When you are looking at fast-casual pizza options, checking the &pizza nutrition and calories is a smart move before you order. This popular chain is known for its customizable oblong pies, but knowing what goes into your meal can help you make better choices. Let’s break down the menu, the numbers, and how to build a pizza that fits your daily goals.
&Pizza Nutrition And Calories
Understanding the full picture of &pizza nutrition and calories is easier than you think. The brand offers a “Nutrition Calculator” on their website, which is the most accurate way to track your specific order. However, you don’t need to rely on that alone. We have pulled the core data for the most popular items so you can plan your meal without the guesswork.
Base Pizzas And Dough Options
The foundation of your pizza starts with the dough. The standard dough is a classic white flour base, but you have alternatives that change the nutritional profile significantly.
- Classic Dough (1/2 pizza): Around 280 calories, 2g fat, 54g carbs, and 8g protein. This is the standard base for all builds.
- Whole Wheat Dough (1/2 pizza): Roughly 260 calories, 3g fat, 47g carbs, and 10g protein. A good swap if you want more fiber.
- Gluten-Free Dough (1/2 pizza): Approximately 230 calories, 5g fat, 42g carbs, and 3g protein. Note that this option is smaller in size.
- High Protein Dough (1/2 pizza): About 250 calories, 4g fat, 30g carbs, and 22g protein. This is the best pick for low-carb dieters.
You can also choose to go “No Dough” and get a salad bowl instead. This drops the carb count to almost zero, but you will need to add protein to feel full.
Sauce And Cheese: The Hidden Calories
People often forget that sauces and cheeses are where calories sneak in. A light hand or a smart swap can save you over 100 calories.
- Red Sauce: 20 calories per serving. Low in fat and sugar.
- Pesto: 120 calories per serving. High in healthy fats but calorie-dense.
- Alfredo: 140 calories per serving. Rich and creamy, but adds significant fat.
- BBQ Sauce: 60 calories per serving. Watch the sugar content here.
- Mozzarella (standard): 80 calories per serving. The classic choice.
- Vegan Cheese: 90 calories per serving. Slightly higher in fat but dairy-free.
- Ricotta: 60 calories per serving. A lighter option that still feels indulgent.
If you are counting calories, stick to one sauce and one cheese. Double cheese adds roughly 80-100 calories, and extra sauce can add another 20-60 calories depending on the type.
Protein Toppings And Their Impact
Protein is what keeps you satisfied, but not all proteins are created equal in the calorie department. Here is the breakdown for a standard serving size on a half pizza.
- Chicken (grilled): 60 calories, 12g protein. The leanest option.
- Pepperoni: 110 calories, 5g protein. Higher in fat and sodium.
- Sausage: 130 calories, 7g protein. The most calorie-dense meat.
- Meatballs: 90 calories, 8g protein. A good middle ground.
- Bacon: 70 calories, 4g protein. Crispy but adds fat.
- Tofu: 45 calories, 5g protein. The lightest protein option.
For a balanced meal, choose one protein and load up on veggies. This keeps the calorie count around 600-700 for a full pizza, which is reasonable for a main meal.
Vegetables And Free Toppings
The best part about &pizza is that most vegetable toppings are free and have minimal calories. You can load up without guilt.
- Spinach: 5 calories
- Mushrooms: 10 calories
- Onions: 10 calories
- Green Peppers: 10 calories
- Tomatoes: 15 calories
- Jalapenos: 5 calories
- Basil: 0 calories
- Oregano: 0 calories
Adding all of these will barely change your calorie count, but they will add fiber and volume. This is the best way to make your pizza filling without breaking your daily budget.
Signature Pizzas: Calorie Counts
If you don’t want to build your own, the signature pizzas have fixed nutrition facts. Here are the numbers for a full pizza (not a half).
- Cheese Pizza: Approximately 900 calories, 34g fat, 110g carbs, 38g protein.
- Pepperoni Pizza: Around 1,100 calories, 48g fat, 112g carbs, 44g protein.
- The Citizen (Mushroom, Truffle): Roughly 950 calories, 38g fat, 115g carbs, 40g protein.
- The Frank (Pepperoni, Sausage, Honey): Close to 1,300 calories, 55g fat, 130g carbs, 50g protein.
- The Viva (Vegan): About 850 calories, 30g fat, 120g carbs, 25g protein.
These numbers are estimates and can vary slightly based on preparation. Always double-check with the calculator if you are strict about your intake.
How To Build A Low-Calorie Pizza
You can easily make a &pizza meal that is under 600 calories for the whole thing. Here is a step-by-step guide to ordering smart.
- Choose the High Protein Dough: This gives you 22g of protein for only 250 calories and keeps carbs low.
- Pick a Light Sauce: Go with the Red Sauce (20 calories) or just brush on a little olive oil.
- Skip the Cheese or Go Light: Ask for “light cheese” or use the Vegan Cheese (90 calories) which is lower in saturated fat.
- Add Grilled Chicken: This adds 60 calories and 12g of protein to keep you full.
- Load Up on Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, onions, and peppers for almost zero extra calories.
- Finish with Spices: Use oregano, chili flakes, and garlic powder instead of dipping sauces.
This build comes to roughly 420-450 calories for the entire pizza. That is a solid meal that won’t wreck your diet.
Dipping Sauces And Sides
The sides and dips are where the calories can spike quickly. Be careful with these add-ons.
- Ranch Dressing: 220 calories per serving. This is a calorie bomb.
- Buffalo Sauce: 30 calories per serving. A safe choice.
- Garlic Knots (3 pieces): 350 calories, 18g fat. Better to skip if you are counting.
- Caesar Salad: 180 calories without dressing. Add dressing and it jumps to 320.
- Cookies (2 pieces): 280 calories, 12g fat. A sweet treat but high in sugar.
If you want a dip, stick to the Buffalo or the Marinara (25 calories). Avoid the ranch and the “Parmesan Aioli” which is over 200 calories per serving.
Nutritional Concerns Beyond Calories
Calories are not the only thing to watch. Sodium is a big issue at &pizza. A standard pepperoni pizza can have over 2,500mg of sodium, which is more than the daily recommended limit. If you have high blood pressure, ask for light cheese and skip the cured meats. The protein dough is also a good choice because it has lower sodium than the classic dough.
Sugar is another hidden factor. The BBQ sauce and the honey drizzle add significant sugar. A “Frank” pizza with honey has around 18g of sugar, which is almost half the daily recommended intake. Stick to savory sauces to keep sugar low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I eat &pizza on a keto diet?
A: Yes, but you must order the High Protein Dough or go for the “No Dough” salad bowl. Skip the sweet sauces and stick to red sauce or pesto in moderation. Load up on meats and cheese to hit your fat macros.
Q: Is the gluten-free dough healthier than the classic dough?
A: It is lower in calories (230 vs 280) but it is also lower in fiber and protein. It is not necessarily “healthier,” it just has a different nutritional profile. It is also smaller in size.
Q: How many calories are in a half pizza vs a full pizza?
A: The menu lists nutrition for a half pizza, but they sell full pizzas. You need to double the numbers for a full pizza. For example, a half classic dough is 280 calories, so a full is 560.
Q: What is the lowest calorie item on the menu?
A: The “No Dough” salad bowl with grilled chicken and light dressing is the lowest, coming in around 300-350 calories. For a pizza, the High Protein Dough with red sauce, light cheese, and veggies is the lowest at about 400 calories.
Q: Does &pizza have nutritional information available in-store?
A: Yes, they have printed brochures and the staff can access the nutrition calculator. However, the online calculator is the most up-to-date and accurate source for custom builds.
In the end, &pizza can fit into any diet plan if you are mindful of your choices. The key is to use the high protein dough, be selective with sauces and cheeses, and load up on free veggies. Skip the sugary drizzles and creamy dips, and you will have a satisfying meal that keeps you on track. Remember that portion control matters, so consider eating half and saving the rest for later if you are strict about your calorie intake.
One thing to note is that the calorie counts can vary slightly from store to store due to portioning. The staff is usually generous with toppings, which is great for value but bad for calorie counting. If you are tracking closely, ask for “light” on high-calorie items like cheese and sauce. This gives you a buffer and ensures your order matches the published numbers.
Also, dont forget about the breakfast menu if you visit early. The breakfast pizzas have similar options, but they add eggs and sometimes hash browns. A breakfast pizza with egg, cheese, and bacon on classic dough is around 650 calories. It is a heavy start to the day, so consider sharing or eating half.
For athletes or people who work out, the High Protein Dough is a game changer. With 22g of protein in the crust alone, plus your meat topping, you can easily hit 40g of protein in one meal. That is excellent for muscle recovery. Pair it with grilled chicken and you have a post-workout meal that is both tasty and functional.
If you are watching your fat intake, the vegan cheese is a good option, but it is not low in calories. It has 90 calories per serving, which is similar to regular mozzarella. The difference is in the type of fat. Vegan cheese uses coconut oil, which is higher in saturated fat. So it is not a “light” option, just a dairy-free one.
Finally, the sides are the trap. A pizza alone can be a balanced meal, but adding garlic knots and a soda can double your calorie intake. Stick to water or unsweetened tea, and skip the bread if you want to keep the meal reasonable. The cookies are delicious, but they are essentially a dessert portion that adds 280 calories and 20g of sugar. Save those for a cheat day.
To sum it up, &pizza is one of the more transparent fast-food chains when it comes to nutrition. You have control over every ingredient, which puts the power in your hands. Use the calculator, be smart about your base, and you can enjoy a custom pizza that aligns with your health goals. Whether you are bulking, cutting, or just trying to eat better, there is a build for you. Just remember to check the numbers before you order, and you will be fine.