Which Is Healthier - Pizza or Burger? (2024)

When it comes to a fast food meal choice, pizzas and burgers tops the list. They are the most common and one of the most favorite across the globe. They are available in different varieties and sizes to serve all kinds of taste buds and levels of appetite. People often substitute their major meals with pizzas or burgers. In a growing health conscious world, we are always looking for healthier choices. So let’s compare the nutrition facts of pizza and burger and find out which is a healthier choice.

Total Calories

2 slices of a regular crust cheese pizza has about 480 calories, whereas a regular, single patty cheese burger contains about 350 calories. Clearly both are high calorie foods but 2 slices pizza are slightly higher in calories than a regular burger. Let’s find out more about the nutrition they contain -

Carbohydrate

2 pizza slices contain 61 gram of carbohydrates whereas a burger contains 28 gram of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates present in pizzas and burgers are refined sugars. As refined sugars lack fiber, they do not keep the stomach filled for longer leading to untimely cravings, feeling of fatigue and loss of energy.Read to get more information on Importance of high fiber foods.

Fat

2 pizza slices contain 18 gram of total fat out of which 8 gram is the harmful saturated fat. On the other hand, a burger contains 19.8 gram of total fat, out of which 9.2 comes from saturated fat. Although low in total calories, a burger is higher in fat content than pizza slices. Regular intake of food rich in fats can lead to obesity increasing risk of lifestyle diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes and hypertension.

Cholesterol

2 pizza slices contain 42 mg of cholesterol whereas a burger contains 52 mg of cholesterol. Clearly burger is a high cholesterol meal choice. Highblood cholesterol levelscan lead to plaque buildup in arteries which can increase the risk of heart diseases.Get more information on 7 cholesterol lowering foods to stay healthy.

Sodium

2 pizza slices contain 924 mg of sodium, whereas a burger contains 976 mg of sodium. Recommended sodium content in a food product for it to be a healthy choice is about 140 mg or less. Clearly both pizza slices and burger are too high on the sodium content.

Nutritionally, both pizza and burger has not much to offer in terms of health to the body. Both are high in fat and sodium. These are harmful for the heart and add inches to your belly. Comparing the two, we can say that a burger is high in fat, cholesterol and sodium whereas a serving of pizza (2 slices) is calorie rich and high in carbohydrates.

Which Is Healthier - Pizza or Burger? (2024)

FAQs

Which Is Healthier - Pizza or Burger? ›

A pizza with just two slices contains 18 grams of fat and 8 grams of harmful saturated fat. Then the burger contains 19.8 grams of total fat and 9.2 grams of saturated fat. Despite the lower levels of calories and carbohydrates, burgers contain fat which is not healthy for your body.

Is pizza the healthiest fast food? ›

Pizza isn't considered health food—and for good reason. It's high in calories and typically loaded with fatty meats and cheese with little nutritional value. Two slices can easily add up to 600 calories and more than a full day's worth of sodium.

What is eaten more pizza or burger? ›

Pizza also ranks as the second most popular fast food in America behind hamburgers (43 percent of Americans rank pizza as their favorite).

Is a chicken burger healthier than pizza? ›

Clearly both are high calorie foods but 2 slices pizza are slightly higher in calories than a regular burger. Carbohydrates: 2 pizza slices contain 61 gram of carbohydrates whereas a burger contains 28 gram of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates present in pizzas and burgers are refined sugars.

Why pizza can be healthier fast food than a burger and fries are? ›

Eating pizza can be healthier than eating burgers and fries. Pizza is a simple Italian dish that can be made without too much oil, with a healthy tomato sauce, vegetables, cheese. All ingredients can be fresh, healthy and can contain all essential nutrients.

Is pizza once a week ok? ›

While it's okay to eat a piece of frozen, fast-food or pizzeria-style pizza occasionally, it's best to limit consumption to no more than a few times per month. However, for true pizza lovers who want to enjoy this food more frequently, there are ways to make this cheesy dish a whole lot healthier.

Is pizza the unhealthiest food? ›

Is pizza an unhealthy food? If a reasonable serving size is enjoyed, pizza can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. Enjoy your pizza with a side salad and skip the ultra-processed toppings to give your meal a nutritional boost.

Why is pizza the unhealthiest food in the world? ›

Pizza is high in saturated fats due to cheese and processed meat toppings, which can increase your cholesterol levels as well as risk for heart disease. Eating three-four slices of pizza or more, on a regular basis, can have detrimental health consequences.

Is pizza and burger junk food? ›

Pizza, burger, carbonated drinks, french fries, ice creams, etc., are examples of junk food.

What's the healthiest take away? ›

'Go for grilled dishes over fried; chicken and fish over fattier meats, like lamb; tomato or veggie sauces rather than creamy ones; and steamed rice over fried,' advises Tilt. She also suggests avoiding sides and other add-ons unless they're vegetables, as well as eating mindfully and being aware of portion sizes.

Which is healthier, pizza or pasta? ›

One slice of cheese pizza has fewer carbs than one cup of cooked spaghetti – 36 grams in a typical cheese pizza versus 43 grams in one cup of pasta. However, pizza has more calories than pasta, 285 in a slice of pizza versus 220 in a cup of cooked pasta.

Why is a burger considered unhealthy? ›

Because added to the burger is a large amount of fat and an unhealthy amount of salt. You might also get sugar in sauce, bread, and soda, and the buns are made with white flour, the least nutritious form that flour can be in.

Why we should not eat pizzas and burgers only? ›

Junk food items such as burgers and pizzas contain high amount of fats as well as carbohydrates. Even though they are vital nutrients, their consumption in higher amount is bad for health.

Is pizza really healthier than cereal? ›

"You may be surprised to find out that an average slice of pizza and a bowl of cereal with whole milk contain nearly the same amount of calories," Amer told the site. "However, pizza packs a much larger protein punch, which will keep you full and boost satiety throughout the morning."

Can I eat a burger on cheat day? ›

Worst choice cheat day meals

The least optimal option is allowing yourself to eat whatever you like. Aim to avoid foods such as pizza, burger and chips from a fast food chain or Chinese takeaway. These meals are often easy to overeat and will most likely take you well over your recommended calories.

What fast food place is the healthiest? ›

9 Fast-Food Restaurants That Serve Healthy Foods
  • Chipotle.
  • Chick-fil-A.
  • Wendy's.
  • McDonald's.
  • Ruby Tuesday.
  • Cheesecake Factory.
  • KFC.
  • Subway.

Can I eat pizza and stay healthy? ›

Pizza Can Be Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

“Just about everything can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle in moderation,” Dr. Cederquist says. Adding lots of vegetables to your pizza, pairing it with a side salad, and drinking plenty of water in between bites will help you avoid eating too many slices, she adds.

What is a healthier option than pizza? ›

Pita Bread with Hummus

One of the best and healthiest alternatives to pizza is whole grain pita bread with hummus. Unlike pizza, which traditionally is loaded with cheese and meat and therefore contains high amounts of saturated fats, pitas and hummus are surprisingly healthy.

What is a healthier version of pizza? ›

Flatbread pizza is a thinner and lighter option than traditional pizza, reducing calories and carbohydrates. Opt for whole grain or whole wheat flatbread for added nutrition and fiber.

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