Welcome to “Is It Worth It?”, a MyFitnessPal series that breaks down the pros and cons of store-bought versus homemade foods. The goal of the series is to give you the knowledge you need to make nutrition decisions that align with your lifestyle, budget, values, and health goals.

Pizza, is by far, my favorite food. In fact, I served it for dinner at my wedding reception. But when it’s pizza night, many are at a crossroads: should you keep it convenient with a store-bought pie or throw on an apron and make it from scratch?

For the health-conscious and budget-savvy, this decision isn’t just about taste. It’s about the cost, environmental impact, health benefits, and the investment of time and effort.

So, let’s weigh the pros and cons to answer the question: is homemade pizza really worth it?

Health Benefits of Homemade vs. Store-Bough Pizza

• Homemade Pizza: Preparing pizza at home allows you to control exactly what goes into your body. You can opt for whole grain flours, fresh vegetables, and homemade sauces without added sugars or preservatives. It’s an opportunity to boost your intake of healthier ingredients while reducing fat, sodium, and overall calorie count.

• Store Bought Pizza: Nutritional content can vary widely among store-bought pizzas. While there are healthier options available, many frozen pizzas are high in sodium, preservatives, and artificial additives. And pizzeria pizzas, while fresh, are often loaded with more cheese and fatty meats than you might put on your own homemade pizza. The amount of oil used to prepare the pizzas may be higher than what you might use at home, too, increasing calories and fat content.

MyFitnessPal makes it easy to log food or ingredients ahead of time. That way, you can make an informed decision on whether homemade or store-bought is best for your next pizza night.

Cost Comparison of Homemade vs. Store-Bough Pizza

• Homemade Pizza: When you opt to make pizza at home, the initial setup of ingredients might seem costly, but these supplies can make multiple pizzas over time. Flour, yeast, and staple toppings like cheese and tomato sauce are generally inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk.

• Store Bought Pizza: Store-bought options can range from affordable frozen varieties to more expensive gourmet or organic selections. While ordering from a local pizzeria is convenient, the cost per pie can quickly add up, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or opting for delivery with extra fees.

To illustrate the serving size comparison, consider making a large 14-inch pizza at home versus ordering a similar size from a local pizzeria:

• A homemade pizza can easily serve four to six people, depending on how it’s sliced. With the cost of ingredients for a basic cheese pizza being relatively low, the price per person could be as little as $2 to $3.
• On the other hand, a 14-inch pizza from a local pizzeria typically costs around $18 to $25, making the price per person (assuming the pizza serves the same four to six people) approximately $4.50 to $6.25.

This comparison not only highlights a cost advantage but also demonstrates how homemade pizza can be equally satisfying in serving size, with potentially higher savings and personalization of toppings based on individual preferences.

• Homemade Pizza: While making pizza at home can reduce some packaging waste compared to store-bought options, it’s important to note that many ingredients like cheese, meats, and dough often come in their own packaging. However, you can still minimize your carbon footprint by choosing local produce and seeking out ingredients with less packaging when possible.

• Store Bought Pizza: Frozen pizzas come in cardboard boxes, often with plastic wrapping, which contributes to landfill waste if not recycled properly. Freshly made pizzas from a store or restaurant also typically come in cardboard boxes, posing similar environmental considerations.

If minimizing environmental impact is a priority, homemade pizza presents opportunities for more eco-friendly options, given that you spend the time required to select ingredients with minimal packaging and support local produce suppliers. Which brings us to…

Time & Effort of Homemade vs. Store-Bough Pizza

• Homemade Pizza: Making pizza from scratch requires time and effort. You have to source ingredients, kneading the dough and let it rise, prepare the toppings, and then assemble and bake. If you love cooking, this can be a rewarding experience. And opting for pre-made pizza doughs or meats can save time. But, no matter how you slice it (pun intended), homemade pizza will likely always take longer than heating up a store-bought variety or picking up from your local pizzeria.

• Store Bought Pizza: Convenience is king with store-bought pizzas. Frozen pizzas can be popped in the oven with minimal effort, and fresh pizzas are only a phone call or an online order away. If time is tight or you’re not in the mood to cook, store-bought offers a quick and easy alternative.

The Verdict

In the end, the choice depends on your priorities—and your health goals. Is controlling nutritional content important to you? Or does the simplicity of a quick, ready-made meal align better with your plans? Whatever you choose, both paths lead to deliciousness, because, honestly, when is pizza not worth it?