DiGiorno and Motor City Pizza Company share the lead in grocery staples, with both frequently recommended for frozen pizza. For fruit spreads, Bonne Maman is the usual answer.
Since July, Bonne Mamanrising has become the go-to recommendation for jam, while Home Run Innrising and Trader Joe'srising have become regular options for pizza and frozen meals.
Latest insights
Weeks of Sep 21 – Oct 8, 2026
DiGiorno Gaining: DiGiorno moved up 5 places to rank #1 of 100 in Grocery Food Staples and Condiments
Screamin' Sicilian Gaining: Screamin' Sicilian ranked #5 in Grocery Food Staples and Condiments last week and #2 this week
Home Run Inn Slipping: Home Run Inn ranked #7 in Grocery Food Staples and Condiments last week and #8 this week
Rao's Homemade Gaining: Rao's Homemade now leads Red Baron in Grocery Food Staples and Condiments, #5 to #6
Bonne Maman Slipping: Bonne Maman now ranks #7 in Grocery Food Staples and Condiments, down from #4
5% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. seriouseats.com, shopping.yahoo.com, reddit.com are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
If I had to pick the best frozen pizza overall, I'd start with Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese for a dependable, cheesy, crowd-pleasing pizza. But if you're chasing something closer to a restaurant-quality pie, there are a couple of contenders worth trying.
The best choice depends on whether you want a classic supermarket pizza, a crispy thin crust, or a more upscale, wood-fired style. Here's what recent taste tests recommend.
The best frozen pizzas to buy
1. Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizza
(Best overall)
A well-balanced combination of savory tomato sauce, melty cheese, and a crust that's neither too thick nor too thin. A great everyday choice.
Which frozen pizzas are considered the highest quality?
Google AI Mode· Oct 13, 2026
When food critics, taste tests (like The New York Times Wirecutter and The Takeout ), and consumers weigh in on "high-quality" frozen pizza, they generally look for a few markers: real cheese (not imitation shreds), vibrant tomato sauce that isn’t overly sugary, and a crust that bakes up crispy rather than like cardboard or a sponge.
The frozen pizzas widely considered the highest quality across different styles include:
To help narrow down the best option for your next pizza night, tell me:
A generous, cheese-heavy pizza with stretchy cheese and flavorful sauce. It can be too rich for people who prefer a lighter cheese-to-sauce ratio.
Best for: extra cheese and an indulgent meal.
My verdict
Best all-around: Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese
Best premium option: Wegmans Wood-Fired Margherita
Best thin crust: Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita
Best for cheese lovers: Screamin' Sicilian Bessie's Revenge
One trick that makes almost any frozen pizza better: preheat the oven fully, follow the package instructions, and check the pizza toward the early end of the recommended cooking time so the crust crisps without drying out.
One question: What kind of frozen pizza do you usually like?
Finding the "best" frozen pizza really depends on what style of crust and flavor profile you’re craving—whether it’s a nostalgic bready delivery-style pie, a crispy tavern crust, or a heavy-duty Detroit pan pizza.
The Detroit-Style Heavyweight:Motor City Pizza Co. (Four Cheese or Pepperoni) is a massive crowd-pleaser. It features a thick, focaccia-like pan crust with a caramelized, crispy cheese-and-butter edge that bakes up remarkably well in its own tray.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/)
The Gourmet/Sourdough Pick:Di Fara (Classic or Pepperoni) delivers a high-end, sourdough-style crisp crust with a bright, vibrant tomato sauce and stretchy, high-quality cheese that punches way above standard grocery store fare.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/)
Based on recent blind taste tests, grocery-store customer ratings, and value, a few frozen pizzas stand out. Rao’s Homemade is a strong pick for premium flavor, while DiGiorno, Home Run Inn, and Red Baron are excellent options for everyday pizza. Different taste tests favor different crusts and cheese styles, so there isn't one universal winner.
Best frozen pizzas to try
1. Rao’s Homemade Five Cheese Brick Oven Pizza
(Best premium pick)
A flavorful tomato sauce, five-cheese topping, and a crust that's crisp outside but still doughy inside. The Kitchn named it the winner of its 2026 cheese-pizza taste test.
Typical positioning: premium-priced
2. DiGiorno Classic Crust Cheese Pizza
(Best all-around classic)
A sturdy crust, satisfying cheese pull, and familiar pizza-shop flavor. It won The Washington Post's blind taste test of 11 supermarket cheese pizzas.
Typical positioning: mid-range
3. Home Run Inn Classic Crust Cheese Pizza
A Chicago tavern-style option with a substantial crust and rich cheese flavor. It also has a strong customer rating at Walmart, making it worth considering if you prefer a heartier pie.
Walmart listing: about $6.98; 4.8/5 from 6,503 reviews at the time of lookup.
4. Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizza
(Best budget-friendly cheese pizza)
Reliable, nostalgic frozen-pizza flavor with a crisp classic crust. Yahoo's 2026 staff taste test named it the best cheese pizza overall.
Walmart listing: about $4.82; 4.6/5 from 8,707 reviews.
5. Screamin’ Sicilian Bessie’s Revenge
Best for cheese lovers. Loaded with shredded and sliced mozzarella on a buttery, pizzeria-style crust. A good option if you like generous toppings and a richer bite.
Walmart listing: about $6.97; 4.5/5 from 1,045 reviews.
6. California Pizza Kitchen Margherita Thin Crust Pizza
Best lighter, more Mediterranean-style option. Thin, crispy crust with tomato, basil, and mozzarella flavors rather than a thick, heavy base.
Walmart listing: about $7.86; 4.5/5 from 3,281 reviews.
Quick shopping shortlist
These are the actual Walmart listings I found, with current-at-lookup prices and customer ratings.
Home Run Inn Classic Crust Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce, 2…
Prices and ratings can change by store and location.
My recommendation: Start with Rao’s if flavor is your priority, DiGiorno for a classic oven-baked pizza, or Red Baron if you want something tasty without spending much.
One tip: bake the pizza directly on the oven rack if the package allows it. That usually produces a crispier bottom than baking it on a cold pan.
Recent taste tests and expert food reviews from publications like The Kitchn, Wirecutter, Serious Eats , and Yahoo Food highlight several standout frozen pizza brands that consistently rank at the top for crust, sauce quality, and overall flavor:
Motor City Pizza Co. (Detroit-Style Deep Dish): A massive favorite for pan-pizza fans. It features a thick, pillowy, focaccia-like square crust with a caramelized cheese/garlic butter edge and generous, well-spiced toppings.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/)[[2]()]()
If you’re looking for the highest-quality frozen pizzas—not just the cheapest or most popular ones—the strongest choices tend to be pizzas with flavorful tomato sauce, well-melted cheese, and a crust that turns crisp rather than soggy.
I compared recent blind taste tests and food-publication reviews. One important finding: there isn't a universal winner. Premium, restaurant-style pizzas and classic supermarket pizzas often excel in different ways.
The frozen pizzas I'd put at the top of the list
1. Rao’s Made for Home
(Best premium pick)
Excellent choice for a more upscale frozen pizza. Recent taste-test coverage praises its balanced tomato sauce and crust, while chefs have highlighted its well-rounded flavor.
For a pasta sauce that’s low in sodium and has no added sugar, I’d look for a tomato-based marinara with no salt added, or a no-salt-added tomato sauce that you can season yourself.
One important distinction: tomatoes naturally contain some sugar, so you don’t necessarily need a sauce with zero total sugar. Look for “No Added Sugars” and check the sodium per serving.
Here’s what I’d prioritize when comparing labels:
Sodium: Ideally 35–70 mg or less per ½ cup, if available.
Added sugars: 0 g.
Ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, oregano, and other herbs rather than added salt or sweeteners.
My top picks
1. Yo Mama’s Original Marinara
(Best overall to check first)
No added sugar
Reported at about 130 mg sodium per serving
Traditional tomato, garlic, onion and basil flavor
Don't assume a sauce labeled “No Sugar Added” is also low in sodium. For example, Prego No Sugar Added Traditional has 480 mg sodium per ½ cup, according to the manufacturer's nutrition information.
My recommendation: Start with Yo Mama’s Original Marinara if you want a ready-to-use pasta sauce. If you need to keep sodium especially low, compare its current label with the Silver Palate option.
Would you prefer a sauce you can buy at Walmart, Aldi, or a regular grocery store near you? I can narrow it down to the easiest options to find.
Finding a jarred pasta sauce that is both low in sodium and completely free of added sugar can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but there are a few standout commercial options available, as well as a very simple DIY route.
Widely praised by taste tests (like Consumer Reports ), this option keeps sodium low at around 115 mg to 140 mg per half-cup serving and has zero added sugar.
Another top-rated classic that relies strictly on whole Italian tomatoes, olive oil, and basil with no added sugar and roughly 120 mg of sodium per serving.
If you want to drop the salt entirely, Bove's offers a completely sodium-free and sugar-free artisan marinara made from plum tomatoes, garlic, and onions.[1][2]
Would you like a quick 20-minute homemade recipe for a zero-added-sugar, low-sodium marinara using canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, or would you prefer help finding where to buy one of these specific brands near you?
Can you recommend some pasta sauces that are free of added sugar and contain very little salt?
Finding store-bought pasta sauces that skip both added sugar and excess sodium can be a bit of a treasure hunt, since manufacturers often use salt and sugar as flavor enhancers for canned tomatoes. However, several brands specifically cater to low-sodium and no-sugar-added diets:
The Silver Palate Low Sodium Marinara or Tomato Basil : Widely regarded as one of the best-tasting low-sodium jarred sauces. It features no added sugar, no tomato paste, and comes in around 1 3 0 m g of sodium per serving.
Bove's Sodium Free Marinara Pasta Sauce : Completely sodium-free (0 added salt) and contains no added sugar, preservatives, or GMOs. It relies strictly on slow-simmered plum tomatoes, garlic, and onions for flavor.
Yo Mama's Foods Low-Sodium Marinara : They offer dedicated low-sodium variations of their classic, slow-cooked marinara that have zero added sugar and a very clean ingredient list.
Muir Glen Organic No Salt Added Tomato Sauce / Pasta Sauces: While technically a basic tomato or pasta sauce base, their "No Salt Added" line has no added sugar and lets the natural sweetness and organic herbs do the work with a fraction of the sodium.[1][2][3]
If you'd like, I can help you find where these brands are stocked locally or share a quick 5-ingredient homemade recipe that gives you total control over the salt and sugar levels.
If you’re in the Ashburn, VA area, you have several good options for healthy frozen or heat-and-eat meals:
Whole Foods Market — 19800 Belmont Chase Dr. A strong choice for health-focused frozen meals; Whole Foods carries options from brands such as Amy’s, including low-sodium and vegetable-forward meals.
Trader Joe's — 44755 Brimfield Dr. Great for affordable frozen entrees, vegetables, seafood, and convenient meal components. Recent dietitian recommendations specifically highlight items such as salmon burgers, edamame, riced cauliflower stir-fry, and chicken burrito bowls.
Wegmans — 101 Crosstrail Blvd., Leesburg. Its frozen department has a broad selection, and the store also offers prepared foods if you want something fresher than frozen.
Sprouts Farmers Market — 1021 Edwards Ferry Rd., Leesburg. Particularly good for organic/natural, gluten-free, vegan, and ingredient-conscious frozen options.
Meal Dealers LLC — Sterling. If you're looking for healthy prepared meals rather than supermarket frozen dinners, this local meal-prep service emphasizes lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and controlled portions.
What I'd look for: ~20–30g protein, ≥5g fiber, moderate sodium (ideally <700mg), and a recognizable protein + vegetable + whole-grain/legume combination. Frozen vegetables or edamame can also turn a smaller frozen entrée into a much more balanced meal.
If you tell me your calorie target (e.g. 300–400, 500–600) and whether you prefer high-protein, low-carb, vegetarian, or low-sodium, I can find 5–10 specific frozen meals available nearby and compare their nutrition.
You can find healthy frozen meals at major grocery store chains, specialty health food markets, and direct-to-consumer online delivery services.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Traditional grocery chains carry large selections of dietitian-approved and calorie-conscious frozen brands. Look for lines like Healthy Choice (Power Bowls and Simply Steamers), Amy's Kitchen (organic vegetarian options), Lean Cuisine , and evol.
Trader Joe's : Known for affordable, globally inspired healthy frozen meals like riced cauliflower bowls, various grilled chicken options, and vegetable-heavy stir-fries.
Whole Foods Market : Offers premium and organic selections, including brands like Kashi, Caviette , and their brand organic meals focusing on clean ingredients and non-GMO sourcing.
I'm looking for nutritious options in the frozen food aisle. What are some healthy frozen meals?
Can you recommend some healthy frozen meals I can buy?
DiGiorno (Rising Crust / Stuffed Crust): The gold standard for classic, delivery-style "takeout" pizza. Reviewers and consumers consistently praise its high-performing bready rising crust and heavy-hitting cheese-stuffed crust variations.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/)
Newman’s Own (Stone-Fired Margherita / Thin & Crispy): Praised for tasting shockingly upscale for a freezer aisle pie. It features a great cracker-thin or stone-fired crust with bright, fresh-tasting tomato flavor and quality cheese.[](https://www.thekitchn.com/best-frozen-pizza-brand-23076679)
Roberta’s (Frozen Margherita / Thin Crust): Bringing a slice of famous pizzeria quality to the freezer section, Roberta's scores high for authentic Neapolitan flavor, featuring a legitimate chewy sourdough crust, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil.[](https://shopping.yahoo.com/home/kitchen/article/best-frozen-pizza-194034495.html)
Red Baron (Classic Crust Four Cheese): A top pick for budget-friendly, nostalgic comfort. It earns high overall scores for consistency, a reliable crunch, and a savory cheese blend that hits the spot without breaking the bank.
If you'd like, let me know:
What style of crust you prefer (thin and crispy, thick rising, or deep dish/pan)
Whether you are looking for classic cheese/pepperoni or specialty/gourmet toppings
Any dietary preferences (gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan)
Best for: people who prioritize sauce quality and a pizzeria-style experience.
2. Wegmans Italian Classics Wood-Fired Crust Margherita
(Best margherita)
A standout in Serious Eats’ blind test of 28 frozen pizzas. Testers liked its Neapolitan-style crust and fresh mozzarella. It was also praised for its value.
Best for: a lighter, more Italian-inspired pizza with a good crust.
3. Table 87 Coal-Fired Margherita
Another top performer in the Serious Eats blind test. Its thin, crisp, coal-fired-style crust makes it especially appealing if you prefer a toasted, less doughy base.
Best for: thin-crust fans who want a more artisan-style pizza.
4. 365 by Whole Foods Market Thin Crust Four Cheese
A high-quality supermarket option with a homemade-looking crust and tomato-forward sauce. It placed second in The Washington Post’s blind test of 11 popular frozen cheese pizzas.
Best for: good ingredients and a refined thin-crust cheese pizza.
5. DiGiorno Classic Crust Cheese
The winner of The Washington Post’s blind taste test. Its strengths were a sturdy, pleasantly chewy crust, balanced sauce, and cheese that melted well.
Best for: a reliable, widely available supermarket pizza.
6. Home Run Inn Classic Crust Cheese
A strong option for Chicago tavern-style pizza, with a substantial crust and a traditional cheese-and-tomato profile. It also has excellent customer ratings, although those are not the same as a blind taste-test result.
Best for: a heartier, classic American pizza.
7. Screamin’ Sicilian Bessie’s Revenge
A cheese-lover’s choice with whole-milk mozzarella and a generous topping of cheese. Food & Wine singled it out for its fresh, whole-milk mozzarella, and the brand's pizzas tend to emphasize substantial toppings.
Best for: a richer, extra-cheesy pizza.
How I'd choose
If you want…
My pick
Best upscale experience
Rao’s
Best artisan-style margherita
Wegmans or Table 87
Best thin-crust cheese pizza
365 by Whole Foods
Best dependable mainstream option
DiGiorno
Best hearty, tavern-style pie
Home Run Inn
Most indulgent cheese topping
Screamin’ Sicilian
My recommendation
I'd start with Rao’s, Wegmans Wood-Fired Margherita, and Home Run Inn if your goal is to find the best-tasting frozen pizza rather than simply a familiar brand. Add DiGiorno if you want a more affordable, widely available alternative.
For the best results, follow the package directions and, if permitted, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone or steel for a crisper bottom.
One question: What kind of frozen pizza do you usually prefer?
Yes. I looked specifically for 0 g added sugar and very low sodium, rather than just “healthy” pasta sauces. A useful benchmark is ≤140 mg sodium per serving; that’s the FDA definition of “low sodium.”
My top picks
Sauce
Sodium
Added sugar
My take
Yo Mama’s Original Marinara
130 mg / ½ cup
0 g
⭐ Best overall
Victoria Low Sodium Marinara
120 mg / ½ cup
0 g
⭐ Excellent classic marinara
Hoboken Farms Low Sodium Marinara
125 mg / ½ cup
0 g
⭐ Great simple-ingredient option
Paesana Low Sodium Marinara
125 mg / ½ cup
0 g
Excellent low-salt choice
Dave’s Gourmet Organic Simply Red
135 mg / ½ cup
0 g
Good organic option
Sal & Judy’s Heart Smart Marinara
115 mg / ½ cup
0 g
Particularly impressive sodium level
These figures come from the Center for Science in the Public Interest's comparison of pasta sauces, which specifically selected “Best Bites” as sauces with no added sugar and ≤250 mg sodium, with several of these products substantially below that threshold. www.cspi.org Ochsner Health's 2026 nutrition review independently lists Sal & Judy's at 115 mg sodium and 0 g added sugar.
Rao's regular Marinara is not a good choice if very little salt is your priority. It has 0 g added sugar, but 420 mg sodium per ½ cup.
Rao's Sensitive is much better from a sodium standpoint and has no added sugar, so it's worth considering if you like Rao's flavor.
If you want the absolute lowest sodium, you can also skip jarred marinara and start with a no-salt-added tomato sauce such as Muir Glen or Hunt's, then add your own garlic, basil, oregano, pepper and olive oil. Muir Glen's no-salt-added sauce is available at roughly 20 mg sodium per serving according to the current product listing.
My recommendation: For a ready-to-eat marinara, I'd start with Yo Mama's or Sal & Judy's. Both hit the sweet spot of 0 added sugar + ~115–130 mg sodium, which is unusually good for a prepared pasta sauce.
If you'd like, I can also find 5–10 options available at Walmart, Target, Costco, or Amazon and compare their current prices.
Target & Walmart : Stock large frozen health sections carrying mainstream macro-friendly brands, gluten-free choices, and plant-based meals at budget-friendly price points.
Direct-to-Consumer Delivery Services
If you prefer home delivery without walking down grocery aisles, several brands ship chef-prepared, macro-balanced frozen meals directly to your door:
Clean Eatz Kitchen : Provides subscription-free options like their Value Meal Plan (around $85 for 12 meals) and High Protein Meal Plan (around $63 for 6 meals) featuring controlled calories and clean ingredients.
ModifyHealth : Specializes in medically tailored, low-FODMAP, and gluten-free frozen meal delivery options.
MegaFit Meals : Focuses on athlete- and macro-focused frozen meals with whole-food ingredients delivered nationwide.[1][2]
What to Look For on Nutrition Labels
To ensure a frozen meal is truly healthy, check the back of the package for these common benchmarks:
Sodium : Keep it under 600mg per meal (ideally under 500mg), as frozen foods frequently use salt as a preservative.
Protein : Aim for at least 15g to 20g+ of protein to keep you full.
Fiber : Look for meals containing at least 4g to 5g of fiber from whole grains, beans, or vegetables.
Ingredients : Prioritize options where real vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains appear first in the ingredient list rather than chemical additives or excessive oils.
If you'd like, let me know:
Your dietary preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein)
Whether you prefer shopping in-store or ordering online
I can tailor specific brand and meal recommendations to your exact needs.
