Marco’s Pizza Bowls Keto Nutrition: Secret Recipe to Lower Carbs (Reviews)

Keto (Low Carb) | Written by Nathan Petitpas | Updated on 1 July 2024

A close-up view of a pizza bowl in a black takeout container, featuring a variety of toppings including mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, available for order from Marco's keto-friendly Pizza Bowls menu.

When inspecting Marco’s pizza bowls keto-ness and nutrition, lowering the carbs should be of utmost priority to remain in ketosis while enjoying everything Marco’s cheesy dishes have to offer.

Luckily, a secret recipe eliminates much of the carbs that come along with doughy pizza while still keeping the flavor alive. Pizza enthusiast will also be pleased to know that each of toppings is covered and more importantly, their top low carb pizza bowls are ranked from most mouth watering, to least.

Is Marco’s Keto Pizza Bowl Friendly? Are Marco’s Pizza Bowls Low Carb?

Yes, Marco’s keto pizza bowls are friendly options. Marco’s Pizza has focused on the keto diet and introduced an innovative concept with their pizza bowl, which is marketed as keto-friendly. It has several tasty options that can take the guilt out of enjoying eating a pizza for those looking to limit their carb intake.

Their pizza bowl is low carb, and there is a secret recipe for hacking into the menu to ensure a keto friendly diet while enjoying a savory taste. Marco’s pizza bowls debuted in 2020.1 This has allowed this already popular pizza chain to tap into one of the nation’s hottest trending diets.

The company employs high-quality Italian ingredients that give patrons a different approach to enjoying pizza which is a favorite among many. Die-hard pizza fans no longer have to answer the question lingering in their head about the appropriate number of pizza slices to eat on a diet.

Marco’s Pizza Bowls Keto Secret Recipe

The key to enjoying Marco’s pizza is to hack into their secret recipe to enjoy all the delightful tastes while minimizing the carbs. The secret recipe to lower carbs and thus enjoy and access to Marco’s keto pizza bowl-friendly menu would be to use a nutrition calculator tool or simply add up the macros from the menu items below.2

This versatile tool or approach allows someone to customize their pizza or pizza bowls by choosing what sauces, toppings, and cheeses. As they make their choices, the nutrition facts are displayed, allowing accurate analysis of the macronutrients in their choices. Through the interactive nutrition menu, they can obtain specific information, such as the carbs on the topping, cheeses and sauces.

Individuals should steer away from pizza crusts, and bread as both of these are loaded heavily with carbohydrates.3 Those often asking themselves are onion rings good for weight loss end up discovering they are not due to the bread crumbs present—the same reason that makes conventional pizzas out of bounds for dieters.

Patrons should also pay close attention to the sugar levels in the sauces, in particular the original sauce, which is sugary and can throw them off of the recommended carbohydrate intake of between 20 and 50 grams.

Marco’s Keto Pizza Bowl Options & Amount of Carbs

Marco’s pizza has keto bowl options on its menu that are labeled as specialty pizza bowls and come with topping, cheese, and pre-selected sauces. However, it is possible to take out sauces, toppings, and cheeses that are not desired. In addition, patrons do have the option of building their pizza bowl as well.

A square-ish pizza topped with cheese, pepperoni and mushrooms and displayed on a wooden board.

Source: bhofack2 via Canva.com4

There are 5 specialty pizza bowls that Marco’s pizza offers—these are listed below as well their carb content. It should be noted that one pizza bowl is a 2 person serving, and the information below is without any customization to the bowl and are nutrition facts of half a bowl.

  • All meat pizza bowl—the all meat pizza bowl contains 12 grams of carbohydrates with 1 gram of dietary fiber having a net of 11 grams of carbs.
  • Deluxe pizza bowl— deluxe pizza bowl contains 14 grams of carbohydrates with 2 grams of dietary fiber, making for a net 12 grams of carbs.
  • Garden pizza bowl— the garden pizza bowl contains 15 grams of carbohydrates with 2 grams of dietary fiber, making for a net of 13 grams of carbs.
  • The buffalo chicken pizza bowl— the buffalo chicken pizza bowl contains 7 grams of carbohydrates with 1 gram of dietary fiber, making for a net of 6 grams of carbs.
  • The Philly pizza bowl— philly pizza bowl contains 8 grams of carbohydrates with 1 gram of dietary fiber making for a net of 7 grams of carbs.

Other Carb Friendly Options at Marco’s Pizza

There are several meals at Marco’s pizza other than the bowls that are carb friendly and can nourish the hunger pangs of keto individuals. Some sides, salads, and deserts are carb friendly and may help achieve a calorie deficit without exercise.

  • Hot chicken wings—hot chicken wings contain 2 grams of net carbs.
  • Plain chicken wings—plain chicken wings contain 2 grams of net carbs.
  • Tangy BBQ chicken wings—tangy BBQ chicken wings contain 6 grams of net carbs.
  • Cheezy bread— the cheezy bread contains 12 grams of net carbs.
  • Cheezy bread with extra cheese—this option of cheezy bread contains 12 grams of net carbs.
  • Chicken dippers—chicken dippers contain 4 grams of net carbs.
  • Meatball bake—meatball bake contains 11 grams of net carbs.
  • Garden salad—garden salad comes in three sizes: catering size contains 12 grams of net carbs, family size contains 13 grams of net carbs, and regular size contains 14 grams of net carbs.
  • Italian chef salad— Italian chef salad comes in three sizes: catering size contains 11 grams of net carbs, family size contains 12 grams of net carbs, and regular size contains 13 grams of net carbs.
  • Chicken Caesar salad— chicken Caesar salad comes in three sizes: catering size contains 11 grams of net carbs, family size contains 11 grams of net carbs, and regular size contains 12 grams of net carbs.
  • Greek salad— the Greek salad bowl comes in three sizes: catering size contains 4 grams of net carbs, family size contains 5 grams of net carbs, and regular size contains 5 grams of net carbs.
  • Cinnasquares— this contains 12 grams of net carbs per piece.

These toppings are also low in carb content and, therefore keto-friendly:

  • Onions contain 2 grams of net carbs
  • Anchovies contain no net carbs
  • Bacon contains no net carbs
  • Black olives contain 1 gram of net carbs
  • Garlic sauce contains no net carbs
  • Spinach contains less than 1 gram of net carbs
  • Banana peppers contain less than 1 gram of net carbs
  • Garlic sauce contains no net carbs
  • Grilled chicken contains 1 gram of net carbs
  • Ground beef contains no net carbs
  • Green olives contain no net carbs
  • Jalapenos contain less than 1 gram of net carbs
  • Onions contain 2 grams of net carbs
  • Green peppers contain no net carbs
  • Banana peppers contain no net carbs
  • Pineapple contains 5 grams of net carbs
  • Mushrooms contain no net carbs
  • Tomato slices contain no net carbs
  • Ham contains less than 1 gram of net carbs
  • Italian sausage contains 2 grams of net carbs
  • Meatballs contain no net carbs
  • Salami contains no net carbs

In addition to the toppings, Marco’s pizza keto-friendly cheeses and seasonings include:

  • Regular cheese contains 2 grams of net carbs
  • Feta cheese contains 1 gram of net carbs
  • Parmesan cheese contains less than 1 gram of net carbs
  • Shaved parmesan cheese contains no net carbs
  • Cheddar cheese contains 2 grams of net carbs
  • Roma seasoning contains no net carbs
  • Romesan seasoning contains no net carbs

Lunchables may not be the best option for weight loss because they often contain high amounts of carbohydrates. Instead, Marco’s keto options could be a better choice as they have lower net carbs.

Marco’s Pizza Bowl Nutrition & Dietary Details

The specialty Marco’s pizza bowl nutrition information can be found in the table, and the list below has dietary details.

All meat pizza bowl (1/2 bowl)

  • Net Carbs (grams): 11
  • Calories (kcal): 630

Deluxe pizza bowl (1/2 bowl)

  • Net Carbs (grams): 12
  • Calories (kcal): 520

Garden pizza bowl (1/2 bowl)

  • Net Carbs (grams): 13
  • Calories (kcal): 420

The buffalo chicken pizza bowl (1/2 bowl)

  • Net Carbs (grams): 6
  • Calories (kcal): 440

The Philly pizza bowl (1/2 bowl)

    • Net Carbs (grams): 7
    • Calories (kcal): 340

All meat pizza bowl—the all meat pizza bowl contains 46 grams of fat, 41 grams of protein, 2590 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of sugar.

Deluxe pizza bowl— deluxe pizza bowl contains 38 grams of fat, 29 grams of protein, 1910 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of sugar.

Garden pizza bowl— the garden pizza bowl contains 30 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein, 1580 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of sugar.

The buffalo chicken pizza bowl— the buffalo chicken pizza bowl contains 30 grams of fat, 33 grams of protein, 2120 milligrams of sodium, and 1 gram of sugar.

The Philly pizza bowl— the Philly pizza bowl contains 21 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein, 1260 milligrams of sodium, and 3 grams of sugar.

Does Marco’s Pizza Bowls Come in Gluten Free?

Marco’s keto pizza bowl meals are not all gluten-free, but a specialty bowl and the build-your-own pizza bowl are available without gluten. In addition, some toppings, sauce, and cheese used to make the bowls are gluten-free. Gluten is the protein constituent found in wheat and grains, such as barley.5

  • Buffalo chicken pizza bowl is gluten-free and
  • The build-your-own pizza bowl option allows patrons to customize their bowls and is gluten-free.

These are the sauces, toppings, and cheeses that go into the bowls and are gluten-free:

  • Anchovies
  • Bacon
  • Banana peppers
  • Black olives
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Classic pepperoni
  • Extra cheese
  • Feta cheese
  • Fresh spinach
  • Garlic sauce
  • Green olives
  • Green peppers
  • Grilled chicken
  • Ground beef
  • Ham
  • Italian sausage
  • Jalapenos
  • Mushrooms
  • Old world pepperoni
  • Onions
  • Pineapple
  • Red Onions
  • Salami
  • Shaved parmesan cheese
  • Tomato slices

In addition, these cheeses that go into the preparation of the pizza bowls are gluten-free:

  • Cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Signature pizza sauce

Marco’s Pizza Bowls Keto Style Reviews

Marco’s keto pizza bowl reviews are ranked below with the most keto-friendly—least amount of carbs and the number of calories they contain—in addition; there is also a rating on how tasty and popular the bowl is. The flavor is ranked 5 through 1, with 1 being the tastiest option.

A rectangular-ish pizza topped with leafy vegetables such as spinach and placed on a black pan, beside it are bottles of seasonings and a leaf.

Source: Oksana Shyriaieva via Canva.com6

This review is based on the signature sauce present, which is the specialty bowl from Marco. Opting out of the signature and any other sauces or toppings will alter the carb content of the bowl.

#5 Garden Pizza Bowl

The garden pizza bowl comes in last due to its high net carb content of 13 grams and low-calorie count of 420 kcal. This option is targeted at vegetarians and is yummy with its mix of black olives, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. It has the lowest ranking of 5th for taste buds.

#4 Deluxe Pizza Bowl

Marco’s deluxe pizza bowl is higher on the net carbs at 12 grams—it has a fairly high-calorie count at 520 kcal. This bowl is also popular with diners proving to be appetizing and savory, and comes in at 3rd in terms of taste.

#3 All Meat Pizza Bowl

The all-meat pizza bowl comes in 3rd for carb friendly with 11 grams of net carbs and has the highest calories at 630 kcal. It is a highly popular bowl and comes in 1st for flavor. The cheese and sauce are of good quality—the Italian sausage is very prominent, tender, and is of exquisite taste.

#2 Philly Pizza Bowl

Philly pizza bowl has a low net carb count of 7 grams and has the lowest calories at 340 kcal. It is one of the most popular tasting bowls among them all, with nice thinly sliced steaks and is mouthwatering. It is on the salty side and comes in 2rd in terms of flavor and popularity.

#1 Buffalo Chicken Pizza Bowl

The buffalo chicken pizza is the most keto-friendly option and comes at 6 grams of net carbs with 440 kcal. Chicken has no net carbs and has a high protein content.7 This makes this option ideal for those seeking a low-carb diet that is rich in protein and seeking a solution to reduce upper belly fat. The buffalo flavor has a strong tangy-vinegar taste to it—the flavor of chicken isn’t apparent, and this bowl comes in at 4th for flavor.

Pizza lovers on a keto diet should not despair over losing their favorite grub, as Marco’s pizza bowls keto menu can be hacked by using a secret recipe to lower carbs.


References

1Wikipedia. (2022, September 16). Marco’s Pizza. Retrieved 2022, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco%27s_Pizza>

2Nutritionix. (2022, September 1). NUTRITION CALCULATOR. Retrieved 2022, from <http://www.nutritionix.com/marcos-pizza/nutrition-calculator/premium>

3Prevention, C. f. (2022, September 20). Carb Choices. Retrieved 2022, from <https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/diabetes-and-carbs/carbohydrate-choice-lists.html>

4bhofack2. Canva. Accessed 12 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MADm8NiTm00-homemade-detroit-style-pepperoni-pizza/>

5Medicine, N. L. (2017, March). What is gluten? Retrieved 2022, from <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28244676/>

6Shyriaieva, Oksana. “Feta Spinach Pizza.” Canva. Accessed 12 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEHUNRBdjk-feta-spinach-pizza-/>

7Agriculture, U. S. (2011, September). Chicken & Turkey Nutrition Facts. Retrieved 2022, from <https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/import/Chicken_Turkey_Nutrition_Facts.pdf>

About the Author

Nathan Petitpas

Nathan has been a fitness enthusiast for the past 12 years and jumps between several types of training such as bodybuilding, powerlifting, cycling, gymnastics, and backcountry hiking. Due to the varying caloric needs of numerous sports, he has cycled between all types of diets and currently eats a whole food diet. In addition, Nathan lives with several injuries such as hip impingement, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, so he underwent self-rehabilitation and no longer lives with debilitating pain.