I prefer to have pizza every so often, who doesn’t? And I often go for frozen pizza. I do know it’s not precisely a well being meals, however my take is that this: so long as you don’t have it day-after-day, it’s not going to do you any hurt. I usually have mine with an enormous bowl of salad and control my parts, by no means pizza by itself.
In the event you love pizza too, you could be questioning whether or not frozen pizza is any more healthy than takeaway or restaurant pizza. I used to imagine that contemporary pizzas from eating places should be higher (fewer elements, possibly much less processed?) However after doing a little digging, I used to be stunned to search out out I used to be improper!
Frozen pizzas are literally more healthy general than most takeaway and restaurant pizzas. On common, they have an inclination to have much less salt, much less saturated fats, and fewer energy. That doesn’t imply they’re “wholesome,” however it does imply frozen pizza isn’t robotically the dangerous man it’s usually made out to be. The secret’s watching your portion measurement and avoiding meat-heavy choices, which will be a lot larger in saturated fats and salt.
On this article, I’ll break down the variations between frozen, restaurant, and takeaway pizzas, examine elements and vitamin, and share recommendations on making higher pizza selections.
Frozen Pizza vs Takeaway vs Restaurant: What’s the Distinction?
In relation to pizza, there are many choices — from grocery store frozen pizzas to massive takeaway chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut, and even restaurant-style pizzas. However nutritionally, they’re not all the identical.
Frozen grocery store pizzas are often what I am going for as a result of they’re handy, and with a little bit of digging, you’ll find higher choices. Some are lighter, larger in fibre, or full of veg. I’ll usually have half a frozen pizza with an enormous salad on the aspect to maintain issues balanced.
Takeaway and restaurant pizzas, alternatively, are typically heavier. In accordance with the Motion on Salt report, pizzas from standard UK chains usually include extra energy, extra saturated fats, and virtually double the salt in comparison with grocery store choices. Meat-based pizzas are particularly excessive, so these are finest saved for an occasional deal with reasonably than an everyday factor.
Evaluating Substances: Are Frozen Pizzas Extra Processed?
One of many largest variations between pizzas is what really goes into them. Some are made with only a few easy elements, whereas others have a protracted checklist stuffed with components, oils, and flavour enhancers. Let’s break it down.
Chain Takeaway Pizzas (Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s)
Pizzas from the large takeaway chains usually have lengthy ingredient lists. The dough and sauces usually embody issues like:
- Dough improvers
- Emulsifiers
- Stabilizers
- Added sugars
- Refined vegetable oils
All of those make them extra processed and fewer very best if you happen to’re attempting to eat a much less ultra-processed weight loss plan.
Frozen Grocery store Pizzas
Frozen pizzas can differ quite a bit. Some are comparatively easy, for instance, Tesco’s Stonebaked Margherita sticks to fundamental elements. Others, like Goodfella’s or The Gymnasium Kitchen, embody extras resembling added fibres, protein concentrates, and a number of kinds of oils.
There are additionally mid-range choices like Dr. Oetker’s Ristorante or ASDA’s OMV Roasted Veg & Houmous, which strike a steadiness between easy and engineered, however these nonetheless usually use refined oils and stabilisers.
Artisan Pizzerias
Unbiased pizzerias, like Rudy’s Pizza within the UK, are likely to maintain issues a lot easier and extra conventional. Their dough, for instance, is simply: flour, water, yeast and salt.
Toppings are top quality too: San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, Grana Padano, and a drizzle of additional virgin olive oil.
However “easier” doesn’t essentially imply more healthy. Artisan pizzas can nonetheless be excessive in energy, fats, and salt, particularly with a lot of cheese or meat toppings.
Extremely-Processed vs Minimally Processed
Most frozen grocery store pizzas and chain takeaway pizzas could be thought-about ultra-processed due to components like emulsifiers, stabilisers, and modified starches, plus refined oils and processed meats.
Artisan pizzas, against this, are often much less processed, however that doesn’t robotically make them low in energy or salt.
Ingredient Comparability Desk
Right here’s how the elements stack up throughout various kinds of pizzas:
| Model & product | Full elements |
|---|---|
| Pizza Hut – Margherita, Particular person Skinny base (Restaurant) | Particular person Skinny dough: Wheat Flour, Water, Yeast: (Bakers Yeast, Rehydrating Agent; E491), Salt, Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Ascorbic Acid e300. Seasoned Tomato Sauce: Tomato Focus (Tomato Paste, Citric Acid), Sugar (White), Sugar, Herbs (Oregano, Basil, Marjoram, Thyme), Maltodextrin, Salt, Yeast Extract, Rapeseed Oil, Thickener (Guar Gum), Anti-Caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide). Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurised Milk, Salt, Lactic Cultures), Potato Starch. |
| Domino’s UK – Cheese & Tomato (Takeaway/supply) | Domino’s Pizza Base (Traditional): Wheat Flour (WHEAT Flour, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Rapeseed Oil, Cornmeal, Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Whey Powder (MILK), Flour Improvers (Ascorbic Acid (E300), L-cysteine Hydrochloride (E920), Emulsifier (E481)). Tomato Sauce: (Tomato paste, Water, Salt, Sugar, Garlic, Oregano, Black Pepper , Basil, Chilli, Peppermint, Acidity Regulatory: Citric Acid) or (Tomatoes, Salt, Sugar, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Basil, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid). Mozzarella Cheese (MILK). |
| Goodfella’s Stonebaked Skinny Margherita Cheese Pizza 334g (frozen) | Wheat Flour, Cheese Mix [28%] [Mozzarella Cheese (Milk), Emmental Cheese (Milk), Red Cheddar Cheese (Milk) [contains Colour: Beta-Carotene) in varying proportions], Water, Tomato Purée, Tomato Paste, Yeast, Rapeseed Oil, Chicory Root Fibre, Cornflour, Salt, Sugar, Basil, Sundried Tomato, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, White Wine Vinegar, Yeast Extract, Tomato Powder, Marjoram, Thyme, Cheese Powder (Milk), Flavouring, Garlic Purée, Rosemary. |
| Dr. Oetker Ristorante Pizza Vegan Margherita Pomodori 340g (frozen) | Substances: WHEAT flour, tomato puree, 11% grated pizza topping based mostly on coconut oil (water, modified potato starch, vegetable oil (coconut), sea salt, color (carotenes), antioxidant (ascorbic acid)), 11% cherry tomatoes, water, vegetable oils (rapeseed, additional virgin olive oil), 6.0% dried marinated tomato items (dried tomatoes, vegetable oil (sunflower), salt, garlic, herbs, acid (citric acid)), basil, yeast, salt, sugar, parsley, garlic, oregano, onions, pepper, roasted onions, paprika, lemon juice. |
| ASDA OMV! Deliciously Vegan Roasted Veg & Houmous Pizza 375g (frozen) | Wheat Flour, Tomato Purée, Marinated Grilled Peppers (13%) [Red Peppers, Yellow Peppers, Sunflower Oil, Sugar, Salt, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Chilli Powder], Water, Spinach (8%), Chickpea Purée (7%) [Chickpeas, Water, Salt, Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid)], Purple Onions (4%), Marinated Semi-Dried Tomatoes (4%) [Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Herbs, Garlic], Rapeseed Oil, Salt, Olive Oil, Yeast, Wheat Starch, Potato Starch, Corn Starch, Spices, Sugar, Dextrose, Garlic, Oregano, Concentrated Lemon Juice. |
| The Gymnasium Kitchen Tandoori Rooster Pizza 230g (frozen) | Tomato Purée (Tomato, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid), Roasted Rooster Breast Diced (16.5%) (Rooster Breast, Dextrose, Salt, Maltodextrin, Maize Starch, Rice Flour, Concentrated Lemon Juice), Wheat Flour, Water, Mozzarella Cheese (8.7%) (Milk, Salt, Starter Cultures, Microbial Rennet, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid), Purple Onion (6.5%), Entire Wheat Flour, Pea Protein Focus, Purple Pepper (4.3%), Yellow Pepper (4.3%), Inexperienced Pepper (4.3%), Wheat Fibre, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Elevating Agent (Diphosphates, Sodium Carbonates, Maize Starch), Modified Maize Starch, Garlic, Wheat Gluten, Paprika, Oregano, Sugar, Onion Powder, Cumin Powder, Cloves, Coriander Powder, Chilli Powder, Ginger Powder. |
In abstract: A fastidiously chosen frozen pizza (ideally a veggie-based one with out too many components) often sits someplace between typical takeaway chain pizzas and artisan pizzerias when it comes to elements.
However remember the fact that many frozen pizzas are nonetheless ultra-processed, so it’s price checking the labels fastidiously.
Energy, Salt & Saturated Fats: How Do They Evaluate?
In relation to vitamin, some pizzas are lighter, whereas others are loaded with energy, salt, and saturated fats, particularly takeaway pizzas from massive chains. The desk beneath exhibits how completely different pizzas examine so you may see the place frozen choices slot in.
Key Takeaways
- Frozen pizzas are sometimes decrease in salt and saturated fats than takeaway and supply pizzas.
- Domino’s Medium Skinny & Crispy Cheese & Tomato has 1,252 kcal and 29.9g saturated fats – already above the each day restrict.
- Pizza Hut Particular person Skinny Margherita (395g) is lighter at 900 kcal and comprises much less salt than Domino’s.
- Grocery store frozen pizzas differ quite a bit. Choices like ASDA OMV Roasted Veg & Houmous and The Gymnasium Kitchen Tandoori Rooster are on the lighter aspect.
- In accordance with the Motion on Salt report, meat-based pizzas are likely to have the very best energy, salt, and saturated fats, whether or not frozen or from a takeaway.
Are There Wholesome Frozen Pizzas Out There?
Frozen pizzas aren’t “wholesome,” however there are lighter, smarter choices if you understand what to search for. Listed below are some UK picks which might be higher selections than most:
Examples price contemplating (frozen):
- ASDA OMV! Roasted Veg & Houmous – veg-heavy, decrease sat fats, ~161 kcal/100g.
- The Gymnasium Kitchen Tandoori Rooster – larger protein, added fibre; nonetheless makes use of refined oils, ~177 kcal/100g.
- Crosta & Mollica 2 Frozen Ortolana Sourdough Pizzas – a great deal of veg; ~194 kcal/100g (two pizzas per pack).
- Iceland MyProtein Rooster Curry – comparable protein profile; ~210 kcal/100g.
- Goodfella’s Vegan Stonebaked Falafel – ~194 kcal/100g; test sat fats and oils.
- Dr. Oetker The Good Baker Vegan Stonebaked Spinach – multigrain base, seeds; ~205 kcal/100g.
For much more concepts, see my information to the lowest-calorie pizzas within the UK.
Fast Suggestions for Selecting a More healthy Frozen Pizza
| What to Look For | Why It Issues |
|---|---|
| Thinner base over deep pan | Thinner bases often imply fewer energy and much less refined carbs, making the pizza a lighter selection. |
| Extra greens, much less cheese | Greens add vitamins and fibre, whereas much less cheese means decrease saturated fats. You may as well add your individual contemporary veg at residence to spice up vitamin. |
| Skip processed meats | Pepperoni, salami, and comparable toppings increase salt and saturated fats rapidly. Select veggie or leaner protein choices as an alternative. |
| Learn the vitamin label | Verify the energy, salt, and saturated fats per pizza so you may make a wiser selection. |
A Higher Different: Make Your Personal Pizza
Certainly one of my favorite methods to get pleasure from pizza with out all the additional salt and saturated fats is to make my very own at residence – and it’s really easy. You don’t have to make the dough from scratch both; I simply purchase a ready-made wholegrain pizza dough from the grocery store or a specialist well being store.
Right here’s how I often make mine:
- Unroll the dough and place it on a calmly olive-oiled baking tray.
- Brush a little bit additional virgin olive oil on high, then unfold over a good-quality passata.
- Add a handful of grated lower-fat cheese or mozzarella.
- High with a lot of contemporary greens — I often go for mushrooms, peppers, and purple onion.
- Sprinkle with oregano (or your favorite herbs) and bake.
This fashion, you management the elements, maintain parts cheap, and find yourself with a pizza that’s larger in fibre and vitamins in comparison with most frozen or takeaway choices.
FAQs About Frozen Pizza and Well being
Is frozen pizza dangerous in your coronary heart or ldl cholesterol?
Not if you happen to eat it sometimes, however many pizzas are excessive in saturated fats and salt, which may increase ldl cholesterol and have an effect on coronary heart well being if eaten too usually.
Is frozen pizza fattening?
It may be, particularly if you happen to eat bigger parts or select cheese-heavy, meat-loaded choices. Sticking to a few slices with an enormous aspect salad will help maintain energy in test.
Is frozen pizza good for weight reduction?
It’s not the perfect meals, however you may make it work if you happen to choose lower-calorie, higher-fibre choices and watch your portion measurement. Including greens on the aspect (or on high) could make it extra filling with out additional energy.
Is frozen pizza okay for diabetics?
Most frozen pizzas use refined flour, so maintain your portion small and steadiness your meal with loads of fibre-rich greens. Additionally, test the sauce – some will be surprisingly excessive in sugar.
Is frozen cauliflower pizza wholesome?
Not robotically. Some are lighter, however many add starches, cheese, and refined oils, so all the time test the vitamin label as an alternative of assuming it’s more healthy.
Is frozen pizza more healthy than Domino’s or restaurant pizza?
In lots of instances, sure. Frozen grocery store pizzas usually have much less salt, much less saturated fats, and fewer energy than typical takeaway pizzas — however it depends upon the model and toppings.
Does frozen pizza have sugar?
Normally, sure – however it’s usually only a small quantity within the tomato sauce. In the event you’re involved, test the elements checklist.
The Backside Line
Frozen pizza has a nasty popularity, however it’s not robotically worse than takeaway or chain-restaurant pizza. Genuine artisan pizzerias are a distinct story – they usually use easier, high-quality elements, however the massive parts can nonetheless push up energy and salt. While you examine the vitamin, frozen choices can typically come out forward.
Actually, many frozen choices are decrease in salt, saturated fats, and energy in comparison with pizzas from the large takeaway chains, particularly if you happen to select easier, veggie-based varieties and maintain your parts in test.
That mentioned, most frozen pizzas are nonetheless ultra-processed, so that they’re finest loved sometimes reasonably than turning into a weekly behavior. If you’d like extra management over what goes in your plate, making your individual pizza at house is the healthiest choice, and actually, it may style even higher.