What Is DIGIORNO Pizza? Origin and Varieties
DiGiorno pizza is a widely distributed brand of frozen pizza created by Nestlé’s frozen foods division and marketed throughout the United States as a convenient at‑home alternative to delivery pizza. First introduced decades ago, DiGiorno revolutionized the frozen pizza category by offering a rising crust that mimicked fresh‑baked texture, encapsulated by the slogan “It’s not delivery. It’s DiGiorno.” (Nestlé Global The brand has since expanded its product line to include a variety of crust styles—including classic crust, thin crispy crust, stuffed crust, and gluten‑free options—along with a range of toppings from simple cheese to meat‑packed supreme combinations. (Nestlé Global The specific product in question, the DiGiorno Supreme Pizza with thin crispy crust, is characterized by a decidedly thinner dough that bakes up crunchy and firm rather than soft and doughy. The supreme designation typically refers to a combination of multiple toppings, usually including pepperoni, sausage, green and red peppers, onions, and sometimes black olives, all under a layer of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. The thin crust style appeals to consumers seeking a slightly less dough‑heavy pizza compared to thicker crusts. It also tends to reduce overall carbohydrate content relative to rising or stuffed crust variants, though it remains calorically dense. Frozen pizzas like this one belong to a broader category of ready‑to‑heat meals and are delivered frozen to grocery stores, where they are stored in freezer aisles until purchased. Consumers then bake them at home in conventional ovens, often following straightforward instructions that take 15–25 minutes. Because these pizzas are designed for convenience and consistency in both taste and texture, they include preservatives and stabilizing ingredients to maintain quality during storage and transport. While some variations include vegetables or meats that offer small amounts of micronutrients, the primary nutritional contributions come from refined grains in the crust, cheese, and processed meats. The popularity of frozen pizzas in the U.S. is underscored by their role as a staple food item for busy households and college students and as a low‑effort meal choice for families. Despite their widespread use, it's important to understand that frozen pizzas—including DiGiorno’s thin crispy supreme—are classified as ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) in nutritional science, indicating that they are significantly altered from their original agricultural ingredients and often contain additives, preservatives, and higher sodium and saturated fat levels. This classification has implications for health research and dietary planning, as discussed further in later sections.
Nutrition Profile: A Detailed Breakdown
The nutrition profile of DiGiorno Supreme Pizza with thin crispy crust supports both its role as a substantial meal and underscores some nutritional concerns. A single 155 g serving provides ~395 kcal—a substantial amount for one slice—meaning two slices can easily meet or exceed typical lunch or dinner calorie needs. This calorie content is derived from a mix of macronutrients: ~17.7 g protein, ~16.7 g total fat, and ~43.5 g carbohydrates, including ~4.3 g fiber. (Nestlé Global Protein at nearly 18 g per serving is relatively high compared with many other frozen entrées, providing essential amino acids that support muscle maintenance and overall metabolic functions. Because dairy (cheese) and meat toppings contribute most of this protein, the pizza can be a notable source for those seeking protein in convenience foods. Total fat content is moderate to high, with ~6.8 g saturated fat per serving. Saturated fats, found in cheese and processed meats, are a type of fat that should be consumed in moderation because high intake has been associated with increased LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk in some populations. Additionally, ~0.71 g of trans fats can contribute to heart disease risk when consumed frequently. Carbohydrates are predominantly from the refined flour used in the thin crust and provide quick energy; however, they lack the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. The ~4.3 g of fiber reflects modest whole grain or vegetable content and helps support digestion and satiety. The sodium content at ~860 mg per slice is particularly notable, equating to around 36% of the daily recommended limit in a single serving. High sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk, especially in those prone to hypertension. The micronutrient content includes essential minerals such as calcium (~250 mg) and iron (~1.4 mg), which support bone health and oxygen transport in the bloodstream, respectively. Vitamins like vitamin A (~63.6 mcg RAE) and vitamin K (~8.8 mcg) are present in small amounts, reflecting their origin from tomato sauce and cheese. Collectively, while DiGiorno Supreme Pizza provides a variety of nutrients, it also delivers significant amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and calories that should be considered when incorporating it into balanced meal planning.
❤️ Health Benefits
Provides a source of protein
High protein from cheese and meats supports muscle repair and satiety
Evidence:
moderate
Contains essential minerals like calcium
Calcium contributes to bone health and muscle function
Evidence:
moderate
⚖️ Comparisons
Vs. Homemade pizza with whole grain crust
Homemade whole grain pizzas provide more fiber and lower sodium
Vs. Cauliflower crust frozen pizza
Cauliflower crust pizzas tend to lower net carbs
🧊 Storage Guide
⚠️ Signs of
Spoilage:
-
smell:
Off or sour smell
-
visual:
Ice crystals or freezer burn, Discoloration of toppings
-
texture:
Slimy or mushy crust after thawing
-
when to discard:
Any odor of spoilage, Visible mold
👥 Special Considerations
elderly
Why: High blood pressure risk.
Recommendation: Pair with vegetables and lower‑sodium foods
athletes
Why: High protein and calories support energy needs but should be balanced.
Recommendation: Use as occasional energy‑dense meal
children
Why: High sodium and calories may exceed daily needs.
Recommendation: Limit portion sizes
pregnancy
Why: High sodium and saturated fat should be moderated.
Recommendation: Occasional consumption with balanced sides
breastfeeding
Why: Ensure adequate micronutrient intake.
Recommendation: Moderate intake with nutrient‑dense sides
🔬 Detailed Nutrition Profile (USDA)
Common Portions
1.00 slice 1/4 of pie
(155.00g)
1.00 pie 24.8 oz
(595.00g)
| Nutrient
|
Amount |
Unit |
| Water |
47.3100
|
g |
| Energy |
255.0000
|
kcal |
| Energy |
1067.0000
|
kJ |
| Protein |
11.4100
|
g |
| Total lipid (fat) |
10.8000
|
g |
| Ash |
2.4300
|
g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference |
28.0500
|
g |
| Fiber, total dietary |
2.8000
|
g |
| Sucrose |
0.0000
|
g |
| Glucose |
1.3800
|
g |
| Fructose |
1.5700
|
g |
| Lactose |
0.0000
|
g |
| Starch |
21.4300
|
g |
| Calcium, Ca |
161.0000
|
mg |
| Iron, Fe |
0.9200
|
mg |
| Magnesium, Mg |
28.0000
|
mg |
| Phosphorus, P |
187.0000
|
mg |
| Potassium, K |
278.0000
|
mg |
| Sodium, Na |
555.0000
|
mg |
| Zinc, Zn |
1.4000
|
mg |
| Copper, Cu |
0.1100
|
mg |
| Manganese, Mn |
0.3130
|
mg |
| Selenium, Se |
20.9000
|
µg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid |
0.8000
|
mg |
| Thiamin |
0.1480
|
mg |
| Riboflavin |
0.0980
|
mg |
| Niacin |
2.0130
|
mg |
| Pantothenic acid |
0.5370
|
mg |
| Vitamin B-6 |
0.1630
|
mg |
| Vitamin B-12 |
0.4800
|
µg |
| Vitamin A, RAE |
41.0000
|
µg |
| Retinol |
41.0000
|
µg |
| Vitamin A, IU |
138.0000
|
IU |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) |
0.8200
|
mg |
| Tocopherol, beta |
0.0700
|
mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma |
1.0900
|
mg |
| Tocopherol, delta |
0.3200
|
mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha |
0.0300
|
mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta |
0.0000
|
mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma |
0.0100
|
mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta |
0.0000
|
mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) |
5.7000
|
µg |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) |
3.5000
|
µg |
| Vitamin K (Menaquinone-4) |
3.4000
|
µg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated |
4.3770
|
g |
| SFA 4:0 |
0.0430
|
g |
| SFA 6:0 |
0.0400
|
g |
| SFA 8:0 |
0.0300
|
g |
| SFA 10:0 |
0.0900
|
g |
| SFA 12:0 |
0.1130
|
g |
| SFA 14:0 |
0.4380
|
g |
| SFA 15:0 |
0.0430
|
g |
| SFA 16:0 |
2.3700
|
g |
| SFA 17:0 |
0.0400
|
g |
| SFA 18:0 |
1.1330
|
g |
| SFA 20:0 |
0.0200
|
g |
| SFA 22:0 |
0.0100
|
g |
| SFA 24:0 |
0.0070
|
g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated |
3.9570
|
g |
| MUFA 14:1 |
0.0300
|
g |
| MUFA 15:1 |
0.0000
|
g |
| MUFA 16:1 |
0.1900
|
g |
| MUFA 16:1 c |
0.1800
|
g |
| MUFA 17:1 |
0.0010
|
g |
| MUFA 18:1 |
3.6800
|
g |
| MUFA 18:1 c |
3.2780
|
g |
| MUFA 20:1 |
0.0450
|
g |
| MUFA 22:1 |
0.0090
|
g |
| MUFA 22:1 c |
0.0090
|
g |
| MUFA 24:1 c |
0.0020
|
g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated |
1.7900
|
g |
| PUFA 18:2 |
1.6000
|
g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c |
1.5250
|
g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs |
0.0280
|
g |
| PUFA 18:3 |
0.1210
|
g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) |
0.1180
|
g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c |
0.0030
|
g |
| PUFA 18:4 |
0.0010
|
g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c |
0.0180
|
g |
| PUFA 20:3 |
0.0130
|
g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 |
0.0040
|
g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 |
0.0100
|
g |
| PUFA 20:4 |
0.0180
|
g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) |
0.0020
|
g |
| PUFA 22:4 |
0.0100
|
g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) |
0.0060
|
g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) |
0.0020
|
g |
| Fatty acids, total trans |
0.4600
|
g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic |
0.4130
|
g |
| TFA 16:1 t |
0.0100
|
g |
| TFA 18:1 t |
0.4030
|
g |
| TFA 22:1 t |
0.0000
|
g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined |
0.0480
|
g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic |
0.0480
|
g |
| Cholesterol |
20.0000
|
mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 170364)
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