cause several diseases. Therefore, it cannot be advised to consume them on a regular basis. However, you can eat pizza that contains fresh vegetables, a reliable source of protein, and low-fat cheese without any issues.

Sum Up

Did you ask – “does pizza have protein?”

Well, pizza is a good source of protein; a regular slice can provide around 13g, which is 25% of your daily protein recommendation.

However, make sure the pizza is made with healthy ingredients if you want to consume it as a good source of protein and fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Finally, choose healthy food whenever possible to stay healthy and fit.