Craving for a pizza fix? MOD Pizza Calexico may be your go-to place, but did you know that their fast-food pizza offerings can be high in calories? According to MOD Pizza's own nutrition information, a single 11-inch Calexico pizza can pack up to 820 calories! That's more than a third of the recommended 2000-calorie daily intake for an adult, and it doesn't even include sides or drinks. So, if you're watching your waistline, it might be worth taking a closer look at this popular fast-food chain's menu.

MOD Pizza prides itself on using fresh ingredients and made-to-order pizzas, but what exactly goes into a Calexico pizza? The Calexico pizza features a béchamel sauce base, mozzarella cheese, spicy chicken sausage, jalapeño peppers, and red onions, finished with a swirl of Sriracha. While delicious, these toppings can ramp up the calorie count. We'll delve into the ingredients more deeply in the following sections.

But all is not lost for pizza lovers looking to indulge in a slice or two. There are ways to enjoy MOD Pizza without going overboard on the calorie count. We've compiled some tips and alternatives to help you make informed choices when ordering at the pizza joint.

What Is MOD Pizza?

MOD Pizza is an American fast-casual pizza chain that started in 2008. Their motto is 'simple food for complex times,' and they pride themselves on serving individual, artisan-style pizzas that are made-to-order while customers wait. MOD Pizza's unique selling point is their 'MODness' philosophy, where customers can customize their pizzas with an unlimited range of toppings, all for one fixed price. What sets MOD Pizza apart from other pizza chains is that they value workforce and community empowerment. They hire people who are often overlooked, such as those with disabilities or criminal backgrounds, and give them opportunities to grow alongside their business. Furthermore, they donate a portion of each pizza sold to local charities. While MOD Pizza's business model is laudable, its high calorie content has raised eyebrows in recent years. We'll dive into the nutrition details in the next section.

What Are the Ingredients of MOD Pizza Calexico?

MOD Pizza's Calexico pizza is one of their signature offerings, with a spicy kick that sets it apart from other pizzas. But what goes into this mouth-watering pizza? Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and their nutritional value: - Béchamel sauce: a type of white sauce made from flour, butter, and milk. It's creamy and high in fat and calories, with one serving of 1/6 pizza containing 80 calories and 6g of fat. - Spicy chicken sausage: a protein-packed sausage made with chicken and spices like fennel, cumin, and paprika. One serving of 1/6 pizza has 110 calories and 8g of fat, with 15g of protein.

What Makes MOD Pizza Calexico High in Calories?

While the toppings on MOD Pizza's Calexico pizza add flavor and spice, it's the cheese and sauce that contribute the most calories. Here's a rough calorie breakdown for a single 11-inch Calexico pizza: - Dough and crust: around 220 calories - Cheese and béchamel sauce: around 380 calories

How Much of the Daily Recommended Caloric Intake Does MOD Pizza Calexico Constitute?

If you're counting calories, MOD Pizza's Calexico pizza can take up a sizable chunk of your daily recommended intake. According to health authorities, the typical adult female needs around 2000-2200 calories per day, while the typical adult male needs around 2500-2800 calories per day. Here's how one 11-inch Calexico pizza measures up: - 820 calories: more than a third of the recommended intake for an adult - 48g of fat: more than two-thirds of the recommended daily intake for an adult

Are There Any Nutritional Benefits to Eating MOD Pizza Calexico?

While MOD Pizza's made-to-order pizza approach may make it seem like a healthier option than other fast-food chains, their Calexico pizza is not exactly a nutritional powerhouse. Some nutritional benefits you might find in its ingredients include: - Spicy chicken sausage: a good source of protein and vitamin B-6, which can help with energy production and brain function - Jalapeño peppers: a good source of vitamin C and capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting effects.

How Can We Enjoy MOD Pizza Calexico without Consuming Too Many Calories?

If you're bent on having a Calexico pizza at MOD Pizza, here are some ways to mitigate the calorie count: - Share the pizza with friends and order sides like salads or roasted vegetables to fill up on healthier options - Skip the extra cheese and sauce, or ask for less of them. Also, beware of calorie-laden toppings like pepperoni, bacon, or creamy sauces.

Is MOD Pizza Calexico Suitable for Certain Dietary Restrictions?

MOD Pizza does offer some options for people with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free crusts or vegan cheese. However, the menu is limited compared to other pizza chains, and you'll need to ask the staff for more information about allergens or ingredients. - Vegetarians can swap the chicken sausage for other toppings, such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions - Vegans can order the vegan crust and cheese, and add vegetables and herbs for more flavor.

How Does MOD Pizza Calexico Compare to Other Popular Pizzas?

Just how does MOD Pizza's Calexico pizza stack up against some well-known pizza brands in terms of calories and fat? - Domino's 12-inch Pepperoni Pizza: around 1800 calories and 87g of fat - Pizza Hut's 14-inch Pepperoni Pizza: around 2800 calories and 130g of fat

What Are the Possible Consequences of Consuming MOD Pizza Calexico Regularly?

Eating MOD Pizza Calexico or similar high-calorie, high-fat foods regularly can have negative impacts on your health and well-being. Some possible consequences include: - Weight gain and obesity, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions - High blood sugar and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes

What Are the Alternatives to MOD Pizza Calexico for Health-Conscious Pizza Lovers?

If you love pizza but don't want to sacrifice your health goals, here are some tips to create a healthier pizza at home or in a restaurant: - Use whole-grain crusts or cauliflower crusts for added fiber and nutrients - Incorporate plenty of veggies for added nutrients and fiber, such as spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or onions. Also, try fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for extra flavor.