Nutrition and Calories in Papa John’s Cheese Pizza
The cheese pizza may be one of the most popular menu items at Papa John’s. It’s a fairly straight forward dish made with real mozzarella. A single serving, measured as one slice from a large pizza, contains 290 calories.
In this post is an overview of the nutrition facts and ingredients, as sourced from the restaurant. The calories and nutrition per serving vary based on the size of pizza as well as the number of slices cut.
Papa John’s Cheese Pizza Nutrition
This pizza is topped with real cheese made from mozzarella and a signature sauce.
Calories in Papa John’s Cheese Pizza
There are 290 calories in one serving from a large Papa John’s Cheese Pizza made with an original crust.
More than half of the calories are from carbs. One slice contains 38 grams of carbs, which contribute about 54% of the total calories. Fat makes up 31% of the total calories, and the remaining calories is from protein.
- Fat: 90 calories
- Carbs: 155 calories
- Protein: 45 calories
- Total: 290 calories per serving
The caloric breakout by nutrient is a rounded estimate based on the nutrition facts label sourced from the restaurant. Calories may vary by location, as a result of how it’s prepared, or due to topping choices.
Sodium
You may want to pay attention to the amount of sodium content per serving. One slice from a large pizza contains 710 milligrams of sodium. That’s approximately 30% of the total daily value of sodium recommended by the FDA.
Nutrition Facts Label
This is the nutrition facts label for one large slice of Papa John’s Original Crust Cheese pizza.
Cheese Pizza Ingredients
List of Ingredients
Here are the lists of ingredients in the crust, pizza sauce, and cheese. We also list the ingredients in the optional gluten-free crust.
Original Crust
Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour, Water, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Salt, Yeast.
Gluten-Free Crust
Water, Sorghum Flour, Modified Rice Starch, Tapioca Starch, Teff Flour, Cage Free Egg Whites, Whey Powder, Shortening Flakes (Palm Oil, Natural Butter Flavor, Soy Lecithin), Quinoa Flour, Amaranth Flour, Canola/Olive Oil Blend, Yeast, Sugar, Brown Flax Seed, Salt, Cultured Brown Rice, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavors
Cheese
Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Modified Food Starch, Sugarcane Fiber, Whey Protein Concentrate, and Sodium Citrate.
Pizza Sauce
Fresh Vine-Ripened Tomatoes (packed from vine to can in same day), Sunflower Oil, Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Spices, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Citric Acid (for freshness).
What is Sodium Citrate?
Sodium citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid. It’s a mild alkali that is often used to regulate acidity during the production of certain foods. It’s also used as an emulsifier.
What we have learned through our research is that sodium citrate is an additive used as an emulsifier for oils. For example, it prevents cheese from becoming greasy when melted.
The reason it works is because the sodium acts as a substitute for the calcium that would otherwise help the cheese proteins bind. When cheese is heated, proteins separate. As an emulsifier, sodium citrate holds the fat and water together. That results in a smooth melted cheese without lumps or holes. You can also think of it as an anticoagulant.
Sodium citrate is useful in cheese sauces, fondues, jam, ice cream, and other food.
Allergens
The cheese pizza at Papa John’s is made with ingredients that contain milk. Other allergens will vary depending on the crust ordered.
Remember that Papa John’s restaurants do serve many different menu items. Any time a pizza or other meal is made, it may come into contact with other ingredients such as wheat or soy.
Nutrition facts, allergens, and ingredients source: Papa John’s
Ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts are based on available information as of the date this article was published and/or updated. Restaurants and food manufacturers may change their recipes without notice. Check directly with the food provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. NutritionandIngredients.com does not provide health or wellness advice or dietary recommendations. Our aim is to research commercially processed food and publish articles for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, % Daily Value is based on 2,000 calories per day, but calorie needs vary by individual. Always consult your physician for any healthcare or dietary advice.
