1 serving Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone contains 660 calories. If you’re a fan of pizza, a calzone is a perfect way to indulge in your favorite ingredients in a convenient, easy-to-eat package. The crispy crust and gooey cheese make it a crowd-pleasing dish.

In addition to calories, the Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone contains 39g of total fat, 51g of carbohydrates, and 27g of protein.

In this article, we’ll discuss the nutritional content of this favorite comfort food, and provide tips for healthier versions that you can make at home.

Calories in Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone

As mentioned, there are 660 calories per serving of a Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone. This is about one-third of an average adult's daily recommended caloric intake. To put it in perspective, a slice of pepperoni pizza usually contains around 300 calories, which is less than half of a calzone! The calorie content in a calzone can differ based on the ingredients and portion size, making it important to pay attention to nutritional information when making your food choices.

Total Fat Content

The Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone contains 39g of total fat per serving. Over half of that is saturated fat. While your body does require some healthy fats, consuming too much saturated fat can lead to negative health effects. It is recommend to watch your saturated fat intake and aim to consume more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Possible heart-healthy options to include in your calzone might include ingredients such as chicken, roasted vegetables, or low-fat cheese.

Carbohydrate Content

With 51g of carbohydrates, the Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone is a high-carb meal. This makes it important for those with diabetes or other metabolic disorders to keep an eye on their calzone consumption. One option to help control the carbohydrate levels involves swapping out some of the flour for a vegetable flour, such as cauliflower flour. This can help to lower the carbohydrate content. You can use a combination of whole grains, veggies, and lean protein to create a calzone that is lower in carbs and higher in nutrients than the original Dish. Experiment with using thin slices of eggplant or zucchini as the “crust” and piling on grilled chicken or tofu, a variety of veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Protein Content

27g of protein is found in one serving of the Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone. Protein plays a critical role in many of the body's major functions, such as building and maintaining muscles and tissues. If you're an athlete or have a physically demanding job, consuming adequate levels of protein is crucial for muscle repair and recovery. In order to up the protein content in your calzone, try adding ingredients such as lean meats, beans, nuts, or seeds.

Saturated Fat Content

As mentioned earlier, the Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone contains a high amount of saturated fat-- almost 20g! Saturated fat can raise your triglyceride levels and increase your risk of developing heart disease. Replacing some of the meat in your calzone with another protein source, such as beans or tofu, can reduce the saturated fat content. You can also try using lower-fat cheese or using less cheese overall in the stuffing. Healthy fats such as avocado or nuts can also be added to your calzone instead of fatty meat and cheese. Using a lower-fat cooking method, such as baking or grilling, can also reduce the amount of saturated fat.

Trans Fat Content

The good news is that Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone is trans-fat-free. Artificial trans fats are a known health risk, and consuming them should be avoided whenever possible. Add omega-3-fatty acid-rich foods to your calzone, or use oils such as olive and canola in the stuffing. These substitutions would keep your calzone healthy and tasty.

Cholesterol Content

The Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone contains a whopping 110 mg of cholesterol, which is one-third of the daily recommended amount. Foods high in cholesterol should be limited, particularly those that are also high in saturated fats. Switch up the filling for heart-healthy options like spinach, grilled chicken, or lean beef, and use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying on excessive cheese to create a tasty calzone.

Sodium Content

The Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone also contains a lot of sodium-- around 1450mg per serving. The current dietary guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day. Sodium intake may exacerbate hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, particularly for people over age 50 or who have other risks. Try using herbs and spices to flavor your calzone, as opposed to salt. You can also create a half-moon shaped calzone with marinara sauce dipping to help reduce sodium intake.

Dietary Fiber Content

The Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone only contains 2g of dietary fiber per serving, which is less than a tenth of what you need every day. A fiber-rich diet is beneficial for keeping digestion regular and reducing the risk of a variety of common illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. To increase your fiber intake in your calzone, add veggies such as spinach, kale, or broccoli. Legumes, such as black beans or chickpeas, can also be added to the stuffing. These ingredients naturally increase the fiber content.

Sugar Content

Although a savory dish, the Double Cheese & Pepperoni Calzone still contains 4g of sugar. Sugar is a carbohydrate that provides the body with energy but it should be consumed sparingly to avoid excess calories that lead to obesity and other health problems. Try to opt for a low glycemic index filling, such as meat and vegetables, and avoid fillings loaded with sugary tomato sauce or caramelized onions. You can also try using fruit as a natural sweetener.