East of Chicago Pizza Nutrition and Calories can be tricky to track because the menu is so diverse. East of Chicago Pizza offers both thin crust and stuffed options, creating a substantial calorie gap between seemingly comparable pizza orders. This guide breaks down the numbers so you can make a smarter choice next time you order.
East Of Chicago Pizza Nutrition And Calories
You might think a slice is a slice, but that is far from true here. The crust style, toppings, and even the dipping sauces change the final count significantly. Let’s look at the core menu items and see where the calories actually hide.
Thin Crust Vs. Stuffed Crust
The biggest difference is the dough. A thin crust slice is light and crispy, while the stuffed crust is loaded with cheese and extra dough.
- Thin Crust Cheese (1 slice): Roughly 180-220 calories
- Pan Crust Cheese (1 slice): Roughly 280-320 calories
- Stuffed Crust Cheese (1 slice): Roughly 350-420 calories
As you can see, choosing thin crust saves you almost 200 calories per slice. If you eat two or three slices, that is a huge difference.
Specialty Pizza Calorie Counts
Specialty pies often come with heavier meats and extra cheese. The “Meat Lovers” or “Bacon Cheeseburger” pizzas are the highest on the menu. A single slice of a meat-heavy specialty pizza can exceed 400 calories. Veggie options are lower, but watch out for the extra cheese blend they add.
Appetizers And Sides
Pizza is rarely the only thing you order. The sides can add more calories than the pizza itself. Here are the common pitfalls.
Wings And Boneless Wings
Wings are a popular add-on, but the sauce matters.
- Plain Wings (2 pieces): ~120 calories
- BBQ Wings (2 pieces): ~180 calories
- Breaded Wings (2 pieces): ~210 calories
Ask for sauce on the side. That lets you control how much you eat.
Garlic Cheesy Bread
This side is a calorie bomb. One order of cheesy bread with dipping sauce can be over 1,200 calories. That is more than a full pizza meal for some people. If you want it, split it with the whole table.
Salads And Subs
You might think a salad is the safe bet. But the taco salad or the chef salad with crispy chicken is heavy. The dressing packets also add about 200 calories each. Subs are served on a large roll. A small sub is usually around 500-600 calories. The large sub can be over 1,000 calories.
Dipping Sauces And Extras
Do not forget the sauces. Ranch dressing is the biggest hidden calorie source.
- Ranch (2 oz): ~220 calories
- Blue Cheese (2 oz): ~240 calories
- Marinara (2 oz): ~40 calories
- Garlic Butter (1 oz): ~180 calories
Swapping ranch for marinara saves you 180 calories instantly.
How To Order Lower Calorie Options
You can still enjoy East of Chicago without blowing your daily budget. Here is a step by step guide.
- Choose Thin Crust for your base.
- Ask for light cheese or “half the cheese” on your pie.
- Load up on veggies like onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
- Pick chicken or ham instead of sausage or pepperoni.
- Get the dressing or sauce on the side.
- Limit yourself to two slices and pair it with a side salad.
Following these steps can cut your meal calories by 40% or more.
Nutritional Breakdown For Common Orders
Let’s compare a typical meal to a lighter meal.
- Typical Meal: 3 slices of stuffed crust pepperoni + 2 breadsticks with ranch = ~1,450 calories
- Lighter Meal: 2 slices of thin crust veggie + side salad with light dressing = ~600 calories
The difference is massive. You can save almost 850 calories just by swapping the crust and portion size.
Kids Menu Items
If you are ordering for children, the kids meal is a good size. A kids cheese pizza slice is around 200 calories. The mac and cheese is about 300 calories. These are reasonable portions for a child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does East of Chicago have nutritional information online?
Yes, they provide a full allergen and nutrition guide on their official website. You can check the specific item you plan to order.
What is the lowest calorie pizza at East of Chicago?
The thin crust veggie pizza is usually the lowest. A slice is around 150-180 calories depending on the veggie amounts.
How many calories are in an East of Chicago pepperoni roll?
A single pepperoni roll is about 150 calories. But they come in orders of five or ten, so be careful with the total.
Are the gluten free crusts lower in calories?
Not always. The gluten free crust is often smaller but can be higher in fat. Check the specific nutrition sheet for that item.
Is the pan pizza worth the extra calories?
It depends on your goals. The pan crust has a buttery texture, but it adds about 100 calories per slice compared to thin crust.
Final Tips For Tracking Your Meal
Always log your food before you eat it. It is easy to underestimate how much you eat. If you are sharing a pizza, count your slices before you start. Also, drink water or diet soda instead of regular soda. A large regular soda has over 300 calories.
Remember that the serving size is key. The nutrition facts are based on one slice. Most people eat more than one. Be honest with yourself about how many slices you actually have.
One last thing, the cheese blend they use is very high in saturated fat. Even if the calories are okay, the fat content can be high. If you have heart health concerns, go for the veggie thin crust and skip the extra cheese.
You can still enjoy a night out. Just make the smart swaps we talked about. Your body will thank you tomorow.