Nutrition Analysis: Is DiGiorno Frozen Pizza Healthy?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With many supermarket frozen pizzas containing high levels of unhealthy fats and excessive sodium, a common question arises: is DiGiorno frozen pizza healthy? The nutritional profile of this convenient meal, like many others in its category, reveals significant factors to consider beyond just the ease of preparation.

Quick Summary

DiGiorno frozen pizza, particularly varieties with thicker or stuffed crusts, is generally high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. Its health impact depends on mindful consumption, ingredient awareness, and overall dietary balance.

Key Points

High in Sodium: Many DiGiorno varieties, especially with processed meats, contain a high percentage of the daily recommended sodium intake per serving.
High in Saturated Fat: The generous cheese and processed meats contribute to high saturated fat levels, potentially raising cholesterol.
Uses Refined Flour: Crusts are typically made from refined wheat flour, which is low in fiber and can cause blood sugar spikes.
Contains Additives: Certain variants may contain preservatives and flavor enhancers, like BHA and BHT, of concern to some consumers.
Portion Control is Key: Due to high calorie density, mindful portioning and pairing with nutrient-dense sides like a salad can help balance the meal.
Better Alternatives Exist: Healthier frozen pizza options are available with crusts made from whole grains, cauliflower, or chickpeas.

Understanding the Nutritional Realities of DiGiorno Pizza

While undeniably convenient, a close inspection of DiGiorno frozen pizza’s nutrition label reveals why it is not typically considered a healthy staple. The nutritional content can vary depending on the crust type and toppings, but common threads include high levels of sodium, saturated fats, and calories from refined carbohydrates. For instance, a single serving of a personal-sized DiGiorno pizza can contain well over 1,000 milligrams of sodium, a significant portion of the daily recommended limit. This and other factors make it important to approach this and other highly processed convenience foods with awareness and moderation.

The Salt Overload

One of the most significant concerns is the high sodium content. The primary sources of sodium in DiGiorno pizza are the processed ingredients, including cured meats like pepperoni and sausage, as well as the cheese and sauce. A single serving, which is often much smaller than a person typically eats, can contain hundreds of milligrams of sodium. For individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or a family history of heart disease, this can be especially risky. Regular, excessive sodium intake can increase blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Even opting for thinner crusts or veggie toppings may not significantly reduce the sodium load.

Saturated Fats and Refined Carbs

Many DiGiorno pizza varieties contain high levels of saturated fat, primarily from cheese and processed meats. Some specialty crusts, like the croissant crust, add even more fat. High intake of saturated fat can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the crust is often made from refined wheat flour, which lacks the fiber of whole grains. Refined carbohydrates are quickly digested, causing blood sugar spikes and offering little long-term satiety. This can lead to overeating and is particularly problematic for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

The Impact of Processed Ingredients and Additives

Beyond the macronutrients, the highly processed nature of DiGiorno pizza raises questions about its overall health impact. The ingredients list for varieties like the Pepperoni Rising Crust pizza reveals several additives. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has noted that some DiGiorno products contain controversial additives like BHA and BHT, preservatives that are of higher concern to some consumers. Other processed ingredients include sugar, various oils, and flavoring agents. The overall processing and chemical additives contribute to the product's long shelf life but detract from its healthfulness compared to fresh, whole-food options.

Common Processed Ingredients and Additives to Note:

Refined Wheat Flour: Low in fiber and can spike blood sugar.
Processed Meats: Pepperoni and sausage often contain sodium nitrite, BHA, and BHT.
Added Sugars: Dextrose and other sweeteners are frequently used in the sauce and crust.
Emulsifiers and Preservatives: Ingredients like DATEM and Citric Acid are used for texture and shelf life.
Vegetable Oils: Often a blend of soybean and/or corn oil, which contribute to the fat content.

How to Approach DiGiorno for Better Health

If you do choose to enjoy DiGiorno pizza, responsible consumption is key to mitigating its negative health aspects. Making thoughtful adjustments can help balance the meal and incorporate it into a healthy diet plan.

Tips for Healthier Consumption:

Stick to Thinner Crusts: Varieties like the Thin Crust have lower calorie and carb counts than rising or stuffed crusts.
Load Up on Veggies: Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Pair with a Side Salad: Serve your pizza with a large, fresh side salad dressed with vinaigrette. This adds volume, fiber, and healthy fats, promoting a feeling of fullness and better nutrient balance.
Practice Portion Control: Pay attention to the serving size on the box and aim for just one or two slices. Avoid eating the entire pizza in a single sitting.
Limit Frequency: Reserve DiGiorno as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal to prevent a consistent intake of high sodium and saturated fat.

Comparison: DiGiorno vs. a Healthier Alternative

To put DiGiorno's nutritional profile into perspective, here is a comparison with a healthier, chickpea-crust alternative like Banza, which provides more protein and fiber with less sodium and saturated fat.


Nutritional Aspect	DiGiorno Hand-Tossed Personal Pepperoni (1 Pizza)	Banza Four Cheese Pizza (1 Pizza)
Calories	740 kcal	360 kcal
Total Fat	32g	14g
Saturated Fat	14g (70% DV)	5g (25% DV)
Sodium	1460mg (63% DV)	730mg
Total Carbohydrate	84g (31% DV)	26g
Dietary Fiber	4g (14% DV)	17g
Protein	28g (30% DV)	33g

Conclusion

So, is DiGiorno frozen pizza healthy? The short answer is no, not in the traditional sense of a nutrient-dense, whole-foods meal. Its high calorie density, along with significant levels of sodium, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates, makes it a less-than-ideal choice for regular consumption. The presence of processed meats and additives in some varieties also warrants consideration. However, this does not mean it must be avoided entirely. By practicing portion control, choosing thinner crust options, and supplementing your meal with fresh vegetables, you can incorporate it as an occasional treat. For those seeking genuinely healthier or more frequent frozen pizza options, brands with whole-grain, cauliflower, or chickpea crusts offer significantly better nutritional profiles. Ultimately, understanding its limitations empowers you to make smarter dietary choices. You can explore more about food additives and product ingredients at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among DiGiorno's offerings, thinner crusts like the Thin & Crispy or Classic Crust are generally healthier options. They contain fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to thicker or stuffed crust varieties.

DiGiorno can be eaten in moderation on a diet, but it should be an occasional treat rather than a regular meal. Focus on smaller portion sizes, and pair it with a fresh, nutrient-rich side salad to balance the meal.

You can mitigate high sodium by choosing varieties with fewer processed meat toppings, opting for thinner crusts, and adding low-sodium fresh toppings like vegetables. You can also make a balanced meal by pairing a small slice with fresh, low-sodium foods.

Adding vegetables to a DiGiorno pizza improves its nutrient and fiber content, but it does not fully negate the pizza's high sodium, saturated fat, and refined carb content. It is a good strategy for improving the nutritional profile, but mindful eating remains important.

Healthier alternatives include frozen pizzas with cauliflower, chickpea, or whole-grain crusts, such as those from brands like Banza, Outer Aisle, or Amy's. You can also prepare homemade pizza to control ingredients entirely.

High sodium intake is a concern because it is directly linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Frozen pizza often contains high levels of salt in the crust, sauce, and toppings.

The serving size on the box varies by product but is often a fraction of the pizza, such as 1/5 or 1/6. Many people consume more than one serving in a sitting, leading to a much higher intake of calories, sodium, and fat than the label suggests.