Glucose: HighNOVA 4

How Many Calories for Pizza?

A slice of Margherita pizza has around 210-260 calories depending on size and brand. A full Tesco stonebaked Margherita (306g) has roughly 790 calories. Pizza is typically NOVA 3-4 when shop-bought.

Calories by preparation

MethodCaloriesNOVA
1 slice Margherita (thin crust, ~100g)Thin crust Margherita is among the lowest-calorie pizza options2303
1 slice Pepperoni (regular, ~120g)Pepperoni adds ~80 kcal per slice vs MargheritaPepperoni typically contains dextrose, sodium nitrite, flavourings — NOVA 43104
2 slices MargheritaTwo slices is a typical portion — nearly 500 kcal4603
Full Tesco Stonebaked Margherita (306g)Easy to eat the whole thing — nearly 800 kcal7903

Nutrition per 100g

NutrientPer 100gPer serving
Energy287.5 kcal / 1203 kJ287.5 kcal
Protein12.8g12.8g
Carbohydrates26.9g26.9g
of which sugars3.5g
Fat13.9g13.9g
of which saturated5.5g
Fibre1.7g
Salt1.2g

Serving size: 1 slice (~125g) · Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Glucose impact

High

Glucose risk

Pizza dough is refined white flour — high glycaemic index (around 80). A full pizza delivers 90-100g of carbohydrate. Expect a significant blood sugar spike, especially from thin-crust varieties where the dough-to-topping ratio is high.

Processing level

NOVA 3-4 (varies)

Shop-bought pizza ranges from NOVA 3 (traditional Margherita with real mozzarella) to NOVA 4 (cheaper brands using modified starch, emulsifiers, flavourings in the dough and processed toppings). Check the ingredients — particularly the dough and the cheese.

Pizza at Tesco

Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

*Prices were correct at the time of collection and may have since changed. Check Tesco.com for current pricing.

What to watch for when shopping

Almost all shop-bought pizza is NOVA 3-4 due to modified starch, emulsifiers, dextrose, and flavourings in the base, sauce, and cheese. A single slice of standard frozen pizza has 200-280 kcal. Thin crust saves 50-80 kcal per slice. Making pizza at home with simple dough, passata, and real mozzarella keeps it at NOVA 2.

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