BLACKPINK’s Rosé celebrated her MTV win with this snack — but is it bad for your health?

BLACKPINK's Rose / Captured from Rose's social media

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BLACKPINK’s Rosé marked one of the biggest moments of her career with a surprisingly indulgent celebration.

After her song “APT.” was named Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards — making her the first Korean artist ever to win in the category — the singer shared photos on social media of a party with friends, where she was seen enjoying a classic comfort food. But while it looked delicious, experts warn it may be one of the most fat- and sodium-heavy foods you can eat.

In the photos, she beams while holding a slice of pepperoni pizza, one of the most popular types of pizza around the world. Rosé has previously said she enjoys “spicy and salty foods,” and pepperoni pizza — known for its bold, savory flavor — fits the bill perfectly. But while delicious, nutrition experts warn that it is also calorie-dense and high in salt.

High in protein — but also in fat and sodium

Pepperoni is an American-style sausage derived from traditional Italian salami. Made by mixing pork and beef and seasoning it with spices such as chili pepper, it combines the characteristic saltiness of sausage with a spicy kick.

Although pepperoni is high in protein, it is also rich in fat and sodium. Adding cheese further increases the calorie count, with a single slice (about 100 grams) containing around 250 to 300 kcal.

The protein content of pepperoni pizza can help support muscle maintenance and bone health. However, its high saturated fat content can raise cholesterol levels, and excessive sodium intake may put strain on the cardiovascular system. In addition, studies have linked frequent consumption of processed meats such as sausage to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

How to make pizza a little healthier

Pizza remains one of the most beloved comfort foods, and sometimes cravings are hard to resist. For those looking for a lighter option, a Margherita pizza or a vegetarian version may be a better choice. A Margherita, made with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil, contains about 200 to 250 calories per 100 grams. A vegetarian pizza with toppings such as bell peppers and mushrooms has about 200 to 260 kcal per 100 grams.

Calories and carbohydrates can also be reduced by choosing a thinner or whole-grain crust. Opting for less cheese can make them healthier. Pairing pizza with a vegetable salad is a good way to add vitamins and fiber to balance its high fat and carbohydrate content.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.