What are the healthiest store-bought pizzas?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one source, Americans consume billions of frozen pizza slices annually, highlighting the need for healthier, more conscious food choices. Figuring out what are the healthiest store-bought pizzas can seem challenging, but by understanding a few key nutritional indicators, you can still enjoy a slice while staying on track with your diet goals.

Quick Summary

Compare the most nutritious frozen pizzas on the market. Learn how to read labels for lower sodium, saturated fat, and sugar, and discover better-for-you crust and topping options.

Key Points

Read the nutrition label carefully: Pay attention to serving size, sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars to make informed choices.
Choose healthier crust options: Opt for thin crusts or alternatives made from cauliflower, chickpeas, or whole grains to increase fiber and reduce carbs.
Prioritize vegetable toppings: Look for pizzas with abundant vegetable toppings, or add your own, for a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Select lean protein options: Choose pizzas with lean proteins like chicken or go meatless to avoid the high sodium and saturated fat of processed meats.
Enhance frozen pizzas at home: Add fresh vegetables, lean meats, or a side salad to a store-bought pizza to improve its nutritional balance and make it more filling.
Balance portion sizes: Be mindful of how many slices you eat, as even healthy options can accumulate calories and sodium quickly.

Navigating the Pizza Aisle: What to Look For

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. The nutritional quality can vary dramatically between brands, with some options being far better than others for your health. Making a smart choice involves looking past the appealing box art and examining the details that matter most to your diet.

Reading the Nutrition Facts Label

Your first stop in finding a healthier frozen pizza is the nutrition facts panel. This is where you can quickly compare products and identify potential red flags.

Serving Size: Always check the serving size first. Many labels show nutrition for a single slice, but a serving might be a third or half of the pizza. Don't be fooled by low-calorie figures that represent an unrealistic portion.
Saturated Fat: Aim for pizzas that are lower in saturated fat, keeping your intake below 10% of your daily calories. Opt for those with healthy fats, like those from olive oil.
Sodium: Frozen pizzas are notoriously high in sodium. The FDA recommends an intake below 2,300 milligrams per day. Look for pizzas with less than 600 milligrams per serving or, ideally, below 480 milligrams if you have hypertension.
Added Sugars: Some sauces and crusts contain hidden added sugars. Look for options with 5 grams or less of added sugar per serving.
Fiber: A higher fiber content, often from whole-grain or vegetable-based crusts, will help you feel full and aid digestion. Look for options with at least 4-5 grams of fiber per serving.

The Importance of Crust and Toppings

The foundation and toppings of a pizza are major factors in its nutritional profile. Making smarter choices here can drastically improve your meal.

Healthier Crust Alternatives

Thin Crust: Thin crusts generally have fewer calories and carbs than thick or stuffed crusts.
Cauliflower/Vegetable Crusts: Made from ingredients like cauliflower, these crusts can lower carbs and often add extra fiber and nutrients. Brands like Caulipower and Milton's offer excellent cauliflower-based options.
Chickpea Crusts: Banza's chickpea-based crust is a notable alternative, providing a significant protein and fiber boost.
Whole-Grain or Sourdough: These crusts offer more fiber and nutrients than traditional refined white flour options.

Smart Topping Choices

Focus on Veggies: Load up on vegetable toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, and spinach. They add fiber, vitamins, and minerals with minimal calories.
Choose Leaner Proteins: When opting for meat, choose leaner sources like grilled chicken or uncured pepperoni instead of processed sausages and bacon, which are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Manage the Cheese: While delicious, cheese adds significant saturated fat. Request lighter cheese or look for pizzas that aren't excessively cheesy. For dairy-free diets, brands like Daiya offer plant-based alternatives.

Top Healthier Store-Bought Pizza Picks (2025)

Banza Four Cheese Pizza

This chickpea-based crust offers a massive protein and fiber boost, making it incredibly filling and a great choice for those seeking a gluten-free or high-protein option. A half-pizza serving provides 17 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, though it is higher in calories and sodium than other options on this list, so moderation is key.

Milton's Craft Bakers Cauliflower Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza

Milton's offers a delicious, crispy cauliflower crust topped with roasted vegetables. It's a gluten-free and flavorful choice that provides a solid amount of fiber and protein for a vegetarian pizza.

Vital Pursuit Chicken Mozzarella Pizza

Ideal for portion control and high-protein intake, this individual-sized pizza boasts over 33 grams of protein and 17 grams of fiber per serving. It's also low in carbs and has no added sugar, making it a powerful choice for those with specific macronutrient goals.

Amy's Kitchen Organic Thin Crust Margherita Pizza

Amy's is known for its organic, non-GMO ingredients and thin crust. This pizza is a lower-calorie and lower-sodium option for vegetarians, though its protein count is lower and might require adding extra toppings or a side salad for a more balanced meal.

Trader Joe's Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza

This vegetable-topped pizza is a plant-based, lower-saturated fat option that provides a convenient way to increase your vegetable intake. Its simple, flavorful profile is a favorite among dietitians.

How to Make Any Store-Bought Pizza Healthier

Load up on extra veggies: Add your own fresh or frozen vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach before baking to boost nutrients and fiber.
Add lean protein: Top the pizza with leftover grilled chicken, a fried egg, or lean sausage to increase the protein content, which aids satiety.
Serve with a side salad: Pairing your pizza with a large, fresh side salad is a simple way to increase your vegetable intake and feel fuller faster.
Blot excess oil: For cheese-heavy or meat-topped pizzas, blotting the surface with a paper towel after cooking can remove excess fat.
Mind your portions: Even the healthiest frozen pizza is best enjoyed in moderation. Be mindful of the serving size and don't feel obligated to eat the whole pie.

Comparison of Healthy Frozen Pizza Options


Brand	Product	Crust	Calories (per serving)	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Key Features
Banza	Four Cheese Pizza	Chickpea-based	420 (half pizza)	17	10	High fiber & protein; gluten-free
Vital Pursuit	Chicken Mozzarella Pizza	Thin	370 (whole pizza)	33	17	Portion-controlled; very high protein
Milton's	Roasted Vegetable	Cauliflower-based	230 (quarter pizza)	12	2	Veggie-rich; crispy crust
Amy's Kitchen	Thin Crust Margherita	Thin, organic wheat	280 (third pizza)	10	2	Organic ingredients; lower sodium & calorie option
Trader Joe's	Organic Roasted Vegetable	Traditional	N/A (lower fat)	N/A	N/A	Plant-based; lower saturated fat

Conclusion

By prioritizing products with high-fiber crusts, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables, you can confidently choose what are the healthiest store-bought pizzas on the market. Always read the nutrition label carefully, paying close attention to serving size, sodium, and saturated fat. With a little extra consideration and a few added fresh toppings, you can easily turn a frozen meal into a satisfying and nutritious part of your diet.

For more detailed information on understanding food labels, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest crust options for frozen pizza include thin crusts and those made from alternative bases like cauliflower, chickpeas, or whole grains, as they generally have lower calories and higher fiber content than traditional thick crusts.

Cauliflower crust pizzas can be a healthier alternative, often offering more fiber and fewer carbs than traditional refined flour crusts. However, it's still important to check the nutrition label for sodium and saturated fat content, as this can vary by brand.

To reduce sodium, choose brands labeled as 'low sodium,' opt for vegetarian pizzas over those with processed meats, and compare nutrition labels to find the lowest sodium option. You can also add potassium-rich vegetables to help balance the effects of salt.

Brands like Banza, with its chickpea crust, and Vital Pursuit, known for its portion-controlled high-protein pizzas, offer some of the highest protein content among healthy frozen options.

Yes, building your own pizza on a premade crust gives you the most control over the ingredients. You can add low-sodium sauce, fresh veggies, and lean protein, significantly improving the nutritional value of your meal.

Increase the fiber and protein content by adding more vegetables and a lean protein source like grilled chicken. Serving the pizza with a large side salad is another effective strategy for increasing satiety.

Many frozen pizzas contain industrial additives like BHT, BHA, and emulsifiers. For a cleaner option, look for brands with simple, recognizable ingredient lists and no artificial preservatives.