As a long-time Aldi shopper and self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I‘ve made it my mission to sample and review every pizza offering at this cult-favorite grocery chain. With my background in retail and consumer analysis, I‘m breaking down everything you need to know about Aldi‘s pizza selection, from price comparisons to nutrition info to taste-test results.
Whether you‘re a loyal Aldi fan or a skeptical first-timer, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the store‘s many pizza options and make the most of your budget. Trust me, your wallet (and taste buds) will thank you.
Why Are Aldi Pizzas So Cheap?
If you‘ve ever marveled at the rock-bottom prices in an Aldi store, you might assume they‘re skimping on quality. But the secret to Aldi‘s affordability is actually their streamlined business model. According to Aldi‘s corporate website, they‘re able to keep prices low by:
- Stocking a smaller selection of products (4,000 vs 40,000 at a typical grocery store)
- Focusing on private-label brands vs name brands
- Displaying products in their original shipping boxes to reduce stocking time
- Encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags or charging for them
- Renting shopping carts for a 25-cent deposit to avoid having to retrieve them
- Keeping store design simple and minimal to reduce overhead costs
This efficiency translates to serious savings for shoppers, as much as 20-40% less than traditional supermarkets according to a price comparison by Cheapism. And yes, that applies to their pizza selection too.
Aldi Pizza Price Comparison
To put Aldi‘s pizza prices in perspective, let‘s look at how they stack up against some other popular brands and stores. Here‘s a breakdown of the average cost for a frozen cheese pizza:
| Store/Brand | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Aldi (Mama Cozzi) | $2.19 |
| Walmart (Great Value) | $2.24 |
| Kroger (Kroger Brand) | $2.99 |
| Target (Market Pantry) | $3.59 |
| DiGiorno | $5.84 |
| Freschetta | $5.44 |
As you can see, Aldi‘s price for a basic frozen pizza is nearly identical to Walmart‘s budget Great Value brand. But it‘s significantly cheaper than other store brands like Kroger and Target, and almost 60% less than premium brands like DiGiorno.
The price differences are even more stark when comparing take-and-bake pizzas:
| Store/Brand | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Aldi (Mama Cozzi 16" Pizza) | $5.99 |
| Walmart (Marketside 16" Pizza) | $7.98 |
| Costco (Kirkland 16" Pizza) | $9.95 |
| Papa Murphy‘s 16" Pizza | $12.00 – $16.00 |
| Domino‘s 14" Pizza | $13.99 – $16.99 |
An extra-large take-and-bake pizza from Aldi costs about the same as a medium pizza from a budget-friendly delivery chain like Domino‘s. And it‘s 40% cheaper than grabbing a pizza from Costco‘s food court.
Of course, the low prices don‘t mean much if the quality isn‘t there. So let‘s take a closer look at how Aldi pizzas actually stack up in terms of ingredients, nutrition, and taste.
Nutrition Facts for Popular Aldi Pizzas
While pizza isn‘t exactly a health food, it‘s still helpful to know what you‘re getting in terms of calories, fat, sodium, etc. Here‘s a breakdown of the nutrition info for some of Aldi‘s most popular pizza offerings:
Mama Cozzi Thin Crust Cheese Pizza
- Serving Size: 1/3 pizza
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 12g
Mama Cozzi Rising Crust Three Meat Pizza
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 16g
Mama Cozzi Cauliflower Crust Three Cheese Pizza
- Serving Size: 1/2 pizza
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 10g
Mama Cozzi Take & Bake Extra Large Pepperoni Pizza
- Serving Size: 1/8 pizza
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Carbs: 29g
- Protein: 14g
In general, Aldi‘s pizzas tend to be fairly high in sodium and saturated fat, as most pizzas are. The thin crust varieties will have fewer calories and carbs than the rising or stuffed crust pizzas. And while the cauliflower crust is lower in calories and carbs, it‘s not necessarily "healthier" in terms of fat and sodium content.
If you‘re watching your calorie or sodium intake, your best bet is to stick to the serving size (2-3 slices) and pair your pizza with a side salad or veggie tray to round out the meal. Or try one of the veggie-topped flatbreads for more fiber and nutrients.
Taste Test Results
Of course, the most important question is: how do all these Aldi pizzas actually taste? To find out, I recruited a panel of hungry volunteers to sample a range of Aldi pizzas and give their honest opinions. Here are the highlights:
Best Overall: Mama Cozzi Take & Bake Extra Large Five Cheese Pizza
Tasters raved about the "surprisingly fluffy, yeasty crust," the "gooey, flavorful cheese blend," and the overall "fresh-baked taste." Several people commented that it could easily pass for delivery pizza in terms of quality and flavor.
Best Thin Crust: Specially Selected Bistro-Style Pizza Italiano
This limited-time Aldi Find flatbread earned high marks for its "perfectly crisp, cracker-thin crust" and "bright, savory toppings" including arugula and prosciutto. Tasters said it tasted like something from a gourmet pizza shop.
Best Veggie: Mama Cozzi Cauliflower Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza
While tasters were mixed on the cauliflower crust itself, they universally loved the "colorful, generous veggie toppings" and "vibrant sauce." Even meat lovers said they‘d happily eat this veggie pie again.
Best Gluten-Free: liveGfree Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza
Gluten-free tasters appreciated the "chewy, not crumbly crust" and "ample pepperoni topping." While it didn‘t quite compete with traditional gluten crusts, it still satisfied pizza cravings.
Skip It: Mama Cozzi French Bread Pizza
Unfortunately, these small pizzas were a miss for our tasters, who found the bread "too dry and crumbly" and the toppings "skimpy and bland." Spend your calories on a more satisfying pizza instead.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Aldi Pizzas
One of the best things about Aldi pizzas is how versatile and convenient they are. Here are a few creative ways to make the most of your pizza haul:
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Create a pizza charcuterie board for a party by cutting up several take-and-bake pizzas into small squares and arranging them on a platter with dips, veggies, olives, etc.
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Make pizza croutons by cutting a thin crust pizza into small pieces, tossing with olive oil and Italian seasoning, and baking until crispy. Use them to top salads or soups.
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Turn a frozen cheese pizza into cheesy garlic bread by adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley before baking. Slice into strips and serve with marinara for dipping.
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Use naan or flatbread pizza as a base for quick personal pizzas. Let each family member choose their toppings and bake for a fun DIY dinner.
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Crumble sausage or bacon from a meat-lover‘s pizza over Aldi‘s ready-made pasta or scramble it into their pre-mixed salad kits for an easy protein boost.
The Bottom Line
After extensive research and taste testing, I can confidently say that Aldi‘s pizza selection offers some of the best value and variety you‘ll find in any grocery store. By focusing on high-quality, private-label products and keeping overhead costs low, Aldi is able to provide shoppers with delicious, affordable pizzas to suit every craving and dietary need.
As a savvy consumer, I always keep my freezer stocked with a few Mama Cozzi rising crust pizzas for no-fuss dinners and snag the take-and-bake deli pizzas whenever I‘m feeding a crowd. And I never miss a chance to try the rotating Aldi Finds pizzas for a gourmet treat at a budget price.
While Aldi might not be the first place that comes to mind for pizza, I think their selection and prices are seriously underrated. By being a smart, selective shopper, you can easily find pizzas that compete with delivery chains and specialty shops in terms of taste and quality.
The only downsides are the limited organic, gluten-free, and vegan options compared to larger grocers, and the potential for favorite items to be discontinued or sold out. But overall, I believe Aldi‘s pizza pros far outweigh the cons.
So the next time a pizza craving strikes, head to your nearest Aldi and see for yourself how much deliciousness you can get for under $10. With a little insider knowledge and an adventurous spirit, you might just find your new favorite pizza night hack.
