Pepperoni is an American sausage typically made from cured pork and beef, seasoned with paprika and other spices. It’s a hugely popular topping for pizza.
So, what are the pepperoni nutrition facts? This article will give you a comprehensive look at pepperoni’s nutritional profile, drawing on data from the USDA National Nutrient Database.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Pepperoni is a high-calorie, high-fat food that contains a moderate amount of protein and almost no carbohydrates.
Calories and Fat Content
- Calories: An 85g serving of pepperoni contains approximately 428 calories.
- Total fat: The total fat is 39g per serving, which is 50% of the Daily Value (DV).
- Saturated fat: Saturated fat accounts for 15g per serving, or 75% of the DV.
Protein and Carbohydrates
- Protein: Pepperoni provides 16g of protein per serving, which is 32% of the DV.
- Carbohydrates: Pepperoni is very low in carbohydrates, with only 1g per serving (0% DV).
- Fiber and sugar: Pepperoni contains 0g of fiber and 0g of sugar.
Micronutrient profile
In terms of micronutrients, pepperoni delivers some vitamin D, along with sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Vitamins
- Vitamin D: A serving of pepperoni has 1.1 mcg of vitamin D, which is 6% of the daily value (DV).
Minerals
- Sodium: Pepperoni is high in sodium, with 1345mg per serving, or 58% of the DV.
- Potassium: Pepperoni provides 233mg of potassium, or 5% of the DV.
- Calcium and Iron: Calcium is 16mg (1% DV) and Iron is 1.1mg (6% DV).
Other things to keep in mind
- Cholesterol: A serving of pepperoni contains 82mg of cholesterol, which is about 27% of the daily value.
- Daily Values: It’s important to remember that daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your needs might be different.
- Food Category: Pepperoni falls into the category of “Sausages and Luncheon Meats.”
- Portion Control: Because pepperoni is high in fat and sodium, it’s best to eat it in moderation.
Wrapping Up
Pepperoni is a tasty pizza topping and sandwich addition, but it packs a nutritional punch. It’s high in calories, fat (especially saturated fat), cholesterol, and sodium.
If you’re mindful of what you eat, you can still enjoy pepperoni as part of a balanced diet. Just be sure to keep your portion sizes small.