What to Eat at Domino’s to Lower Cholesterol
Domino’s is one of the most popular pizza chains in the world — and one of the easiest ways to overload saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbs in a single meal.
BetterNot analyzed Domino’s full nutrition data and scored each menu item based on how it impacts LDL cholesterol and long-term heart health.
This is not about calories or “thin crust marketing.”
It’s about what actually raises or lowers LDL.
This page shows:
• What to eat at Domino’s (if you must)
• What to avoid
• Why — using medical guidelines, not opinions
Domino’s Overall Heart Score
Average Menu Score: 34 / 100 🥴 Not Healthy
This is the average score of Domino’s menu items analyzed using the BetterNot LDL cholesterol scoring formula.
Primary Issues:
• Very high saturated fat from cheese-heavy recipes
• Extreme sodium levels across pizzas, pastas, and sides
• Heavy use of refined carbs (white crusts, bread bowls, pasta)
• Processed meats stacked on top of cheese and sauces
Even “thin crust” or “veggie” pizzas remain sodium-dense and easy to overeat.
How Domino’s Was Scored
Every Domino’s menu item was scored from 0–100 using BetterNot’s heart-health scoring system.
Each item is evaluated based on:
• Saturated fat (primary LDL driver)
• Trans fat (near-zero tolerance)
• Fiber (LDL-lowering)
• Sugar & refined carbohydrates
• Sodium
• Calories (lightly weighted)
• Cooking method & oil quality
All scores are grounded in guidelines from:
AHA, ACC, NIH, USDA, FDA, Harvard, and Mayo Clinic.
Domino’s Overall Heart Score
Average Menu Score: 🥴 Not Healthy
Domino’s menu is dominated by:
• High saturated fat from cheese and processed meats
• Extremely high sodium per serving
• Refined carbs with very little fiber
• Large portion sizes that multiply risk quickly
Pizza is engineered for taste and repeat ordering — not cardiovascular health.
Best Domino’s Items (Healthiest Options)
These items scored highest relative to the rest of the menu.
• Classic Garden Salad (no creamy dressing) — 88 / 100 ❤️
Very low saturated fat and sodium, some fiber
• Pacific Veggie Pizza (Thin Crust, Light Cheese) — 72 / 100 🙂
Lower saturated fat than meat pizzas, more vegetables
• Spinach & Feta Pizza (Thin Crust, Light Cheese) — 70 / 100 🙂
Still sodium-heavy, but less saturated fat than most options
• Build Your Own Pizza: Thin Crust + Pizza Sauce + Veggies + Light Cheese — ~74 / 100 🙂
Customization matters more than size
• Marinara Dipping Cup — 90 / 100 ❤️
No fat, no cholesterol (watch sodium)
Why these score higher:
• Lower saturated fat
• Less cheese and processed meat
• More vegetables
• Thinner crusts reduce refined carbs
⚠️ Even the “best” pizzas are still high in sodium.
Worst Domino’s Items (Avoid These)
These items scored lowest due to stacked LDL risk factors.
• 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese Penne Pasta — 12 / 100 🚫
Extreme saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbs in one dish
• Spicy Buffalo 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese — 10 / 100 🚫
Even higher sodium and saturated fat
• Extra Cheese Pizzas (any size) — 18 / 100 🚫
Saturated fat often exceeds daily limits
• MeatZZa / ExtravaganZZa / Ultimate Pepperoni Pizzas — 20–25 / 100 🚫
Processed meats + cheese + sodium stacking
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta (Bread Bowl) — 15 / 100 🚫
Refined carbs plus saturated fat overload
Why these score so poorly:
• Saturated fat frequently exceeds 50–70% of daily limit
• Very high sodium per serving
• Almost no fiber
• Processed meats and creamy sauces
• Large portions hide the real impact
Example Breakdown: Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza
Heart Score: 22 / 100 🚫 Don’t Eat
Key issues:
• Saturated fat: well over half of daily recommended limit
• Sodium: close to or above daily maximum per serving
• Fiber: minimal — no LDL buffering
• Processed meats: pepperoni increases cardiovascular risk
LDL Impact:
High saturated fat directly raises LDL cholesterol, accelerating plaque buildup in arteries.
Can You Eat Domino’s and Stay Healthy?
Occasionally? Possibly.
Regularly? Very unlikely.
Most Domino’s meals are:
• Low in LDL-lowering nutrients
• High in LDL-raising fats
• Easy to overconsume
Pizza becomes risky not just because of one slice — but because of how quickly slices add up.
How to Reduce Damage If You Order Anyway
• Choose thin crust
• Use pizza sauce, not white sauces
• Go light cheese
• Skip processed meats
• Load vegetables
• Eat fewer slices than planned
These changes reduce harm.
They do not make pizza “heart healthy.”
Quick FAQs
How does BetterNot score pizza
Pizza is scored heavily on saturated fat and sodium since these are the strongest drivers of LDL cholesterol and blood pressure risk.
Is thin crust actually better
Yes. Thin crust reduces refined carbs and calories per slice. It does not fix high sodium or cheese-heavy toppings.
Are veggie pizzas healthy
Healthier than meat pizzas, but still often high in sodium and saturated fat due to cheese.
Is gluten-free pizza better for cholesterol
No. Gluten-free affects digestion, not LDL cholesterol. Saturated fat and sodium still matter.
Is this medical advice
No. BetterNot is an educational scoring tool, not a substitute for medical care.
Want the Full Domino’s Menu Scored?
Unlock full access to:
• Every Domino’s menu item
• Detailed LDL breakdowns
• Side-by-side comparisons
• Smarter swaps before you order