Burgers vs Pizza: Which Has More Calories and Nutrition

Comparing the Calories in Burgers and Pizza

When deciding what to eat for a meal, many people consider taste alongside nutrition. Two popular options for satisfying comfort food cravings are burgers and pizza. However, concerns may arise over the calorie counts in these foods, especially for those aiming to follow balanced and healthy diets.

The Calorie Content of Burgers

Burgers can vary significantly in their calorie content based on size, ingredients, cooking methods, and where you purchase them. On average, a standard hamburger contains the following calories:

• Fast food basic hamburger: 250-500 calories
• Restaurant gourmet burger: 500-1,500 calories
• Homemade beef burger patty: 200-300 calories

The more substantial the burger, the higher the calorie count. For example, indulgent restaurant-style burgers layered with multiple patties, cheeses, sauces, and toppings can pack over 1,500 calories in a single serving.

The Calorie Content of Pizza

Like burgers, pizzas can also vary greatly in calories. Factors impacting the calorie amount include crust type, size, thickness, cheese, sauce, and toppings.

On average, one slice of a 12-inch hand-tossed cheese pizza contains:

• Thin crust pizza slice: 150-200 calories
• Thick, deep-dish pizza slice: 200-400+ calories
• Frozen pizza slice: 110-350 calories

The overall calorie count also depends heavily on the number of slices consumed. Eating multiple slices adds up quickly, especially from a loaded deep dish or meat-topped pizza.

Comparing the Health Value of Burgers vs. Pizza

When deciding whether burgers or pizza packs more nutritional value, several factors come into play.

Protein Content

A burger made from lean beef typically provides more protein than a cheese pizza slice. A serving of beef can supply 20-30 grams of protein compared to around 5-15 grams from pizza.

Fiber Content

Pizza often contains more fiber, especially from whole grain or multigrain crusts. The fiber counts can reach 5-10 grams while a traditional burger bun only offers 1-3 grams.

Vitamins and Minerals

Both burgers and pizzas supply key vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, iron, and calcium. Burgers contain more easily absorbed iron while pizza offers higher amounts of calcium from the cheese.

Fat and Cholesterol Content

Burgers typically provide more artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol, especially from beef patties and cheese. A pizza's sauce and crust contribute negligible fat and cholesterol.

Sodium Content

Sodium levels tend to run higher in pizza, particularly delivery and frozen options which can pack over 1,000 mg per serving. A burger on its own is lower in sodium until high-sodium toppings or sauces get added.

Making Healthier Options of Burgers and Pizzas

Because both burgers and pizzas boast substantial calorie, fat, sodium, and cholesterol totals in their traditional forms, many prefer making healthier versions at home.

Leaner Burgers

To lighten up burgers:

• Choose lean ground turkey or bison instead of higher-fat beef
• Limit high-calorie cheese and bacon toppings
• Pick whole grain buns over white flour buns
• Load up veggies like lettuce, onions, pickles for more fiber and nutrients
• Skip special sauces for ketchup, mustard, or hummus

Modified Pizzas

Some ways to build a healthier pizza include:

• Opting for a thin, vegetable-based crust
• Using reduced-fat cheese varieties
• Increasing veggies while limiting fatty meats
• Sprinkling herbs rather than pouring on salty seasonings
• Mixing Greek yogurt with pizza sauce for a protein boost

The Final Calorie Verdict

When asking which has more calories, burgers or pizza? the truth resides that it depends on the specific type you select.

On paper, a basic cheeseburger almost always packs fewer calories than a slice of meat-topped deep dish pizza.

However, loading up a burger with multiple patties and high-calorie cheeses, sauces, and other toppings can send the calories soaring far higher than a sensible thin crust veggie pizza.

In the end, pizza tends to provide more vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to beef burgers, but also contains more sodium. Moderation remains key, but both burgers and pizza can play a part in an overall balanced diet.

Rather than eliminating these favorite foods completely, consumers increasingly opt for lighter, nutritionally-conscious ingredient substitutions to still enjoy these tasty treats without all the excess calories.

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.