Unpacking the Sugar Content in Frozen Pizza
The perception of frozen pizza being high in sugar is not entirely unfounded, but the reality is more nuanced. While the sugar content in a typical tomato sauce or standard crust is not excessively high, a significant variance exists across different brands and pizza types. The key is to differentiate between naturally occurring sugars and the added sugars that are a cause for concern.
The Source of Sugar: Where to Look
Sugar in a frozen pizza can come from several components, not just the sauce. Here is a list of where to find it:
- The Sauce: Tomato sauce naturally contains some sugar from the tomatoes themselves. However, many manufacturers add extra sugar, like high fructose corn syrup or sucrose, to balance acidity and enhance flavor. Barbecue chicken pizzas are a prime example of a style where the sauce contributes a large amount of added sugar.
- The Crust: A surprisingly common source of added sugar is the pizza crust. Sugar can aid in fermentation, improve browning, and provide a longer shelf life. Looking for terms like dextrose or corn syrup on the ingredient list can indicate added sugars.
- The Toppings: Processed meats, like cured pepperoni and sausage, can sometimes contain added sugars as part of their curing process. In some specialty pizzas, specific toppings or glazes may also contribute to the total sugar count.
Comparison of Frozen Pizza Sugar Content
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table of the approximate sugar content of various frozen pizza types and serving sizes based on manufacturer data and nutritional information.
| Pizza Type | Serving Size | Approximate Total Sugars (g) | Approximate Added Sugars (g) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Baron Barbecue Chicken | 1/4 Pizza | 21 | N/A | |
| DiGiorno (Average) | 1/6 Pizza | 5 | N/A | |
| Screamin' Sicilian (Cheese) | 1/6 Pizza | 3 | 1 | |
| Amy's Kitchen Thin Crust Margherita | 1/3 Pizza | 4 | 2 | |
| California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken | 1/3 Pizza | 9 | 8 | |
| Banza Four Cheese (Chickpea Crust) | 1/2 Pizza | 3 | 3 | |
| Average Frozen Pizza | 100g | 3.19 | 0.73 |
Note: Sugar content can vary between products within the same brand. Check the nutrition label on the specific pizza you purchase for accurate information.
Why Add Sugar to Frozen Pizza?
Beyond simply sweetening the flavor, sugar serves several practical purposes in processed foods like frozen pizza. These are some of the reasons manufacturers add sugar:
- Taste Enhancer: In tomato-based sauces, sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This creates a more palatable, consistent flavor profile that appeals to a wide consumer base. This is especially true in lower-cost sauces that use cheaper ingredients.
- Crust Development: In dough, sugar provides food for yeast, which in turn aids fermentation and leavening. This helps the crust rise and develop a tender texture. It also promotes browning during baking, creating a desirable golden-brown appearance.
- Preservation: For some sauces and toppings, sugar can act as a natural preservative, extending the product's shelf life. A long shelf life is a crucial factor for a commercially viable frozen product.
- Counterbalancing Salt: Frozen pizzas are also notoriously high in sodium. Sugar is sometimes used to balance the flavor profile and reduce the perception of excessive saltiness, making the final product more appealing to consumers.
How to Choose a Low-Sugar Frozen Pizza
For those who want to enjoy frozen pizza while managing their sugar intake, mindful shopping is key. Here are some strategies to find healthier options:
- Read the Nutrition Label: Always check the 'Total Sugars' and 'Added Sugars' lines. The 'Added Sugars' line, in particular, will give you a clear picture of the sugar that is not naturally occurring. As a general guideline, aim for brands with 5 grams or less of total sugars per serving.
- Inspect the Ingredient List: The ingredient list is another valuable resource. Ingredients are listed in order of predominance, so if you see words like 'sugar', 'corn syrup', or 'dextrose' near the top of the list, that pizza likely contains a lot of added sugar.
- Choose Healthier Styles: Opt for simpler pizzas, like a standard cheese or Margherita, which tend to have less sugar than more complex options. Barbecue chicken pizzas, for instance, are often loaded with sugary sauce and should be approached with caution.
- Consider Alternative Crusts: Some brands offer alternative crusts, such as cauliflower or chickpea-based options, that often result in a lower-carb and lower-sugar profile.
- Look for 'No Added Sugar': Certain health-focused brands specifically market their products as having no added sugar. Amy's and Whole Foods' store brands are good places to start looking for these options.
The Takeaway
Ultimately, whether frozen pizza is high in sugar depends on the specific product. By becoming a savvy label reader and being aware of where sugar hides, you can make smarter choices without having to give up pizza entirely. Healthier alternatives are readily available, but consumers must be diligent in their selections.
For further reading on how to find healthier frozen pizza, check out this guide from The Daily Herald: Want a healthier frozen pizza? Here’s what to look for.
