There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cheesy pizza with your favorite toppings to go along with wine and a movie. Some people prefer making their own pie, but this can take a lot of time and energy that you just may not have. There’s always delivery, but this can get quite expensive by the time you add on fees and tip. For an easy, affordable option for your next night in, frozen pizzas are the way to go. However, some frozen pizzas are healthier than others.
Unfortunately, frozen foods can often contain higher amounts of preservatives, sodium, and trans fat, and frozen pizzas specifically are known for containing more saturated fat, refined carbs, and sodium as well. But, if you know what to look for and are aware of some healthier options, you can feel confident when picking out your next frozen pizza.
Saturated and trans fat: According to the American Heart Association, we should aim to have no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day. The World Health Organization adds that when it comes to trans fats, we should try to eliminate them completely if possible, or at least limit them to 2.2 grams per day. When choosing a pizza, look for types that have zero trans fats and lower levels of saturated fat.
What to focus on when choosing a healthy frozen pizza
Fiber and protein: Finding frozen pizzas with higher levels of protein and fiber can help you feel satiated and stay full longer. Look at these nutrients on the nutrition label to make sure your pizza contains some of each.
What the crust is made of: The default for most pizza crust is white, refined flour, but there are different brands out there making healthier crust options. For example, you may see crusts made from cauliflower, chickpeas, or whole grains, which will automatically up your fiber intake and lower your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars.
When it comes to making your frozen pizza meal healthier as a whole, you can also add some helpful side items. “To make any of these pies any healthier, I’d suggest adding sautéed vegetables, steamed frozen vegetables, or eating a side salad,” says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim and member of our Medical Expert Board.
The 25 healthiest frozen pizzas you can buy
Read on for our expert picks for the best healthy frozen pizzas! And for more, don’t miss 8 Best Frozen Pizzas at Costco Right Now.
For those looking for a pizza with fewer refined carbs than normal, Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility suggests Miltons’ Craft Bakers Cauliflower Crust Pizza.
“This frozen pizza is made with a cauliflower crust that actually tastes good,” says Manaker. “Cooking it results in a perfectly crispy pizza and it is made with quality ingredients. Totally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, this pizza is always in my Costco cart when I make a run to the superstore.”
Yes, you can still enjoy the savory flavors of pizza when you’re on the go, and you don’t have to resort to super unhealthy options.
“Snow Days Veggie White Pizza Bites are my go-to when I want a pizza snack but I don’t want fried options that are loaded with less-than-ideal ingredients,” says Manaker. “Snow Days pizza rolls are gluten-free, grain-free, and organic. Best of all? My daughter is happy to eat them!”
Cauliflower crust is a common alternative to using white refined flour, but if you’ve never tried chickpea pizza crust, you’re missing out on a great gluten-free option that’s packed with protein.
“Banza frozen pizza is a chickpea-based pizza full of nutrients, high in protein and fiber, and low in carbs,” says Manaker. “Banza Pizza has a delicious, crispy crust and doughy center that is always a delight to eat.”
