Is pizza considered processed food? A deep dive into preparation methods

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, any raw agricultural commodity altered from its original state is processed, which technically includes ingredients like flour and cheese. This raises a key question for many: Is pizza considered processed food, or does the level of processing vary depending on where you get it?

Quick Summary

The classification of pizza as processed or ultra-processed depends on its ingredients and preparation. Frozen and fast-food pizzas are typically ultra-processed, while homemade versions with fresh ingredients are minimally processed.

Key Points

Processing Spectrum: The classification of pizza as processed or unprocessed exists on a spectrum, from minimally processed homemade versions to ultra-processed commercial products.
Homemade Advantage: When made from scratch, pizza is minimally processed, giving you control over ingredients like dough, sauce, and toppings.
Frozen and Fast-Food Dangers: Most frozen and fast-food pizzas are ultra-processed, packed with preservatives, additives, and high levels of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Ingredient List is Key: The length and complexity of a product's ingredient list is a good indicator of its processing level—the longer and more unfamiliar, the more processed.
Making Healthier Choices: To reduce processing, opt for a thinner, whole-grain crust, fresh vegetable toppings, and lighter cheese, or make your own pizza at home.
Moderation Matters: Even processed pizza can fit into a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with whole foods.

Understanding the Levels of Food Processing

To determine if pizza is processed, one must first understand what food processing means. The NOVA classification system, widely used by public health experts, categorizes foods into four groups based on their level of processing. This framework provides a clearer picture than a simple binary of 'processed' or 'unprocessed'.

The NOVA Classification System

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods. These are natural foods altered only slightly for preservation or convenience. Examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, roasted nuts, and eggs. A pizza made from scratch with these core, whole ingredients would fall closer to this category.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients. These are substances like oil, sugar, and salt, which are extracted from Group 1 foods. A homemade pizza uses these ingredients, but they are not intended to be eaten alone.
Group 3: Processed Foods. This category includes simple products made by combining foods from the first two groups. Freshly baked bread and cheese are examples. Many traditional, artisan-style pizzas from pizzerias can be classified here.
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products. These are industrial formulations created from many ingredients, including those not typically used in home cooking, such as preservatives, additives, and sweeteners. This is where most frozen and fast-food pizzas land.

The Difference Between Homemade and Commercial Pizza

The processing level of a pizza is almost entirely dependent on its origin. A pizza made at home from fresh ingredients is a world apart from a frozen pie from the supermarket.

Homemade Pizza (Minimally Processed) When you prepare a pizza from scratch, you control every component. The dough is made from flour, water, and yeast; the sauce from crushed tomatoes; and the toppings are fresh vegetables and quality cheese. The preparation involves simple culinary techniques, not industrial processes. The result is a meal that, while still containing processed culinary ingredients like salt and flour, is a far healthier, minimally processed option.

Restaurant and Fast-Food Pizza (Processed to Ultra-Processed) Pizzas from fast-food chains are typically heavily processed. Their ingredients often include highly refined flour, processed meats (like pepperoni and sausage with nitrates), and sauces with added sugars and high sodium levels. These items are designed for convenience, a long shelf life, and mass production, making them ultra-processed foods. Pizzas from traditional pizzerias, on the other hand, can be a middle ground. They might use higher quality, less-processed ingredients, but the overall formulation can still contain processed elements that push it into the 'processed' category.

Frozen Pizza (Ultra-Processed) Perhaps the most obvious example of an ultra-processed pizza is the frozen variety. These products are formulated with multiple additives, preservatives (like BHA and TBHQ), and artificial flavors to ensure they remain palatable after long-term freezing and storage. The ingredient list is often extensive and can include unfamiliar chemical names. As a 2022 article from the Environmental Working Group points out, some frozen pizzas contain chemicals that warrant closer inspection for safety concerns.

A Quick Comparison: Homemade vs. Fast-Food vs. Frozen Pizza


Feature	Homemade Pizza	Fast-Food Pizza	Frozen Pizza
Processing Level	Minimally Processed	Heavily Processed / Ultra-Processed	Ultra-Processed
Ingredients	Fresh, whole ingredients like tomatoes, whole-wheat flour, vegetables	Refined white flour, processed meats, added sugar, high sodium sauce	Preservatives, colorings, stabilizers, modified starches, processed fats
Preparation	Simple cooking techniques at home	Industrial manufacturing processes	Mass production, freezing, and packaging
Additives	Minimal, if any	Common in sauces and processed meat toppings	Extensive use of additives and preservatives
Nutritional Profile	Higher in fiber (with whole-wheat), lower in sodium, fat, and calories	Often high in saturated fat, sodium, and empty carbs	High in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats
Health Impact	Can be part of a healthy diet	Regular consumption linked to weight gain, increased risk of chronic disease	Similar health concerns as fast-food pizza, potential additive issues

How to Make Healthier Pizza Choices

While a pizza can be heavily processed, it does not mean it's off-limits. Making more mindful choices allows you to enjoy it while minimizing potential negative health effects.

Choose a thin, whole-wheat, or cauliflower crust over thick, white-flour crusts to boost fiber and nutrients.
Prioritize vegetable toppings over processed meats like pepperoni and sausage to increase nutrient intake and reduce sodium and saturated fat.
Opt for a lighter hand with the cheese or use a part-skim variety to lower the fat and calorie content.
Make your own sauce from crushed tomatoes and herbs to avoid hidden sugars and excess sodium often found in store-bought versions.
Practice portion control. Enjoying one or two slices with a side salad can create a balanced and nutritious meal.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is pizza considered processed food? Yes, but the term is not a one-size-fits-all label. The degree of processing depends entirely on the ingredients and how it was made. While store-bought frozen and fast-food pizzas are undeniably ultra-processed, a homemade pizza with fresh, whole ingredients can be a healthier, minimally processed meal. Consumers should look beyond the general label and focus on the specifics of each pizza to make an informed choice that best suits their dietary goals. Ultimately, moderation and mindful ingredient selection are key to enjoying pizza as part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed information on ultra-processed foods and their health impacts, you can consult resources like the World Cancer Research Fund, which has highlighted the health risks of highly processed varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pizza can range from minimally processed (homemade) to ultra-processed (frozen or fast-food). The level depends on the quality of ingredients and industrial techniques used during production.

Homemade pizza is typically considered minimally processed. While it uses culinary ingredients like flour and salt, you control the freshness and quality of each component, avoiding the industrial-level processing found in commercial alternatives.

Frozen pizza is classified as ultra-processed because it is manufactured with multiple additives, preservatives, colorings, and fats to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life for long-term storage.

Regular consumption of ultra-processed pizzas has been linked to increased risks of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure due to high levels of calories, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

Yes, a homemade pizza can be a very healthy meal. By using fresh, whole ingredients like whole-wheat crust, a homemade tomato sauce, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables, you can create a nutritious and balanced meal.

Pizza from a traditional pizzeria is generally considered processed food, but typically falls into a lower processing category than fast-food or frozen versions. It often uses higher-quality, less-processed ingredients, but still uses processed culinary items like refined flour and cheese.

The easiest way is to read the ingredient list. Heavily processed pizzas have long lists of ingredients, including artificial additives, preservatives, and chemicals that are not typically found in a home kitchen.