How healthy is cheese pizza?
Is cheese pizza healthy? It can fit a healthy diet in moderate portions. Cheese pizza scores 19/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 268 kcal, 10 g protein and 179 mg calcium. Cheese pizza brings protein and calcium, but also refined flour, saturated fat and a lot of salt per slice. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Cheese pizza ranks higher than 19% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein8%
- Calcium5%
- Iron5%
- Fiber3%
- Vitamin A3%
- Vitamin E3%
- Magnesium2%
- Potassium1%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat8%
- Added sugars2%
- Sodium7%
Raw NRF9.3: 30 minus 17 = 12. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in cheese pizza?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 268 kcal | 287 kcal | |
| Protein | 10 g | 11 g | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g | 31 g | 11% |
| Fiber | 2.2 g | 2.4 g | 8% |
| Sugars | 3.6 g | 3.8 g | |
| Added sugars | 3 g | 3.2 g | 6% |
| Fat | 12 g | 13 g | 17% |
| Saturated fat | 4.3 g | 4.6 g | 23% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 66 µg | 71 µg | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1.2 mg | 1.3 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 1 mg | 1.1 mg | 7% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 179 mg | 192 mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 2.4 mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 152 mg | 163 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 23 mg | 25 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 447 mg | 478 mg | 21% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Pizza, cheese topping, regular crust, frozen, cooked" (FDC 170317). Values rounded.
Why is cheese pizza good for you?
- 11 g protein in 1 slice, 22% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
- 192 mg calcium in 1 slice, 15% of the daily value. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
- 2.4 mg iron in 1 slice, 13% of the daily value. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
Good ways to use it
- One or two slices with a salad
- Thin crust with vegetable toppings
What should you watch out for?
- Two or three slices can supply over half a day of sodium.
What can you eat instead of cheese pizza?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.