Best Frozen Pizza: We Ranked 7 Popular Brands
The search for a convenient weeknight meal often leads to the frozen pizza aisle. But with so many brands vying for freezer space, finding a truly satisfying option can perceive like a gamble. I recently put seven popular frozen pizza brands to the test, and the results were surprisingly varied. While some delivered a nostalgic, if unremarkable, experience, one pizza rose above the rest, offering a surprisingly flavorful and satisfying bite.
A Quick & Convenient, But Often Disappointing, Dinner Option
Going out to dinner is increasingly expensive, and even ordering from local or national pizza chains can quickly add up. Frozen pizza offers a budget-friendly alternative, but it rarely matches the quality of a freshly made pie. Still, for a quick and easy dinner, it can be a lifesaver. My recent taste test aimed to identify the best option among a crowded field of contenders.
The Contenders: From Nostalgia to Disappointment
The lineup included familiar names like Tombstone, Ellio’s, Red Baron, Tony’s, PICS, DiGiorno, and Screamin’ Sicilian. Each pizza was evaluated based on crust texture, sauce flavor, topping quality, and overall taste. The results ranged from underwhelming to surprisingly good, with a clear winner emerging at the end.
Tombstone: A Disappointing Start
Tombstone’s Original Pizza Crust Pepperoni landed at the bottom of the list. Despite baking it in the oven, the pizza failed to impress. The crust was thin and flimsy, and the pepperoni had an artificial, almost chemical taste. It felt like the most processed and least enjoyable option of the bunch. Eat This Not That! noted the pepperoni was made with pork, chicken, and beef, but the overall flavor profile left much to be desired.
Ellio’s: A Nostalgic, But Basic, Slice
Ellio’s Pepperoni Pizza evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of school cafeteria pizza. While it wasn’t unpleasant, it was undeniably basic. The crust was cardboard-like, and the pizza was light on cheese. It’s a decent option for those seeking a familiar taste, but it doesn’t stand out in terms of quality. As Eat This Not That! pointed out, it’s a good choice if you’re chasing nostalgia, but there are better frozen pizzas available.
Red Baron: A Step Up, But Still Average
Red Baron’s Classic Crust Supreme Pizza, with its mix of sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, red peppers, and onions, offered a slight improvement. The vegetables added flavor, and the sausage was particularly good. However, the pepperoni tasted slightly off, preventing it from ranking higher. It was a solid, if unremarkable, option.
Tony’s: A Familiar, Inexpensive Choice
Tony’s Pepperoni Pizza brought a sense of familiarity, reminiscent of a giant Pizza Lunchable. The thin crust had a cardboard-like texture, but the pepperoni was noticeably better than some of the other options. It’s an inexpensive choice, but don’t expect a gourmet experience.
PICS: A Surprisingly Good Store Brand
PICS Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza was a pleasant surprise. The rising crust was fluffy and substantial, making it feel closer to a pizzeria-style slice. The pepperoni tasted fresh, and the pizza had a good overall flavor. For a store brand, it outperformed many of the bigger names.
DiGiorno: A Consistent Performer
DiGiorno Rising Crust Ultimate Pepperoni consistently delivers a quality frozen pizza experience. The crust is soft, airy, and thick, and the pepperoni tastes fresh and flavorful. It’s a major step up in quality compared to many other frozen options, and it’s easy to see why DiGiorno has a strong reputation. DoorDash also recognizes DiGiorno as a top contender in the frozen pizza market.
And the Winner Is… Screamin’ Sicilian!
Taking the top spot was the Screamin’ Sicilian Holy Pepperoni Pizza. This pizza lived up to its name, loaded with piles of pepperoni, real mozzarella cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce. The standout feature was the quality of the pepperoni, which had a noticeable kick of spice and tasted more natural than many other frozen options. It delivered bold, bright flavor, generous toppings, and an overall high-quality taste that set it apart from the competition.
What Makes Screamin’ Sicilian Stand Out?
Screamin’ Sicilian differentiates itself through its commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavors. The generous amount of pepperoni, combined with the flavorful sauce and real mozzarella cheese, creates a pizza that feels more like a restaurant-quality meal than a frozen convenience food. The brand’s focus on delivering a premium experience has clearly resonated with consumers.
Beyond the Taste Test: The Rise of Frozen Pizza
The popularity of frozen pizza has surged in recent years, driven by factors like convenience, affordability, and improved quality. As DoorDash notes, even pizza snobs are now appreciating the ease and quality of frozen pizza options. This trend is likely to continue as manufacturers continue to innovate and improve their products.
What to Consider When Choosing a Frozen Pizza
When selecting a frozen pizza, consider your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Tombstone or Ellio’s might suffice. If you prioritize quality and flavor, DiGiorno or Screamin’ Sicilian are excellent choices. Pay attention to the crust type, sauce flavor, and topping options to find a pizza that suits your taste.
the best frozen pizza is the one that you enjoy the most. While my taste test revealed a clear winner, personal preferences will always play a role. So, experiment with different brands and varieties to discover your own frozen pizza favorite.