Pepperoni

Pepperoni is a cured, spicy salami of Italian-American origin, typically made from a mixture of beef and pork seasoned with paprika and chili peppers. It is most famously known as a topping for pizza, where its thin slices crisp up and release flavorful, savory oils.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Pepperoni is a high-fat, high-protein, and very low-carb food, providing a significant amount of sodium and the antioxidant capsaicin from its peppers. A typical serving of about 15 thin slices contains roughly 140-160 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	138 kcal
Protein	6.1 g
Carbs	1.1 g
Fat	12.3 g
Fiber	0.2 g
Sugar	0.3 g
Sodium	486 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Zinc	1.0 mg
Phosphorus	70 mg
Selenium	8.5 mcg
Thiamin (B1)	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	2.0 mg
Vitamin B12	0.4 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg

Per 1 slice (28 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, pepperoni is a distinctly American creation, as the term refers to a spicy sausage in Italy that is quite different from the pizza topping. Nutritionally, its signature red color and flavor come from paprika and chili powder, which contribute beneficial compounds like capsaicin.