Tasting Table Ranks Seven Frozen Cheese Pizzas: Rao's Tops the List, Red Baron Bottoms

Key points

• Rao's Made for Home Five Cheese Pizza ranked first, featuring a wood-fired-style crust with a crisp exterior and chewy border, along with a mellow, umami-rich sauce and whole-milk mozzarella.
• Home Run Inn Classic Cheese Pizza ranked second, noted for its 'tavern-style' approach where cheese is melted on top of a parbaked base, resulting in a flaky, fried-bottom crust and clean, milky flavor.
• DiGiorno Frozen Four Cheese Wood Fired Pizza ranked third, offering a thin, chewy crust and complex cheese blend, though its highly acidic tomato sauce was a drawback for some.
• Oggi Foods Quattro Formaggi Pizza ranked fourth, praised as an impressive gluten-free option with a regular-crust taste, but criticized for being too firm, dry, and the most expensive in the test.
• Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese ranked last, described as dense, lifeless, and overly acidic, with a cracker-like crust that performed poorly as cold leftovers.

Background

This review arrives shortly after Conagra Brands announced the discontinuation of the iconic Celeste frozen pizza brand, which had been produced since 1937. Conagra cited low profitability and a lack of future potential as reasons for ending production, part of a broader strategy to simplify its portfolio. The move sparked nostalgic reactions from consumers, highlighting the cultural significance of frozen pizza staples, even as the market shifts toward premium and specialized options like those reviewed by Tasting Table.

Why it matters

The ranking provides a clear guide for consumers navigating a crowded frozen pizza aisle, distinguishing between budget-friendly options and premium choices. It highlights that while price is a factor, flavor and texture are primary drivers of satisfaction, with brands like Rao's and Home Run Inn offering experiences that rival or exceed delivery services. The review also notes the importance of considering specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or high-protein options, which may justify higher costs for certain consumers.

What to watch

Consumers can use this ranking to make informed decisions when purchasing frozen cheese pizzas, prioritizing brands that offer the best balance of flavor, texture, and value. The review suggests that while some options are best enjoyed hot, others like Home Run Inn and Rao's perform well as cold leftovers, offering flexibility for meal planning. Future reviews may explore other frozen pizza varieties, including those with different toppings or crust types, to provide a more comprehensive guide for consumers.