Costco is renowned for its massive warehouse stores, bulk items, and notably, its food court, which offers a variety of affordable and tasty options. Among the most popular items in the Costco food court is their pizza. Whether it’s a quick meal after shopping or a treat for the family, Costco’s pizza is a go-to choice for many. In this article, we will delve into the nutritional facts of Costco pizza, focusing on calories, protein, cheese pizza specifics, and cooking instructions.
Costco Pizza Calories Per Slice
One of the primary concerns for many pizza lovers is the calorie content. Costco pizza is known for its large, hearty slices, which means the calorie count is higher compared to smaller, thinner slices from other pizzerias.
- Pepperoni Pizza: A slice of Costco’s pepperoni pizza, which weighs approximately 278 grams, contains about 620 calories. This calorie count is relatively high due to the generous amount of cheese, pepperoni, and the thick crust.
- Cheese Pizza: A slice of cheese pizza from Costco, weighing around 270 grams, contains approximately 700 calories. The cheese pizza has a higher calorie count per slice compared to the pepperoni due to the additional cheese used.
- Combo Pizza: Costco’s combo pizza, which includes various toppings like vegetables, pepperoni, sausage, and more, contains about 680 calories per slice. This slice also weighs around 278 grams.
Costco Pizza Protein Per Slice
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues. Let’s break down the protein content in different types of Costco pizza.
- Pepperoni Pizza: A slice of Costco’s pepperoni pizza provides approximately 34 grams of protein. This high protein content is due to the combination of cheese and pepperoni.
- Cheese Pizza: A slice of cheese pizza contains around 44 grams of protein. The significant amount of cheese contributes to the high protein content.
- Combo Pizza: A slice of combo pizza has about 36 grams of protein. The various meat toppings add to the protein content of this pizza.
Costco Cheese Pizza Nutrition
The cheese pizza is a favorite for many, offering a simple yet satisfying taste. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional facts for Costco cheese pizza:
- Calories: As mentioned earlier, a slice of cheese pizza contains about 700 calories.
- Total Fat: Each slice has approximately 28 grams of fat, which includes saturated and trans fats.
- Saturated Fat: Around 13 grams of the total fat content is saturated fat.
- Trans Fat: The trans fat content is minimal, but it is always good to consume in moderation.
- Cholesterol: One slice of cheese pizza has about 75 milligrams of cholesterol.
- Sodium: Sodium content is relatively high, with each slice containing approximately 1370 milligrams of sodium.
- Total Carbohydrates: A slice contains around 70 grams of carbohydrates.
- Dietary Fiber: The fiber content is about 3 grams per slice.
- Sugars: Each slice has around 7 grams of sugar.
- Protein: As previously noted, a slice of cheese pizza provides about 44 grams of protein.
Costco Pizza Instructions
Costco pizza is not just a hit at the food court; it’s also available as a take-and-bake option for home cooking. Here are some instructions on how to prepare your Costco pizza at home:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). It’s crucial to have a hot oven to achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Pizza: If your pizza is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps in even cooking. Remove any packaging, including the plastic wrap and the cardboard base.
- Place the Pizza in the Oven: Place the pizza directly on the center oven rack. If you prefer a softer crust, you can use a pizza stone or a baking sheet.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes.
- Check the Temperature: To ensure your pizza is thoroughly cooked, you can use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven using oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to prevent burns and to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Conclusion
Costco pizza is a delicious and popular option for many, whether enjoyed at the food court or prepared at home. Understanding the nutritional content can help you make informed choices, especially if you are mindful of your calorie, protein, and fat intake. While Costco pizza is indulgent, it can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. So, next time you’re at Costco, you can enjoy your pizza with a better understanding of what’s in each slice.
