Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.

Blurred variety pack of processed pizza at retail store in America. Frozen food section in huge glass door aisle. Freezer full assortment of frozen pizza in local supermarket, defocused background
TrongNguyen/istockphoto

Walk down any frozen foods aisle of any grocery store in the U.S. and you’re sure to find an assortment of frozen pizzas from outlandish and expensive to simple and cheap. And perhaps it’s the affordable aspect that has consumers reaching into their freezers over dialing the number of their local pizza joint. Or maybe pizza parlors have gone downhill and frozen pizzas just taste better? Whatever the rationale, a recent study done by market intelligence firm Vericast revealed that consumers now prefer frozen pizza over delivery or takeout. 

@sheeshjess At least I’m good for like 2 wks #wherethestamps#MakeASplash #Aldi ♬ original sound – Millennial32

Pizza is one of the most universally loved foods in the U.S. Combine a love for those savory pies with a need for convenience and “let’s order pizza tonight” has been a reliable go-to for households all over the nation for decades. These days, however, you might be more likely to hear or say, “Preheat the oven and grab the DiGiorno out of the freezer.” A recent analysis of the frozen pizza market conducted by Grand View Research shows the industry was worth a whopping $6.62 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach an annual growth rate of 6.9% from 2023 to 2030.

Forty-three percent of recent pizza restaurant guests reported they purchase a frozen pizza in a typical week according to Vericast’s study. Cutting the likes of Domino’s and Pizza Hut even deeper are the 13% of recent pizza restaurant customers who said they have traded down to frozen pizza over chains to combat inflation. And those who are still delivery devotees aren’t necessarily doing so out of some deep-rooted loyalty — a whopping 40% of recent pizza parlor patrons admitted they have no preference when it comes to choosing a pizza joint. Oof. That stings something awful, doesn’t it Domino’s? 

Gallery: The 5 Best Costco Frozen Pizzas, According to Superfans

The shift from pizza parlors to the frozen foods section is just part of a bigger effort to scale back on dining out to save money. According to Vericast’s 2023 Restaurant TrendWatch Report, nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to spend less on dining out this year. So unless pizza joints start slinging pies at a flashy 3-for-$10 price point (here’s lookin’ at you, Tombstone frozen pizza), we’re thinking the immediate future of the pizza parlor is looking a bit bleak. 

Want money-saving tips and hacks in your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletters. And be sure to like us on Facebook, too!

Meet the Writer

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer who has dabbled in a variety of subject matter throughout her career. As a mom of multiple young children, she tries to maintain a sustainable lifestyle for her family. She grows vegetables in her garden, gets her meat in bulk from local farmers, and cans fruits and vegetables with friends. Her kids have plenty of hand-me-downs in their closets, but her husband jokes that before long, they might need to invest in a new driveway thanks to the frequent visits from delivery trucks dropping off online purchases (she can’t pass up a good deal, after all). You can reach her at [email protected].