Calories in Pepperoni: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
A 1 oz (28g) serving of pepperoni has about 138 calories. See the full nutrition breakdown with FAQ.
Pepperoni is a spicy, cured Italian-American sausage made from a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with paprika, chili pepper, garlic, and other spices. It is the most popular pizza topping in the United States and packs a concentrated amount of calories, protein, and fat per serving. Here is a complete breakdown of pepperoni nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Sodium | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (standard) | ~2 g | 10 kcal | 0.4 g | 0.8 g | 46 mg | 2 mg |
| 5 slices | ~10 g | 49 kcal | 2.1 g | 4.3 g | 230 mg | 9 mg |
| 1 oz | ~28 g | 138 kcal | 5.9 g | 12.1 g | 643 mg | 26 mg |
| 2 oz | ~56 g | 276 kcal | 11.8 g | 24.2 g | 1286 mg | 52 mg |
| 3.5 oz | ~100 g | 494 kcal | 21.1 g | 43.2 g | 2296 mg | 93 mg |
Pepperoni also provides vitamin B12, niacin, manganese, and zinc. Due to its high sodium and saturated fat content, it is best consumed in controlled portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories does pepperoni add to a slice of pizza?
A typical slice of pizza has about 10-15 pepperoni slices, adding roughly 50-75 calories on top of the base pizza calories. The total depends on the size and thickness of the slices, as well as whether the pepperoni is standard or a thicker "cup and char" style. This makes pepperoni one of the more calorie-dense pizza toppings compared to vegetables.
How does turkey pepperoni compare to regular pepperoni?
Turkey pepperoni contains about 70-80 calories per 1 oz serving, roughly half the calories of regular pork and beef pepperoni at 138 calories. It is also significantly lower in total fat (about 4-5 grams vs 12 grams per ounce) and saturated fat. Turkey pepperoni is a practical swap for those looking to reduce calories while still enjoying the pepperoni flavor.
Is pepperoni unhealthy?
Pepperoni is a processed cured meat that is high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories relative to its serving size. Eating it occasionally and in small amounts is unlikely to cause harm, but regular high consumption of processed meats has been linked to increased health risks. Enjoying a few slices on pizza or in a snack is reasonable, but it should not be a daily dietary staple.
How much sodium is in pepperoni?
A 1 oz serving of pepperoni contains approximately 643 mg of sodium, which is about 28% of the daily recommended limit of 2,300 mg. Sodium content can vary between brands, with some containing up to 700 mg or more per ounce. People managing blood pressure should check labels and keep portions small.
How many pepperoni slices are in one ounce?
A standard 1 oz serving of regular pepperoni contains approximately 14-15 thin slices, depending on the brand and thickness. Larger, deli-style pepperoni slices are thicker and heavier, so you may get only 4-6 slices per ounce. Always check the serving size on the nutrition label, as slice counts can vary significantly between products.
How many calories does pepperoni add to a slice of pizza?
How does turkey pepperoni compare to regular pepperoni?
Is pepperoni unhealthy?
How much sodium is in pepperoni?
How many pepperoni slices are in one ounce?
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