DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA, FOUR CHEESE
DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA receives a FoodScore of 24/100 (Avoid). The presence of trans fat and its ultra-processed nature are the primary factors contributing to this low score.
This DIGIORNO pizza scores 24/100, indicating it should be avoided as a regular dietary choice.
A serving contains 9.62g of protein, offering a moderate amount of this macronutrient.
The product is penalized for 5g of saturated fat and 446.15mg of sodium per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike generic dairy equivalents.
Consider this product for occasional consumption rather than a staple meal.
Scores -9 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
1.5g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
9.62g
19% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.3g
5% of Daily Value
Sodium
446.15mg
19% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (9.6g)+5
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5g)-4
Sodium (446.1mg)-1
Trans fat present-20
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 24
DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA earns a FoodScore of 24 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is significantly impacted by several nutritional factors. While it receives bonuses for its protein content, providing 9.62g per 100g, and for micronutrients like calcium (12% DV) and iron (12% DV), these positive aspects are outweighed by substantial penalties. A major detractor is the presence of trans fat, which incurs a significant penalty of 20 points, even at 0.19g per 100g. The product's classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, also leads to a 10-point penalty. Furthermore, the saturated fat content of 5g per 100g and the sodium level of 446.15mg per 100g contribute to additional penalties. Ingredients like modified food starch and vegetable oil shortening are common in ultra-processed foods and reflect the processing level. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which would typically be less processed and lower in sodium and saturated fat, this DIGIORNO pizza presents a less favorable nutritional profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in digiorno four cheese traditional crust pizza, four cheese actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This DIGIORNO pizza provides 9.62g of protein per 100g serving. Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for muscle repair, growth, and the production of enzymes and hormones. While not a primary protein source, it can contribute to your daily protein intake, especially when combined with other protein-rich foods in a meal. For context, a typical adult needs around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.
Contribution to Calcium Intake
With 153.85mg of calcium per 100g, this pizza contributes 12% of the Daily Value for calcium. Calcium is crucial for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction. While this product is not a concentrated source, it can help meet daily calcium needs, particularly for individuals who may struggle to consume enough dairy or calcium-fortified alternatives. It's important to consider the overall dietary context for calcium absorption.
Provides Iron
This product offers 2.15mg of iron per 100g, accounting for 12% of the Daily Value. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and plays a role in energy production. Including iron-containing foods in your diet is important to prevent iron deficiency. While this pizza provides some iron, it's beneficial to pair it with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption.
DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA receives a FoodScore of 24/100 (Avoid). The presence of trans fat and its ultra-processed nature are the primary factors contributing to this low score.
How to eat it
DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA is typically consumed as a convenient meal or snack. A common portion is a single pizza, which can be a significant caloric and sodium load. It is often baked from frozen and served hot, sometimes accompanied by side dishes.
To balance the meal, pair a smaller portion of this pizza with a large salad rich in non-starchy vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider sharing a single pizza to manage portion size and reduce the intake of saturated fat and sodium.
Add extra lean protein toppings like grilled chicken or mushrooms to enhance the protein content and satiety of your meal.
Limit consumption to occasional meals rather than a regular dietary staple due to its ultra-processed nature and nutrient profile.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with allergies to wheat, milk, or soy should be aware that these common allergens are present in DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA, as indicated by the ingredient list. The presence of modified food starch and natural flavors can sometimes be a concern for those with specific sensitivities, though their exact composition is not always disclosed. The product also contains trans fat, which is generally advised to be limited in the diet due to its potential impact on cardiovascular health. Given its high sodium content, individuals monitoring their blood pressure should consume this product in moderation.
Is DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE TRADITIONAL CRUST PIZZA healthy?
This DIGIORNO pizza has a FoodScore of 24/100, indicating it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is an ultra-processed food with notable amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and trans fat, which contribute to its low score. While it provides some protein, calcium, and iron, these benefits are outweighed by less favorable nutritional aspects.
How does DIGIORNO pizza compare to other frozen pizzas?
Compared to many other frozen pizzas on the market, such as a Red Baron Classic Crust Pepperoni Pizza, the DIGIORNO FOUR CHEESE pizza shares a similar profile as an ultra-processed food. Nutritional values can vary, but many frozen pizzas tend to be high in sodium, saturated fat, and often contain trans fats, contributing to lower FoodScores across the category. Always check the specific nutrition facts for direct comparison.
What is 'modified food starch' in this pizza?
Modified food starch is an ingredient used to improve the texture, stability, and shelf-life of processed foods. In this DIGIORNO pizza, it likely contributes to the consistency of the cheese or sauce. While generally recognized as safe, its presence is characteristic of ultra-processed foods and does not offer significant nutritional value.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pizza?
The declared serving size is one whole pizza, which provides 265 calories, 11.19g total fat, and 446.15mg sodium per 100g. For most individuals, consuming an entire pizza would represent a significant portion of daily caloric, fat, and sodium recommendations. Consider sharing the pizza or pairing a smaller slice with a substantial side salad to manage intake.
Can I eat this pizza if I'm trying to limit processed foods?
This DIGIORNO pizza is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food. If your goal is to limit processed foods, this product would not align with that objective. Opting for homemade pizzas with whole food ingredients or less processed alternatives would be more suitable for a diet focused on minimizing processed food intake.