Calories in White Pizza - How to Enjoy it Healthfully

Understanding the Calorie Content of White Pizza

Pizza is a common favorite food for many Americans. However, traditional pizza laden with cheese, fatty meats, and refined dough can be high in calories, particularly from saturated fat and carbs.

White pizza varieties eliminate the tomato sauce, making the cheese and crust the main focus. But just how many calories does white pizza contain per slice?

Factors Impacting White Pizza Calorie Count

Several factors influence the calorie content per slice of white pizza:

• Crust - Thin or thick, made with refined or whole grain dough
• Cheese - Low-fat or full-fat, type used and amount
• Toppings - Meats, veggies, seasoning cheeses added
• Portion Size - Diameter of pizza and slice size
• Cooking Method - Baked in oven or deep fried

With customizable toppings and options for made-from-scratch or frozen, calories can vary significantly between white pizza recipes.

Average Calorie Count of White Pizza

As a general estimate, one slice of white pizza contains:

• Medium thin crust - Around 260 calories
• Thick pan or deep dish - Roughly 340 calories
• Stuffed crust - Up to 380 calories or more per slice

Recipes with extra cheese or meats can add even more calories. A heavily topped stuffed crust pizza slice could contain 500 calories or more.

Strategies to Lighten White Pizza

For a less caloric white pizza, consider adjustments like:

• Use part-skim shredded mozzarella
• Add veggies like spinach, onions, mushrooms
• Choose lean meats like chicken or Canadian bacon
• Opt for thin or medium crust over thick
• Slice toppings like olives vs using whole
• Drizzle with olive oil instead of brushing
• Skip the fatty stuffed crust option

Avoid dousing slices in ranch dressing or other heavy condiments as well.

Building a More Nutritious White Pizza

While white pizza is often high in saturated fat and refined carbs, making some healthy modifications can balance your slice with more nutrition:

Choose Whole Grain Crust

Opt for a whole wheat pizza crust or try one made with added veggies and ancient grains like quinoa or amaranth. This boosts fiber and nutrients.

Load Up on Veggies

Pile those slices high with veggies like spinach, broccoli, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and more. This substantially lowers calories while providing important nutrients.

Add Alternative Protein Toppings

In addition to lean chicken or turkey sausage, mix up proteins with options like grilled shrimp, salmon, or plant-based crumbles.

Use Healthy Fats

Rather than typical pizza cheeses, create creaminess with avocado, hummus or pesto. Sprinkle seeds like chia or hemp for an extra nutrition boost.

Boost Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Basil, oregano, garlic, chili flakes, and red pepper add lots of flavor without extra calories, salt or fat.

Serve with a Side Salad

Pair your slice with a fresh, low-calorie salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. The vegetables provide added nutrition and fiber.

Enjoying White Pizza in Moderation

White pizza certainly can have a place in an overall healthy diet when mindfully prepared and enjoyed in moderation. Some tips for keeping white pizza consumption balanced:

Opt for Occasional Indulgence

Rather than a weekly meal, save that white pizza slice for a once-in-awhile treat or special occasion dining.

Practice Portion Control

Stick to just 1-2 modest slices and avoid overindulging in extra large pizza servings.

Pair with Nutrient-Dense Foods

Round out pizza meals with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins.

Limit Higher Calorie Accompaniments

Skip the buttery garlic bread, soda and heavy dips which pile on extra calories.

Don't Make it an Entire Meal

Slice up that white pizza and make it one part of a healthy, balanced dinner plate.

Making Your Own Lower Calorie White Pizza

For total control over nutrition and ingredients, make homemade white pizza using healthier recipes. Ideas include:

Cauliflower Crust White Pizza

Swap refined dough for a veggie-packed cauliflower crust to save calories and carbs.

Chicken, Spinach and Feta White Pizza

Pack nutrition with spinach and lean chicken instead of higher fat meats and little veggies.

Veggie Lover's White Pizza

Pile on a rainbow of roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, mushrooms and onions.

Pesto Shrimp White Pizza

Use pesto instead of cheese for creaminess and add lean shrimp for protein.

Hummus and Veggie White Pizza

Smear hummus over the crust and top with roasted veggies for a vegan white pizza.

Get creative and come up with your own unique flavor combinations to make white pizza healthier at home.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.