Pizza chains vary wildly in their slice sizes and topping portions, making Simple Simon’s specific numbers essential for anyone counting carefully. If you are tracking your daily intake, knowing the exact Simple Simon’s Pizza Nutrition and Calories for your favorite order is the only way to stay on target. Let’s break down the menu so you can make an informed choice before you pick up the phone.
Simple Simon’s is a regional favorite, known for its generous portions and classic, no-frills style. Unlike national chains that often have standardized nutrition calculators, Simple Simon’s can be a bit trickier to figure out. This guide pulls together the most accurate data available, focusing on their core menu items, popular sides, and dessert options.
Simple Simon’s Pizza Nutrition And Calories: The Core Pizzas
The pizza is the star of the show, but the numbers vary significantly based on the crust type and size. Simple Simon’s offers a traditional hand-tossed crust, a thinner “crispy” option, and a deep-dish style that is substantially heavier. Below is a breakdown of the standard cheese pizza, which serves as the baseline for all other toppings.
Cheese Pizza By Size
Portion control is everything here. A single slice from a large pizza is not the same as a slice from a small one. Here is the caloric reality for a plain cheese slice.
- Small (12-inch): Approximately 210 calories per slice (8 slices total).
- Medium (14-inch): Approximately 290 calories per slice (8 slices total).
- Large (16-inch): Approximately 380 calories per slice (10 slices total).
- Family (18-inch): Approximately 450 calories per slice (12 slices total).
These numbers assume a standard hand-tossed crust and a regular amount of mozzarella. If you opt for the “crispy” thin crust, you can subtract roughly 30-40 calories per slice. The deep-dish, however, adds about 100 calories per slice due to the butter and extra dough used in the pan.
Topping Calorie Add-Ons
Adding meat and veggies changes the math. The following list shows the estimated additional calories per slice for a large pizza. Remember, these are estimates based on standard portioning.
- Pepperoni: +45 calories
- Sausage: +60 calories
- Bacon: +50 calories
- Ham: +35 calories
- Ground Beef: +55 calories
- Mushrooms: +5 calories
- Onions: +5 calories
- Green Peppers: +4 calories
- Extra Cheese: +40 calories
If you are building a meat-lovers pizza, you are looking at a slice that easily exceeds 600 calories. That is a meal, not a snack. For a lighter option, stick to veggie toppings and the thin crust.
Appetizers And Side Orders
Simple Simon’s is not just about the pie. Their sides are popular, but they can silently add a significant number of calories to your order. Here is what you need to know about the most common starters.
Breadsticks And Cheesy Bread
The breadsticks are a fan favorite, but they are essentially baked dough with butter and garlic salt. The portion size is generous, which is great for sharing but dangerous for a diet.
- Plain Breadstick (1 stick): 140 calories
- Breadstick with Marinara (1 serving): +30 calories
- Cheesy Bread (1 piece): 220 calories
Most people eat two or three breadsticks in a sitting. That is nearly 500 calories before the pizza even arrives. If you are counting, consider splitting these with the whole table or skipping them entirely.
Chicken Wings
Wings are a protein-heavy option, but the sauce and frying process add up. Simple Simon’s offers bone-in and boneless options. The numbers below are for bone-in wings.
- Plain Wing (1 wing): 80 calories
- BBQ Wing (1 wing): 110 calories
- Hot Wing (1 wing): 95 calories
- Garlic Parmesan Wing (1 wing): 120 calories
A standard order of 10 wings with sauce will run you around 1,000 calories. That is a full day’s fat intake for many people. The boneless wings are actually higher in calories because they are breaded, adding about 30 calories per piece.
Salads
You might think a salad is the safe choice, but the dressing and cheese can ruin your budget. The Garden Salad is the base, and you control the toppings.
- Garden Salad (no dressing): 150 calories
- Caesar Salad (no croutons): 210 calories
- Chicken Club Salad (no dressing): 380 calories
The dressing packets are the hidden enemy. A single serving of ranch dressing adds 140 calories. Italian is slightly better at 90 calories. Ask for the dressing on the side and use it sparingly.
Desserts And Sweet Treats
If you have room after a pizza, the dessert menu is tempting. However, these items are calorie-dense and offer little nutritional value. They are best shared or saved for a special occasion.
Cookie And Brownie
The chocolate chip cookie is baked in a pizza pan and cut into slices. It is gooey, warm, and very high in sugar.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie (1 slice): 320 calories
- Brownie (1 piece): 280 calories
- Cookie with Ice Cream: +150 calories
These desserts are essentially pure carbohydrates and fats. There is no protein or fiber to speak of. If you are strict about your macros, you will want to avoid these entirely.
Beverages And Drinks
What you drink matters as much as what you eat. Soda is a massive source of empty calories. Simple Simon’s serves standard fountain drinks, which can be refilled.
- Regular Soda (20 oz): 240 calories
- Diet Soda: 0 calories
- Sweet Tea (20 oz): 180 calories
- Unsweetened Tea: 0 calories
- Bottled Water: 0 calories
Switching from regular soda to diet or water can save you hundreds of calories per meal. It is the easiest change you can make to reduce your total intake.
How To Build A Lower-Calorie Meal
You can still enjoy Simple Simon’s without blowing your daily calorie budget. It takes a bit of planning, but it is entirely possible. Follow these steps to keep your meal reasonable.
- Choose Thin Crust: This immediately saves you 30-40 calories per slice.
- Load Up On Veggies: They add flavor and volume without significant calories.
- Limit Meat To One Type: Pick pepperoni OR sausage, not both.
- Ask For Light Cheese: This can cut another 20 calories per slice.
- Drink Water Or Diet Soda: This saves 200+ calories.
- Stop At Two Slices: Pair it with a side salad to feel full.
Following this plan, you can have a satisfying meal for around 600-700 calories. That is a reasonable number for a dinner out.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even with good intentions, people often underestimate their intake. Here are the most frequent errors I see when people try to count calories at this chain.
- Forgetting The Butter: The crust is brushed with butter. This adds hidden fat.
- Ignoring The Dipping Sauce: Ranch or garlic butter for breadsticks is 150+ calories.
- Eating “Just One More Slice”: The portion sizes are large. Stop at two.
- Not Counting The Cheese In The Crust: Stuffed crust is not an option here, but the deep dish has cheese in the dough.
Being honest with yourself about these extras is the only way to get an accurate count. The menu numbers are estimates, and the actual preparation can vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about the nutritional content at Simple Simon’s. These should help clarify any remaining confusion.
Does Simple Simon’s Offer Gluten-Free Crust?
Most locations do not offer a gluten-free crust. The menu is heavily based on traditional wheat dough. You should call your local store to confirm, but do not expect a low-carb alternative.
Are The Nutrition Facts Available In-Store?
Some locations have printed brochures, but it is not consistent. The information is often available upon request. However, the data we provided above is based on standard recipes and should be close to accurate.
Is The Thin Crust Actually Healthier?
Yes, the thin crust is lower in calories and carbohydrates because it uses less dough. However, it is still brushed with oil or butter. It is a better option, but it is not a health food.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Item On The Menu?
The garden salad without dressing is the lowest calorie item. If you want something hot, a single slice of thin crust cheese pizza is around 250 calories, which is a decent option.
How Many Calories Are In A Simple Simon’s Slice?
It depends on the size and toppings. A small cheese slice is about 210 calories, while a large meat-lovers slice can be over 600 calories. Always ask for the size before you calculate.
Final Thoughts On Tracking Your Intake
Eating at Simple Simon’s does not have to ruin your progress. The key is to be mindful of portion sizes and to avoid the high-calorie add-ons like extra cheese and heavy sauces. Stick to the thin crust, load up on veggies, and limit yourself to two slices. Pair that with a water or a diet soda, and you have a balanced meal that fits into most diet plans. The numbers are clear, so now you have the power to make the right choice for your body. Enjoy your meal without the guesswork.