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Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I tried 5 different frozen pizzas, and found the best-tasting pie also cooked the fastest
I tried frozen cheese pizzas from DiGiorno, Amy's, Newman's Own, Red Baron, and Tombstone. The Tombstone pizza was just OK, and the Amy's pizza crust wasn't crispy enough, in my opinion. Overall, the pizza from Newman's Own had the perfect balance of flavors, plus a tasty crust. Frozen pizza is pretty popular right now, especially amid a lot of economic anxieties. But with so many options out there, which is actually the best to pick up at the grocery store? To find out, I tasted frozen pizzas from five different brands: DiGiorno, Amy's, Newman's Own, Red Baron, and Tombstone. For consistency's sake, I chose a cheese pizza from each brand and prepared every pie in the oven following the instructions found on the respective packages. Since I reviewed these pizzas, prices have changed (and will vary by region and store), but the pies on this list typically cost between $4.50 and $14. Read on to see how these frozen cheese pizzas stacked up and which was my favorite. The first pizza I tried was Tombstone's five-cheese pie. Tombstone's pizza is the only one that didn't come in a box. Instead, it came wrapped in plastic with a circular base made out of cardboard. Cooking directions, ingredients, and nutrition facts were printed on a sticker attached to the shrink-wrap, which I accidentally threw away in my haste (and later retrieved). This pizza advertises five different kinds of cheese — mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano — and a buttery, crispy crust. After 17 minutes of cooking, the crust was crispy and the cheese was nicely browned around the edges. The cooking directions recommended baking this pizza for 17 to 19 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but I didn't end up needing the full cooking time. It looked beautifully golden and crisp after just 17 minutes. This pizza was very middle-of-the-road for me, and the crust, level of crispiness, and overall flavors were just OK. My husband, who also tasted these pizzas, said this Tombstone pie made him nostalgic since it was his family's go-to brand when he was a kid. He suggested that chopping up extra toppings and baking them into the cheese would vastly improve the taste of this pizza (or maybe we just ought to try a Tomstone pie with toppings next time). The second pizza I tried was from DiGiorno, and it had a rising crust. I couldn't help but hear the brand's tagline — "It's not delivery, it's DiGiorno!" — in my head as I picked up this frozen pizza. DiGiorno had a few different types of crusts available in my grocery store, but I went with the rising crust because it seemed the most standard. This pizza has a four-cheese blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano; the same cheeses on Tombstone's frozen pizza, minus cheddar. Although the other pizzas I tried were shrink-wrapped, DiGiorno's came in a "freshness wrap" that was easier to remove from the packaging. I was able to cut around the seal and simply lift the pizza out of the plastic rather than making strategic cuts across the shrink-wrap to remove the frozen pie without disturbing the cheese and getting it all over my kitchen. The pizza filled my kitchen with a pleasant, fresh-baked aroma. The directions on the box called for cooking the pizza in the oven for 19 to 22 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I took the pizza out after 21 minutes because it looked perfect. However, everything wasn't perfect while this pie was in the oven. While the pizza was cooking, the side of it began sliding between the oven grates. I chose to open the oven and intervene, but judging by the look of the final crust (which was rather puffy), the issue likely would have corrected itself during the rising phase. Overall, I enjoyed the thick crust of DiGiorno cheese pizza, which had a yeasty flavor and managed to be fluffy and crisp at the same time. The cheese tended to slide off the pizza a bit as I took bites, but I wasn't too mad since the pie had a lot of it. The sauce's thick consistency was also nice. Next, I tried Red Baron's four-cheese pizza. Red Baron's classic-crust, four-cheese pizza is topped with mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan. When cooked, this wasn't the best-looking pizza, but it had a solid taste. Following the package's directions, I baked this pizza in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes of the recommended 21, since I saw the crust and cheese had already browned to my liking. In terms of flavor, the more orange-hued pieces of cheese provided a stark, flavorful contrast to the rest of the blend. Like the previous two pies, there wasn't a distinguishable crust as the cheese and sauce extended to the edges of the pizza. Even so, I enjoyed the thin, crispy crust and salty cheese (of which there was a great amount). My husband said that, in terms of overall flavor, this pizza lacked the distinct "frozen-pizza taste" that the others had, and that made this his favorite of the bunch so far. The penultimate pie was from Amy's. Made with organic flour and tomatoes, Amy's frozen pizza also boasts a hand-stretched wheat crust. It's simply topped with mozzarella cheese. The pizza's quick bake time and tangy tomato sauce were great, but the texture let me down. I cooked Amy's pizza in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for just over 12 minutes of the recommended 14. I appreciated that it was cooked to a perfect golden-brown finish so quickly. The first thing I noticed when eating a slice was that the tomato sauce, which had an acidic flavor, dominated the overall taste. I enjoyed the sauce, but was let down by the lack of cheesy flavor and spongy texture of the crust. Although the other pizza slices held firm with their crispy crusts, this pizza sort of flopped over in my hand. The last pie I tried was the four-cheese pizza from Newman's Own. Advertising no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, the Newman's Own pizza is made with a multigrain crust and topped with a four-cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago. I noticed these were the same cheeses used on several of the other pizzas, such as Tombstone (which also had Romano cheese) and DiGiorno. After just under 12 minutes, the cheese was hot and bubbly. When I peeked into the oven toward the end of the recommended cook time, which was 10 to 12 minutes in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, the cheese was hot and super bubbly. This pizza checked off all the boxes: a crunchy crust; stringy, perfectly salty cheese that didn't slide off when I bit into my slice; and a flavorful sauce that was dotted with herbs. All of these pizzas had some strengths, though I think some also had small issues. Albeit a touch too bland for me, the Tombstone pizza offers eaters an opportunity to get creative with toppings and make it their own. The DiGiorno pizza had a fluffy, yeasty crust that I enjoyed, even though I had issues with the cheese sliding off the slice as I bit into it. Red Baron's pizza had a solid taste, but I didn't like that it didn't have a distinct crust. Amy's pie had a tart sauce that I enjoyed, but the other elements of the pizza were bland by contrast — and the texture was too spongy for my liking. However, I found no faults with the perfect pizza from Newman's Own. For me, the big winner was the pizza from Newman's Own. In addition to having the shortest cook time (just under 12 minutes), this pizza also had a great flavor and texture. Plus, it had a distinct crust — something that several of the other frozen pizzas lacked — and stringy, salty cheese that didn't slide off the pizza when I bit into it. However, at the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with any of these frozen pizzas since each of them produces a cheesy meal that's ready in a short period of time. This story was originally published on February 9, 2021, and most recently updated on April 21, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
21-04-2025
- General
- Business Insider
I tried 5 different frozen pizzas, and found the best-tasting pie also cooked the fastest
I tried frozen cheese pizzas from DiGiorno, Amy's, Newman's Own, Red Baron, and Tombstone. The Tombstone pizza was just OK, and the Amy's pizza crust wasn't crispy enough, in my opinion. Overall, the pizza from Newman's Own had the perfect balance of flavors, plus a tasty crust. Frozen pizza is pretty popular right now, especially amid a lot of economic anxieties. But with so many options out there, which is actually the best to pick up at the grocery store? To find out, I tasted frozen pizzas from five different brands: DiGiorno, Amy's, Newman's Own, Red Baron, and Tombstone. For consistency's sake, I chose a cheese pizza from each brand and prepared every pie in the oven following the instructions found on the respective packages. Since I reviewed these pizzas, prices have changed (and will vary by region and store), but the pies on this list typically cost between $4.50 and $14. Read on to see how these frozen cheese pizzas stacked up and which was my favorite. The first pizza I tried was Tombstone's five-cheese pie. Tombstone's pizza is the only one that didn't come in a box. Instead, it came wrapped in plastic with a circular base made out of cardboard. Cooking directions, ingredients, and nutrition facts were printed on a sticker attached to the shrink-wrap, which I accidentally threw away in my haste (and later retrieved). This pizza advertises five different kinds of cheese — mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano — and a buttery, crispy crust. After 17 minutes of cooking, the crust was crispy and the cheese was nicely browned around the edges. The cooking directions recommended baking this pizza for 17 to 19 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but I didn't end up needing the full cooking time. It looked beautifully golden and crisp after just 17 minutes. This pizza was very middle-of-the-road for me, and the crust, level of crispiness, and overall flavors were just OK. My husband, who also tasted these pizzas, said this Tombstone pie made him nostalgic since it was his family's go-to brand when he was a kid. He suggested that chopping up extra toppings and baking them into the cheese would vastly improve the taste of this pizza (or maybe we just ought to try a Tomstone pie with toppings next time). The second pizza I tried was from DiGiorno, and it had a rising crust. I couldn't help but hear the brand's tagline — "It's not delivery, it's DiGiorno!" — in my head as I picked up this frozen pizza. DiGiorno had a few different types of crusts available in my grocery store, but I went with the rising crust because it seemed the most standard. This pizza has a four-cheese blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano; the same cheeses on Tombstone's frozen pizza, minus cheddar. Although the other pizzas I tried were shrink-wrapped, DiGiorno's came in a "freshness wrap" that was easier to remove from the packaging. I was able to cut around the seal and simply lift the pizza out of the plastic rather than making strategic cuts across the shrink-wrap to remove the frozen pie without disturbing the cheese and getting it all over my kitchen. The pizza filled my kitchen with a pleasant, fresh-baked aroma. The directions on the box called for cooking the pizza in the oven for 19 to 22 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I took the pizza out after 21 minutes because it looked perfect. However, everything wasn't perfect while this pie was in the oven. While the pizza was cooking, the side of it began sliding between the oven grates. I chose to open the oven and intervene, but judging by the look of the final crust (which was rather puffy), the issue likely would have corrected itself during the rising phase. Overall, I enjoyed the thick crust of DiGiorno cheese pizza, which had a yeasty flavor and managed to be fluffy and crisp at the same time. The cheese tended to slide off the pizza a bit as I took bites, but I wasn't too mad since the pie had a lot of it. The sauce's thick consistency was also nice. Next, I tried Red Baron's four-cheese pizza. When cooked, this wasn't the best-looking pizza, but it had a solid taste. Following the package's directions, I baked this pizza in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes of the recommended 21, since I saw the crust and cheese had already browned to my liking. In terms of flavor, the more orange-hued pieces of cheese provided a stark, flavorful contrast to the rest of the blend. Like the previous two pies, there wasn't a distinguishable crust as the cheese and sauce extended to the edges of the pizza. Even so, I enjoyed the thin, crispy crust and salty cheese (of which there was a great amount). My husband said that, in terms of overall flavor, this pizza lacked the distinct "frozen-pizza taste" that the others had, and that made this his favorite of the bunch so far. The penultimate pie was from Amy's. Made with organic flour and tomatoes, Amy's frozen pizza also boasts a hand-stretched wheat crust. It's simply topped with mozzarella cheese. The pizza's quick bake time and tangy tomato sauce were great, but the texture let me down. I cooked Amy's pizza in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for just over 12 minutes of the recommended 14. I appreciated that it was cooked to a perfect golden-brown finish so quickly. The first thing I noticed when eating a slice was that the tomato sauce, which had an acidic flavor, dominated the overall taste. I enjoyed the sauce, but was let down by the lack of cheesy flavor and spongy texture of the crust. Although the other pizza slices held firm with their crispy crusts, this pizza sort of flopped over in my hand. The last pie I tried was the four-cheese pizza from Newman's Own. Advertising no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, the Newman's Own pizza is made with a multigrain crust and topped with a four-cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago. I noticed these were the same cheeses used on several of the other pizzas, such as Tombstone (which also had Romano cheese) and DiGiorno. After just under 12 minutes, the cheese was hot and bubbly. When I peeked into the oven toward the end of the recommended cook time, which was 10 to 12 minutes in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, the cheese was hot and super bubbly. This pizza checked off all the boxes: a crunchy crust; stringy, perfectly salty cheese that didn't slide off when I bit into my slice; and a flavorful sauce that was dotted with herbs. All of these pizzas had some strengths, though I think some also had small issues. Albeit a touch too bland for me, the Tombstone pizza offers eaters an opportunity to get creative with toppings and make it their own. The DiGiorno pizza had a fluffy, yeasty crust that I enjoyed, even though I had issues with the cheese sliding off the slice as I bit into it. Red Baron's pizza had a solid taste, but I didn't like that it didn't have a distinct crust. Amy's pie had a tart sauce that I enjoyed, but the other elements of the pizza were bland by contrast — and the texture was too spongy for my liking. However, I found no faults with the perfect pizza from Newman's Own. For me, the big winner was the pizza from Newman's Own. In addition to having the shortest cook time (just under 12 minutes), this pizza also had a great flavor and texture. Plus, it had a distinct crust — something that several of the other frozen pizzas lacked — and stringy, salty cheese that didn't slide off the pizza when I bit into it. However, at the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with any of these frozen pizzas since each of them produces a cheesy meal that's ready in a short period of time. This story was originally published on February 9, 2021, and most recently updated on April 21, 2025.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are the healthiest frozen pizzas? A dietitian reveals her 6 favorite pies.
Pizza often gets a bad rap as an unhealthy food, and frozen foods are frequently unfairly labeled the same way. But believe it or not, frozen pizza can be part of a nutritious and convenient meal — especially on busy days. Keeping a quality frozen pizza on hand can make for an easy, low-effort meal when you need something simple and quick. The key to choosing a healthier pizza is looking at the ingredients as a whole. Just like with any meal, it's important to include enough protein and fiber, while also keeping an eye on total calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. Since cheese is typically a main ingredient, saturated fat will always be present, and opting for plant-based toppings — like veggies instead of meats — can help keep the amount in check. (Aim for 8 grams or less of saturated fat per serving.) Sodium can also add up quickly, as it's found in most of the ingredients: the crust, cheese, sauce and especially meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage. Look for options with 700 milligrams or less per serving. Fiber, on the other hand, is often lacking since most crusts don't contain whole grains, and there's only so much room for veggies before a slice starts to fall apart. Crusts made from legumes tend to have more fiber. However, if your pizza is low in fiber, pairing it with a side of veggies, such as a salad, can help create a more balanced meal. Also, check portion sizes since many so-called individual pizzas actually contain three or four servings. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Here are six healthy frozen pizzas worth trying: Amy's is known for its organic, vegetarian-friendly frozen meals, using high-quality ingredients and avoiding artificial additives or preservatives. If you're craving a classic, Amy's Margherita Pizza is a great choice. It has a thin, crispy crust topped with organic tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, parmesan and basil. Plus, it packs about 30 grams of protein per pizza and is one of the better options for those worried about saturated fat, with just 4 grams. Sodium is also on the lower side at 530 milligrams per serving. Prefer a pizza with toppings? Amy's pizza line has plenty of options, including Spinach, No Cheese Roasted Vegetable, and Vegan Supreme Pizza — all with comparable nutrition stats. This crispy, thin-crust pizza is loaded with colorful red, green and yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella. There are no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, just delicious ingredients. Each serving, which is about one-third of the pizza, provides 11 grams of protein and is lighter than most frozen pizzas, with only 270 calories. It's also on the lower end for saturated fat (4.5 grams) and sodium (600 milligrams) per serving. As an added bonus, Newman's Own's mission supports a good cause: 100% of their profits go to organizations dedicated to improving children's lives. The chickpea crust is what sets this certified gluten-free pizza apart, packing in plenty of protein and fiber while still maintaining a crispy-on-the-outside, doughy-on-the-inside texture. It's loaded with a blend of four cheeses — mozzarella, white cheddar, provolone and parmesan — making it slightly higher in saturated fat (10 grams per serving) than some other options, but that's simply because cheese is the main topping. Still, Banza's pizza stands out as one of the highest in both protein and fiber, with 17 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving, with no added sugar. Thanks to the chickpeas, this pizza also provides 3 grams of iron per serving, meeting about 17% of an adult woman's daily requirement and 38% for men. If you're looking for another certified gluten-free option, Milton's has you covered. Yes, the crust is made out of cauliflower, but with its thin, crispy texture, you'd never know. Egg whites give this pizza a protein boost, offering 18 grams per half-pizza serving. It's topped with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions and a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, pecorino and parmesan, all seasoned with roasted garlic, basil and oregano. With 3 grams of fiber (which is on the higher end for frozen pizzas), 340 calories and only 1 gram of added sugar per serving, it's a well-balanced choice. It's also high in calcium, providing over 50% of adults daily needs. New to the market, Vital Pursuit's individually sized pizzas deliver an impressive 33 grams of protein, 17 grams of fiber and no added sugar — all in just 370 calories and 690 milligrams of sodium. The Chicken Mozzarella Pizza is brimming with flavor from its basil and balsamic tomato sauce to its toppings like mozzarella, white meat chicken, onions, basil and tomatoes. Unlike most frozen pizzas that bake in the oven, this one can be cooked in an air fryer or the microwave (and it actually comes out crispy), making it perfect for a quick and easy meal. If you're in the mood for a pizza that feels more gourmet, Urban Pie Pizza Co. has a delicious combination of sun-dried tomato pesto sauce, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, spinach, mozzarella and goat cheese, all on a buttery, flaky crust. It also comes with a balsamic glaze packet for drizzling after baking. Plus, it's made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Each one-fourth serving of the pizza provides 10 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in just 270 calories. Maxine Yeung is a dietitian and board-certified health and wellness coach.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are the healthiest frozen pizzas? A dietitian reveals her 6 favorite pies.
Pizza often gets a bad rap as an unhealthy food, and frozen foods are frequently unfairly labeled the same way. But believe it or not, frozen pizza can be part of a nutritious and convenient meal — especially on busy days. Keeping a quality frozen pizza on hand can make for an easy, low-effort meal when you need something simple and quick. The key to choosing a healthier pizza is looking at the ingredients as a whole. Just like with any meal, it's important to include enough protein and fiber, while also keeping an eye on total calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. Since cheese is typically a main ingredient, saturated fat will always be present, and opting for plant-based toppings — like veggies instead of meats — can help keep the amount in check. (Aim for 8 grams or less of saturated fat per serving.) Sodium can also add up quickly, as it's found in most of the ingredients: the crust, cheese, sauce and especially meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage. Look for options with 700 milligrams or less per serving. Fiber, on the other hand, is often lacking since most crusts don't contain whole grains, and there's only so much room for veggies before a slice starts to fall apart. Crusts made from legumes tend to have more fiber. However, if your pizza is low in fiber, pairing it with a side of veggies, such as a salad, can help create a more balanced meal. Also, check portion sizes since many so-called individual pizzas actually contain three or four servings. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Here are six healthy frozen pizzas worth trying: Amy's is known for its organic, vegetarian-friendly frozen meals, using high-quality ingredients and avoiding artificial additives or preservatives. If you're craving a classic, Amy's Margherita Pizza is a great choice. It has a thin, crispy crust topped with organic tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, parmesan and basil. Plus, it packs about 30 grams of protein per pizza and is one of the better options for those worried about saturated fat, with just 4 grams. Sodium is also on the lower side at 530 milligrams per serving. Prefer a pizza with toppings? Amy's pizza line has plenty of options, including Spinach, No Cheese Roasted Vegetable, and Vegan Supreme Pizza — all with comparable nutrition stats. This crispy, thin-crust pizza is loaded with colorful red, green and yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella. There are no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, just delicious ingredients. Each serving, which is about one-third of the pizza, provides 11 grams of protein and is lighter than most frozen pizzas, with only 270 calories. It's also on the lower end for saturated fat (4.5 grams) and sodium (600 milligrams) per serving. As an added bonus, Newman's Own's mission supports a good cause: 100% of their profits go to organizations dedicated to improving children's lives. The chickpea crust is what sets this certified gluten-free pizza apart, packing in plenty of protein and fiber while still maintaining a crispy-on-the-outside, doughy-on-the-inside texture. It's loaded with a blend of four cheeses — mozzarella, white cheddar, provolone and parmesan — making it slightly higher in saturated fat (10 grams per serving) than some other options, but that's simply because cheese is the main topping. Still, Banza's pizza stands out as one of the highest in both protein and fiber, with 17 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving, with no added sugar. Thanks to the chickpeas, this pizza also provides 3 grams of iron per serving, meeting about 17% of an adult woman's daily requirement and 38% for men. If you're looking for another certified gluten-free option, Milton's has you covered. Yes, the crust is made out of cauliflower, but with its thin, crispy texture, you'd never know. Egg whites give this pizza a protein boost, offering 18 grams per half-pizza serving. It's topped with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions and a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, pecorino and parmesan, all seasoned with roasted garlic, basil and oregano. With 3 grams of fiber (which is on the higher end for frozen pizzas), 340 calories and only 1 gram of added sugar per serving, it's a well-balanced choice. It's also high in calcium, providing over 50% of adults daily needs. New to the market, Vital Pursuit's individually sized pizzas deliver an impressive 33 grams of protein, 17 grams of fiber and no added sugar — all in just 370 calories and 690 milligrams of sodium. The Chicken Mozzarella Pizza is brimming with flavor from its basil and balsamic tomato sauce to its toppings like mozzarella, white meat chicken, onions, basil and tomatoes. Unlike most frozen pizzas that bake in the oven, this one can be cooked in an air fryer or the microwave (and it actually comes out crispy), making it perfect for a quick and easy meal. If you're in the mood for a pizza that feels more gourmet, Urban Pie Pizza Co. has a delicious combination of sun-dried tomato pesto sauce, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, spinach, mozzarella and goat cheese, all on a buttery, flaky crust. It also comes with a balsamic glaze packet for drizzling after baking. Plus, it's made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Each one-fourth serving of the pizza provides 10 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in just 270 calories. Maxine Yeung is a dietitian and board-certified health and wellness coach.
