Kamil Perry
Frozen pizza manufacturers are experiencing increased demand, with sales of private-label frozen pizzas increasing by 16% and dollar sales by 11%. However, consumers are now more health-conscious and interested in gluten-free, vegetable-based, and low-calorie options. As a result, companies are focusing on creating healthier pizzas with gluten-free crusts and vegetable toppings, moving away from the traditional plain cheese pizzas. While plain cheese pizzas are harder to find, they are still available from select companies like DiGiorno, which offers both traditional and innovative topping options.
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What You'll Learn
Demand for healthier frozen pizza options
Frozen pizza is no longer what it used to be. The demand for healthier frozen pizza options has increased due to a growing number of people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or other health-conscious consumers. Manufacturers have responded by offering gluten-free, organic, and natural ingredients. For example, the demand for cauliflower crusts and thin-crust pizzas has risen, as these options are lower in calories and allow consumers to enjoy their favourite toppings without the guilt.
Chicken has also gained popularity as a pizza topping, as it is a lean protein source that is healthier than traditional options like sausage or pepperoni. It is also versatile and can be seasoned in various ways to create unique flavour combinations.
Some companies are now offering frozen pizza dough or assembly-required pizza kits, catering to those who want a more homemade feel. Technological advancements in food freezing and distribution have also played a role in the increased demand for frozen pizzas, making it easier than ever to stock up on these convenient meals.
While frozen pizza has traditionally been associated with unhealthy ingredients and high calories, consumers are now demanding healthier alternatives. Registered dietitians and culinary experts are evaluating frozen pizzas based on their nutritional content, including sodium, sugar, fibre, and protein levels. As a result, manufacturers are creating pizzas with whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins to meet these demands.
Despite the growing trend towards healthier options, there is still a demand for classic cheese pizzas. Some companies, like DiGiorno, offer both traditional and innovative topping options to cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences. While consumers may have to look a little harder, classic cheese pizzas can still be found on store shelves, co-existing with the emerging healthier alternatives.
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Companies are focusing on gluten-free crusts
The demand for classic cheese pizzas still exists, and companies are responding by offering both traditional and innovative topping options. However, there has been a notable shift in the market, with companies focusing on gluten-free crusts to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of a wider range of consumers.
Gluten-free options are becoming increasingly popular, and frozen pizza manufacturers are responding to this trend. Gluten-free crusts are typically made from alternative ingredients such as cauliflower, chickpea, tapioca, or ancient grains like sorghum, teff, amaranth, and quinoa. These crusts provide a healthier alternative to traditional pizza bases, which are often highly processed and loaded with unhealthy additives.
By offering gluten-free options, companies are not only catering to those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease but also attracting health-conscious consumers who view gluten-free products as a healthier choice. Gluten-free crusts can be nutrient-rich, with added protein and fiber, making them a more filling and satisfying option.
However, taste remains a critical factor, and some gluten-free pizzas have received mixed reviews. While some consumers appreciate the potent flavor and chewy texture of gluten-free crusts, others find the taste and texture unappealing. It is a challenge for manufacturers to create gluten-free products that taste just as good as their glutenous counterparts.
Overall, the focus on gluten-free crusts reflects the industry's efforts to meet the diverse needs and preferences of today's consumers. By providing a range of options, including gluten-free choices, frozen pizza companies are adapting to the evolving demands of the market and ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious slice of pizza, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
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Vegetable-based toppings are becoming popular
Consumers are increasingly demanding healthier pizza options, and frozen pizza manufacturers are responding to this demand by offering more vegetable-based toppings. This shift towards vegetable toppings is part of a broader trend in the food industry towards fresh, clean, and healthy ingredients.
Vegetable-based toppings are becoming increasingly popular, with consumers seeking healthy, innovative options that allow them to enjoy their favourite foods with guilt-free pleasure. This trend is not limited to frozen pizzas, but is also prevalent in pizzerias, which are experimenting with various vegetable toppings to cater to their customers' evolving tastes.
Motorino, one of the Big Apple's biggest pizzeria chains, offers a Brussels sprout and pancetta pizza, while Oakland's Pizzaiolo satisfies California's taste for healthy dining with an organic summer squash pizza. Similarly, California Pizza Kitchen offers a vegetarian pie with colourful red and orange bell pepper rings and red onions, combining a healthy and beautiful dish.
Vegetable-based toppings offer a palette of colours and flavours, enhancing the sensory experience of eating pizza. For instance, the combination of red and orange bell peppers with red onions creates an eye-catching dish, while the addition of spinach, red onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and Roma tomatoes in Pizza Hut's Garden Party pizza provides a colourful and nutritious option.
The rising popularity of vegetable-based toppings on pizzas reflects consumers' desire for healthier choices and their willingness to explore new flavours and ingredients. This trend is likely to continue, with produce suppliers supporting this marketing trend and promoting healthy and sustainable food experiences.
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Frozen pizzas are loaded with unhealthy ingredients
Frozen pizzas are a convenient and affordable meal option for many. However, it is important to be aware of the unhealthy ingredients often found in these frozen pies. While not all frozen pizzas are created equal, many are loaded with highly processed meats and cheeses, unhealthy fats, and excessive amounts of sodium. The dough used in frozen pizzas is also typically highly processed and contains unhealthy additives.
One of the main concerns with frozen pizzas is the high level of processing involved. The meats and cheeses used are often highly processed, which can lead to a decrease in nutritional value. Additionally, the dough is usually highly processed and may contain additives that are harmful to health. For example, Titanium Dioxide, a potential carcinogen, has been found in some frozen pizza doughs, purely to whiten it, with little regard for the potential health risks to consumers.
Frozen pizzas are also notorious for their high sodium content. A single serving of frozen pizza can provide a significant amount of your daily recommended sodium intake. Excess sodium intake has been linked to negative health effects, particularly for those with salt sensitivities or cardiovascular concerns.
The calorie content of frozen pizzas is another area of concern. These pizzas are often high in calories, especially when loaded with extra toppings or stuffed crusts. Consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and other health issues. The type of flour used in frozen pizzas, refined wheat flour, is also a factor. It is low in fiber, leading to a less filling pizza, and has been linked to increased belly fat when consumed in high amounts.
While frozen pizzas can be a convenient option, it is important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Eating them in moderation and opting for healthier alternatives, such as gluten-free or vegetable-based options, can help mitigate the potential negative health impacts. However, it is worth noting that some companies, like DiGiorno, still offer classic cheese pizzas alongside their innovative topping options. So, if you're craving a traditional cheese pizza, it may just take a little more effort to find one.
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Consumers want more variety in frozen pizzas
Some consumers are looking for healthier options, such as pizzas with gluten-free crusts or vegetable-based toppings. Others are seeking out pizzas with more exotic cheese blends or unique ingredients. For example, Simple Truth offers an organic goat cheese and beet sauce pizza, while Totino's Pizza Stuffers combine pepperoni, sausage, and cheese.
In addition to variety in toppings, consumers also want variety in crust options. Frozen pizza manufacturers have responded by offering rising crusts, crispy pans, and gluten-free options. DiGiorno, the top-selling frozen pizza brand in the United States, revolutionized the industry in 1995 with its "rising crust" frozen pizzas. Other brands, like Banza, offer plain crusts so that consumers can add their own toppings.
The demand for variety in frozen pizzas is driven by consumer preferences for convenience, affordability, and customization. Frozen pizzas are a quick, delicious, and affordable meal option, and the wide range of choices available allows consumers to find options that suit their dietary needs, taste preferences, and budgets.
While plain cheese pizzas may be becoming less common, consumers ultimately benefit from the increased variety in the frozen pizza aisle as it provides more options to choose from.
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Frequently asked questions
Frozen pizza companies are still making plain cheese pizzas, but you may have to look a little harder than you did in the past. Some companies are focusing on healthy options, such as pizzas with gluten-free crusts or vegetable-based toppings. However, there is still a demand for classic cheese pizzas, and some companies are responding by offering both traditional and innovative topping options.
Examples of frozen pizza companies that offer plain cheese pizzas include Costco, Trader Joe's, DiGiorno, Tombstone, and Red Baron.
Examples of frozen pizza companies that offer innovative topping options include Banza, Simple Truth Organic, and Totino's.
When choosing a frozen pizza, it is important to consider the taste, price, and convenience. Some factors that can affect the taste of a frozen pizza include the type of cheese, the crust, and the sauce. It is also important to read the reviews before purchasing a frozen pizza to ensure that it meets your expectations.
