The nutritional value of pepperoni pizza ranges based on crust thickness, amount of cheese and quantity of pepperoni. However, among these ranges some values remain similar. For instance, while one slice of Little Caesar's pizza contains fewer calories than one slice of Domino's pizza, the ratio of fat, protein and carbohydrate calories among the two slices is quite similar. Values listed are for one slice of a 14-inch Domino's pizza, unless otherwise noted. Papa John's pizza values are similar. Little Caesar's and Pizza Hut slices are smaller and therefore contain fewer calories and nutrients.
Calories
One slice of pepperoni pizza contains 324 calories, which are approximately 17 percent protein, 35 percent fat and 48 percent carbohydrates. The protein and fat calories are primarily provided by the cheese and pepperoni, while the carbohydrate calories are provided by the sauce and crust.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
The carbohydrates in pizza are primarily starch, as it is low in both sugar and fiber. Because pizza crust is typically made with white flour, it contains very little fiber. One slice contains only 1.8 g, which is less than 10 percent of the dietary reference intake, or DRI. To make pizza a meal higher in fiber, you could eat it with a garden salad. The vegetables in garden salads are typically high in fiber.
Protein
One slice of pepperoni pizza contains 13.9 g protein, which provides 30 percent of the DRI for women and 25 percent for men. Because pepperoni contains meat and cheese, it is a complete protein. Complete proteins are those that provide significant amounts of all of the essential amino acids, which are those not manufactured by your body.
Fat
One slice of pepperoni pizza contains 12.7 g fat, 5 g of which are saturated fat. Because saturated fat can contribute to heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake to less than 7 percent of your daily calories, or 140 calories if you consume 2,000 calories a day. The 5 g saturated fat in one slice of pizza provide 45 calories, which is over 30 percent of this amount.
Sodium
Because the crust, sauce, cheese and pepperoni all contain sodium, pepperoni pizza contains a high amount of sodium. Although some sodium is necessary for proper cell function, large quantities can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. One slice of pepperoni pizza contains more than 600 mg, which is more than 25 percent of the maximum recommended amount per day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Along with sodium, pepperoni pizza supplies other essential minerals. One slice provides 32 percent of the DRI for phosphorus, 62 percent for selenium and more than 14 percent for manganese, copper and calcium. In addition, one slice supplies 35 percent of the DRI for iron for men and 16 percent for women. Pepperoni pizza contains several B vitamins as well, with one slice providing more than 15 percent of the DRI for thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and B12.
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