I’ll be honest: frozen pizza has gotten ridiculously good. What used to be a last-resort dinner for broke college students has transformed into a legitimate contender against delivery. After spending three weeks baking, tasting, and ranking 12 of the most popular store-bought frozen pizza ranked brands, I discovered that the gap between freezer pizza and pizzeria quality has never been smaller.
The frozen pizza market is absolutely flooded with options. From budget-friendly classics to premium artisanal pies that cost more than delivery, there’s something for everyone. But here’s the thing: not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Some are absolute game-changers, while others are just expensive cardboard with sauce.
In this taste test, I evaluated each pizza on four critical factors: crust texture and flavor, sauce quality and seasoning, cheese melt and taste, and overall value. Every pizza was cooked according to package instructions in a standard home oven. No pizza stones, no fancy tricks—just straight-up freezer-to-oven results that mimic what you’d actually experience at home.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner wins, a college student on a budget, or someone who just wants reliable freezer staples, this ranking will help you navigate the frozen pizza aisle like a pro. Let’s find out which store-bought frozen pizza ranked brands are actually worth your hard-earned money.
Table of Contents
How We Tested the Pizzas
Before diving into the rankings, let me explain my methodology. I wanted this taste test to reflect real-world conditions, not some idealized kitchen setup. Each pizza was baked at the temperature specified on its packaging, for the exact time recommended. No rotating halfway through, no broiler finishing touches—just follow-the-directions cooking that anyone can replicate.
I evaluated each pizza across four categories, scoring from 1-10 in each:
- Crust (30 points): Texture, crispiness, flavor, and structural integrity. Did it hold up when sliced? Was the bottom actually crispy or just hard? Did the crust have that satisfying chew or was it like eating a cracker?
- Sauce (25 points): Tomato quality, seasoning balance, sweetness level, and overall flavor profile. Was it too acidic? Did it taste like canned paste or something someone actually crafted?
- Cheese (25 points): Melt quality, stretch factor, flavor, and coverage. Did it achieve that cheese pull we all dream about? Was it rubbery or creamy? Did it actually taste like cheese?
- Overall Value (20 points): Price-to-quality ratio. A $5 pizza that tastes good scores higher than a $12 pizza that’s just okay. This category rewards brands that deliver quality without breaking the bank.
Now that you know how I judged them, let’s get into the rankings. We’re counting down from worst to first, so stick around for the top picks that will transform your freezer game.
12 Store-Bought Frozen Pizzas Ranked Worst to Best
12. Totino’s Party Pizza
Look, I get the nostalgia factor. Totino’s has been around forever, and at under $3 per pizza, the price is undeniably attractive. But here’s the honest truth: this is barely pizza. It’s more like a crispy cracker with some cheese-ish substance and tomato-flavored dust scattered on top.
The crust is paper-thin and cooks up harder than a stale tortilla chip. There’s no chew, no breadiness—just snap and crunch. The sauce quantity is minimal, and what’s there tastes primarily of salt and vague tomato essence. The cheese doesn’t so much melt as it congeals into a rubbery sheet that slides off the first time you try to take a bite.
That said, there is a time and place for Totino’s. At 2 a.m. after a long night out, or when you’re feeding a horde of teenagers on a tight budget, these get the job done. They’re more of a salty snack than actual pizza. But if you’re looking for a satisfying meal, you can definitely do better. This is strictly emergency food.
11. Jack’s Original
Jack’s occupies a similar space to Totino’s but with a slightly thicker crust that almost resembles actual pizza dough. Almost. The problem is that the crust is completely flavorless—it’s just a vehicle for the toppings, with no yeastiness or wheat flavor to speak of.
The sauce situation is dire. It’s barely there, spread so thinly that you’re mostly tasting baked dough and cheese. What little sauce exists tastes like it came straight from a can with zero seasoning or herbs. The cheese coverage is spotty at best, creating bald patches that result in hard, dry spots on the crust.
What saves Jack’s from absolute last place is that it’s somewhat filling. At around $4-5, it’s cheap enough that you don’t feel ripped off, and the crust is thick enough to provide some sustenance. But that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement. This is utility pizza—food that prevents hunger but doesn’t provide much enjoyment.
If you grew up on Jack’s, I won’t judge you for keeping it in your rotation. But there are better options at similar price points that will actually make you happy you ate them.
10. Red Baron Classic Crust
Red Baron is where we start edging into actual pizza territory, but it’s still firmly in the “just okay” category. The crust has a decent thickness and some structure, but it suffers from what I call the “frozen pizza flop”—a sad, soggy center that doesn’t crisp up no matter how long you cook it.
The sauce is actually not bad. It’s tomato-forward with a slight sweetness and a hint of garlic. It’s the best part of this pizza, honestly. The cheese, however, is where things fall apart. It’s incredibly salty and has that processed cheese product taste that screams “I was made in a factory.” The melt is fine—it gets bubbly and browned in spots—but the flavor is one-dimensional.
At $5-6, Red Baron sits in that awkward middle ground where it’s too expensive to be a budget option but not good enough to justify the price. The value proposition just isn’t there. For a dollar or two more, you can jump several tiers up in quality.
The one redeeming quality is that Red Baron is widely available and consistently the same. You know exactly what you’re getting, which counts for something. But consistency doesn’t make up for mediocrity.
9. DiGiorno Rising Crust
DiGiorno famously built its brand on the tagline “It’s not delivery, it’s DiGiorno!” After this taste test, I have to respectfully disagree. It’s definitely not delivery—it’s something else entirely. The rising crust concept is interesting in theory, creating a thicker, breadier base. In practice, it often results in a dense, doughy texture that’s more focaccia than pizza.
The crust has decent flavor with some actual yeast notes, which is a nice change from the flavorless bases we’ve seen so far. But the texture is all wrong—too thick, too dense, and it never quite cooks through in the center. You’re left with raw dough vibes while the edges are approaching burnt.
Sauce and cheese are both adequate but uninspiring. The sauce is mildly herbed and not too sweet, which I appreciate. The cheese melts fine and has decent stretch, but it’s bland. There’s no complexity, no richness—it’s just there doing its job without bringing any joy to the party.
At $7-8, this is a premium-ish price for a decidedly mid-tier experience. DiGiorno benefits from massive marketing and shelf space, but the quality doesn’t justify the hype. If you want rising crust, there are better options that actually deliver on the promise.
8. Tombstone
Tombstone is another legacy brand that’s been around forever, and like Red Baron, it falls squarely into mediocre territory. The crust is thin and crispy with a decent crunch, but it lacks flavor and has a tendency to get hard rather than crisp. It’s edible, but not enjoyable.
The sauce is where Tombstone shines—or at least glimmers. It’s tangy and tomato-forward with a nice garlic kick. It’s genuinely tasty sauce that would be at home on a better pizza. The cheese, unfortunately, doesn’t live up to the sauce’s promise. It’s rubbery and overly salty with that distinct processed flavor that’s hard to shake.
What frustrates me about Tombstone is that the pieces are there. The sauce proves they know how to make good flavor. The crust structure shows they understand crispiness. But the cheese and overall execution just don’t come together. It’s a pizza that almost works but ultimately falls flat.
At $6-7, it’s priced like a mid-tier option but delivers bottom-tier quality. If Tombstone reformulated their cheese and tweaked the crust recipe, they could easily jump several spots in this ranking. But as it stands, it’s a pass from me.
7. California Pizza Kitchen
CPK brings something different to the table with their frozen pizzas, and I appreciate that. They’re not trying to be traditional New York or Chicago style—they’re doing their own California thing with unconventional toppings and flavor combinations. The BBQ Chicken pizza I tested was actually interesting and tasty.
The crust is thin and cracker-like with a nice snap to it. It’s not traditional pizza crust, but it works for what they’re doing. The sauce—or in this case, BBQ sauce—is flavorful and well-balanced. It’s sweet, smoky, and tangy without being overwhelming. The cheese blend is solid too, with good melt and actual cheese flavor.
Where CPK loses points is value. At $9-11, these are pricey. You’re paying for the brand name and the unique flavor combinations, but the portion size is smaller than most competitors. You’d need two pizzas to feed a hungry family, which pushes the cost into takeout territory.
I also question the reheat factor. CPK pizzas are good fresh out of the oven, but I suspect they wouldn’t hold up well as leftovers. The thin crust would likely get soggy, and the delicate flavors might muddle together.
If you want something different and don’t mind paying for it, CPK is a solid choice. But as an everyday frozen pizza, it’s too expensive and too niche to rank higher.
6. Freschetta Brick Oven
Freschetta is where we start getting into genuinely good frozen pizza territory. The brick oven style crust is impressive—thick enough to have substance but not so thick that it’s doughy. It develops a nice crunch on the bottom while maintaining chewiness in the crumb. There’s even some oven spring happening, which is rare in the frozen pizza world.
The sauce is well-balanced with good tomato flavor and herbs that actually taste like herbs. It’s not too sweet, not too acidic—just solid sauce work. The cheese melts beautifully with good stretch and a creamy texture. It browns nicely in spots without getting greasy.
At $7-9, Freschetta sits in that upper-mid price range, and for the most part, it earns it. This tastes like something you might get at a casual dining restaurant. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable pizza that doesn’t make you wish you’d ordered delivery instead.
The only reason Freschetta isn’t ranked higher is that it plays it safe. Everything is good, but nothing is exceptional. It’s a perfectly solid pizza with zero surprises, for better or worse. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want, but for the top spots in this ranking, I was looking for something a little more special.
5. Kirkland Signature
Costco’s Kirkland brand consistently delivers on value, and their frozen pizza is no exception. At around $12 for two pizzas, you’re paying $6 per pie—which would place this in the budget category if the quality wasn’t so good. The fact that it rivals premium options at a budget price is why it cracks the top five.
The crust is a standout feature. It’s substantial and bread-like with good flavor and texture. It develops a nice crisp exterior while staying tender inside. It’s not quite restaurant-quality, but it’s closer than anything we’ve seen so far in this ranking.
Sauce and cheese are both above average. The sauce is well-seasoned with a good tomato flavor—nothing revolutionary, but solid. The cheese melts well and has decent flavor, though it’s a bit lighter on coverage than I’d prefer. There are some bald spots that result in crispy, sauceless areas.
The real selling point here is the value proposition. Getting pizza of this quality for $6 each is unheard of. If you have a Costco membership and freezer space, stocking up on Kirkland pizzas is a no-brainer. They’re perfect for feeding families or having reliable backup meals on hand.
The only downside is accessibility—you need a Costco membership to buy them. But if you have one, these should definitely be in your rotation.
4. Screamin’ Sicilian
Screamin’ Sicilian brings personality and quality in equal measure. These pizzas are fun, from the wild packaging to the generous toppings and bold flavors. The “Mom’s Recipe” pizza I tested had a seriously solid foundation.
The crust is excellent—thin and crispy with good structure and actual wheat flavor. It’s not doughy or gummy, just crisp, tender, and delicious. The sauce is similarly impressive, with a robust tomato flavor and a nice herb blend. It’s seasoned assertively without being salty.
But where Screamin’ Sicilian really shines is the cheese and toppings. They don’t skimp—there’s a serious layer of cheese with good melt and stretch. The toppings are generous and well-distributed. This pizza feels abundant and indulgent in the best way.
At $8-10, Screamin’ Sicilian isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. This is premium frozen pizza that delivers on its promise. It tastes like something you’d get at a decent local pizzeria, not something from a freezer.
The only thing keeping it from the top three is that it’s very heavy. The abundance of cheese and toppings makes for a rich, dense eating experience. It’s delicious, but one or two slices and you’re done. If that’s your thing, you might rank this higher. For me, the top three offer a slightly better balance.
3. Amy’s
Amy’s makes organic, vegetarian frozen foods, and their pizza is legitimately excellent. Even if you’re not typically into organic products, this pizza is worth your attention. The quality shines through in every bite.
The crust is fantastic—thin, crisp, and flavorful with a nice snap. It has that artisanal bread quality that’s rare in frozen pizza. The sauce is similarly impressive, with bright tomato flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. It tastes like someone actually made it from quality ingredients, not like it came from an industrial vat.
The cheese is where Amy’s really stands out. It’s made with organic mozzarella and actually tastes like cheese. It melts beautifully with good stretch and a creamy texture. There’s no processed cheese product flavor here—just pure, delicious dairy.
At $8-10, Amy’s is priced as a premium option, and it earns every penny. This is high-quality pizza made with actual ingredients you can pronounce. It tastes clean and fresh, not processed or heavy.
The reason it doesn’t take the top spot is that it’s somewhat niche. The organic positioning and vegetarian status might not appeal to everyone. And if you’re a meat lover, you’ll need to add your own toppings since Amy’s cheese pizza is their flagship. But for what it is, it’s nearly perfect.
2. Urban Pie Co.
Urban Pie Co. was a pleasant surprise in this taste test. This brand wasn’t on my radar before testing, but it absolutely won me over. They specialize in thin-crust, artisanal-style pizzas, and they nail it.
The crust is the star here—impossibly thin yet sturdy enough to hold toppings, with a incredible crisp-chew texture. It’s got that leopard-spotted char you’d expect from a wood-fired oven, which is wild for a frozen pizza. The flavor is complex with notes of fermentation and wheat—this is real dough.
The sauce is equally impressive. Bright, fresh-tasting tomato with garlic and herbs that pop. It’s not cooked down into oblivion—you can actually taste individual ingredients. The cheese is high-quality mozzarella that melts beautifully and browns in spots. It’s not overloaded, but the quality means you don’t need quantity.
At $9-11, Urban Pie is firmly in premium territory. But unlike some premium brands that are all marketing, this one delivers on quality. This tastes like pizza from a serious pizzeria that specializes in Neapolitan-style pies.
The only thing keeping it from first place is that it’s quite thin. If you’re looking for a hearty, filling meal, this might leave you wanting more. But as a lighter, artisanal option, it’s absolutely superb. This is the frozen pizza I’d serve to foodie friends without embarrassment.
1. Rao’s Homemade
And here we are—my top pick for store-bought frozen pizza ranked. Rao’s, famous for their jarred pasta sauce, has entered the frozen pizza game and absolutely crushed it. Their Brick Oven pizza is in a league of its own.
Everything about this pizza is exceptional. The crust has that perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, chewy interior. It’s got structural integrity, flavor, and texture that rivals pizzeria pizza. The sauce is Rao’s signature recipe—bright, fresh, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce that tastes like it was made yesterday from quality tomatoes.
The cheese is premium mozzarella that melts into a bubbly, browned perfection with excellent stretch. It’s salty, creamy, and rich without being overwhelming. The balance of sauce to cheese to crust is absolutely perfect.
At $11-13, Rao’s is expensive. I won’t lie—it’s an investment. But this is a case where you get what you pay for. This pizza is so good that it actually beats many delivery options I’ve had. If you’re going to spend money on takeout anyway, you might as well get a Rao’s frozen pizza that’s just as good (if not better) and doesn’t require tipping or waiting.
This is the frozen pizza I’d serve at a dinner party without apology. The frozen pizza I’d bring to a pizza snob’s house and watch their face when they realize it came from a freezer. It’s that good. Store-bought frozen pizza ranked doesn’t get better than Rao’s.
How to Choose the Best Frozen Pizza for You
After taste-testing all these options, I’ve learned that “best” is subjective. The right frozen pizza depends on what you value most. Here’s my guide to choosing based on your priorities:
- For the best overall experience: Rao’s Homemade. It’s expensive, but unmatched in quality. If you want pizza that doesn’t taste frozen, this is your pick.
- For value hunters: Kirkland Signature. At $6 per pizza, the quality-to-price ratio is unbeatable. Stock up when you’re at Costco.
- For artisanal lovers: Urban Pie Co. or Amy’s. Both offer thin-crust, quality-ingredient options that taste like they came from a serious pizzeria.
- For bold flavor seekers: Screamin’ Sicilian. Generous toppings, assertive seasoning, and fun varieties make this a crowd-pleaser.
- For traditionalists: Freschetta Brick Oven. It’s not revolutionary, but it delivers a solid, familiar pizza experience without surprises.
When choosing, also consider crust type. Thin crusts tend to crisp up better and have better texture, while rising and thick crusts offer more substance but often suffer from soggy centers. Brick oven styles typically deliver the closest-to-pizzeria experience.
Cooking method matters too. While I tested all pizzas according to package directions, you can improve almost any frozen pizza with a few simple tweaks. Preheat your oven thoroughly—most ovens take longer than the pizza box suggests. Consider using a pizza stone or baking steel if you have one. And don’t be afraid to cook the pizza a minute or two longer than directed for extra crispiness.
For the best results, a quality countertop oven can make a significant difference in frozen pizza quality. The smaller space and closer heating elements often produce better crisping than a standard oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the best store-bought frozen pizza?
Rao’s Homemade Brick Oven pizza is widely considered the best store-bought frozen pizza. It features restaurant-quality crust, sauce, and cheese that rivals many pizzeria options. While expensive at $11-13, the quality justifies the price for a premium frozen pizza experience.
What is the #1 frozen pizza?
Rao’s Homemade earns the top spot for frozen pizza with its exceptional brick oven style pie. The crust achieves perfect crisp-chew texture, while Rao’s signature sauce and premium mozzarella create a balanced, delicious pizza that doesn’t taste frozen. Urban Pie Co. and Screamin’ Sicilian are close runners-up.
What is the #1 selling frozen pizza in the USA?
DiGiorno is consistently the #1 selling frozen pizza brand in America, largely due to widespread availability and marketing. However, sales don’t always equal quality—many better-tasting options exist. Red Baron and Tombstone also rank among top sellers for their affordability and accessibility.
Which pizza is best for diabetics?
Thin crust pizzas with minimal added sugar are best for diabetics. Amy’s offers organic options with cleaner ingredients, while cauliflower crust pizzas from brands like Cali’flour provide lower-carb alternatives. Always check nutrition labels for carbohydrate and sugar content, as toppings can significantly impact blood sugar.
Final Thoughts on Store-Bought Frozen Pizza Ranked
After three weeks of intensive taste testing, one thing is clear: the frozen pizza aisle has come a long way. While budget options like Totino’s and Jack’s still exist for those who want cheap calories, the real story is how good premium options have become.
Rao’s Homemade, Urban Pie Co., and Amy’s prove that frozen pizza can be genuinely excellent—not just “good for frozen” but actually delicious in its own right. These are pizzas I’d happily serve to friends or eat for dinner without feeling like I’m settling.
The key is knowing what you’re paying for. Budget pizzas have their place for quick, cheap calories. Mid-tier options like Red Baron and DiGiorno offer consistency but not much excitement. Premium brands deliver restaurant-quality experiences at takeout prices.
My advice? Identify your priorities. If you want the absolute best taste regardless of price, go with Rao’s. If you want maximum value, stock up on Kirkland. If you want artisanal quality, try Urban Pie Co. or Amy’s.
Frozen pizza has evolved from emergency food into legitimate cuisine. With this store-bought frozen pizza ranked guide, you can skip the disappointment and head straight for the pies that will actually make you happy. Your freezer will thank you.
If you enjoyed this taste test ranking, check out our Hamburger Helper flavors ranked article for another frozen food showdown.