Digiorno Discontinues Pan Pizza: What's Next?

DiGiorno is a popular frozen pizza brand that offers a wide range of pizza varieties, including the classic crust, rising crust, crispy pan, stuffed crust, croissant crust, hand-tossed style crust, thin crust, and more. However, there have been speculations and concerns about whether they have discontinued their pan pizza option. DiGiorno's pan pizza is a deep-dish style pizza with a thick, soft inside and a crispy, caramelized crust. While the brand still offers a range of crust options, there have been some changes and recalls affecting their pan pizza variety.

DiGiorno Crispy Pan Crust pepperoni pizza recalled

DiGiorno Crispy Pan Crust pepperoni pizzas were recalled in September 2021 due to mislabelling and an undeclared soy allergen. The batch in question, which was produced on June 30, 2021, was found to contain frozen three-meat pizza, made with textured soy protein, in cartons labelled as pepperoni pizza.

Nestlé USA issued the recall after a consumer complained that a box of pepperoni pizza actually contained a three-meat pizza. The company recalled approximately 27,872 pounds of the product, urging consumers to throw it out or return it to the place of purchase. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) advised that people with soy allergies could have an allergic reaction and should not consume the product.

The FSIS also warned that some of the mislabelled product may still be in consumers' freezers. The recall applies to 26-ounce cartons of "DiGiorno Pepperoni Crispy Pan Crust" with the lot code 1181510721 and a "best buy" date of March 2022. These cartons bear the establishment number "EST. 1682A" inside the USDA inspection mark.

Nestlé apologised for any inconvenience caused by the recall and assured consumers that no other DiGiorno products were affected. The company also stated that there had been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the mislabelled pizzas.

DiGiorno's other crust options

DiGiorno offers a wide variety of crust options for its pizzas, ensuring that there is something to suit everyone's taste and preference.

One of the most popular options is the rising crust, which is described as fluffy and crispy, giving it a similar texture to a delivered pizza. This crust is available with various toppings, including sausage and pepperoni, creating a flavourful and satisfying pizza experience.

For those who enjoy a flaky and crispy texture, the croissant crust is a unique option. This crust has received praise for its buttery flavour and croissant-like texture, adding an indulgent twist to the traditional pizza.

DiGiorno also offers a hand-tossed style crust, providing a more classic and traditional pizza experience. This crust is versatile and can be paired with various toppings, allowing customers to create their own custom pizzas to suit their tastes.

For those who prefer a thinner and crispier texture, the thin crust and the loaded ultra-thin crust are ideal options. These crusts provide a satisfying crunch and are perfect for those who want to enjoy a lighter and crispier pizza without compromising on taste.

Additionally, DiGiorno offers gluten-free crusts, ensuring that those with gluten intolerances or allergies can still enjoy their favourite pizzas. These gluten-free options are crafted with tapioca and rice starch to deliver the signature DiGiorno crust experience while accommodating dietary restrictions.

With such a diverse range of crust options, DiGiorno ensures that customers can find their perfect pizza, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. Whether it's the fluffy rising crust, the indulgent croissant crust, the classic hand-tossed style, or the thin and crispy varieties, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

DiGiorno's history and ownership

DiGiorno is a frozen pizza brand that was launched by Kraft in 1995. Its first pizza was the original rising crust pepperoni pizza, which proved to be a hit with consumers. Within three years, DiGiorno had become the top-selling frozen pizza brand in the US. The brand's famous tagline, "It's not delivery. It's DiGiorno", emphasised the quality of its pizzas, which were said to be comparable to those from local pizzerias.

The rising crust pizza was the result of Kraft's food technology innovation. The company introduced various food additives, oils, yeast and baking soda to strengthen the dough and prevent it from drying out. The pizzas were also vacuum-sealed to keep out oxygen that could affect the dough.

In 1999, DiGiorno rebranded as Delissio in Canada. In 2010, Kraft sold its US and Canada frozen pizza business, including DiGiorno and Tombstone, to Nestle for $3.7 billion in cash. The acquisition was a strategic move by Nestle to leverage its pizza-making expertise in Europe and expand its presence in North America's frozen pizza market.

Since its launch, DiGiorno has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings. In addition to the rising crust, the brand now offers a variety of crust options, including stuffed crust, croissant crust, hand-tossed style crust, thin crust, and gluten-free crust. The brand has also ventured into plant-based alternatives, releasing a pizza topped with a meat alternative in 2020.

DiGiorno's other pizza options

DiGiorno offers a wide range of pizza options to satisfy all pizza cravings. The brand currently produces close to 60 types of pizza, with a focus on delivering a freshly baked taste and a variety of crust options.

If you're looking for a classic pizza experience, DiGiorno's original rising crust might be for you. This crust revolutionised frozen pizza when it launched in 1995, offering a unique texture that made pizza lovers question whether their pizza was delivered or frozen.

For those who like their pizza oozing with cheese, the stuffed crust option is a must-try. DiGiorno takes this a step further with their bacon and cheese-stuffed crust, adding an extra layer of flavour to an already mouth-watering option.

If you're feeling indulgent, the croissant crust is a flaky and buttery delight. This crust is described as "pizza like never before," offering a crispy, buttery, and flaky pastry-like base for your favourite toppings.

For a lighter option, the thin and crispy crust is now a classic, offering that sought-after crunch without compromising on taste.

DiGiorno also offers a gluten-free option, so no one has to miss out on the enjoyment of a delicious pizza. Choose from Four Cheese or Pepperoni and enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.

In addition to these popular options, DiGiorno also offers a hand-tossed style crust, a loaded ultra-thin crust, and a Detroit-style crust, ensuring there truly is something for everyone.

Other discontinued frozen pizzas

It is unclear whether DiGiorno pan pizzas have been discontinued, but there are several other discontinued frozen pizzas that are missed by their fans.

Jeno's Crisp 'N Tasty Pizzas

Jeno's Crisp 'N Tasty Pizzas were discontinued in February 2019. They were one of the cheapest pizzas around and were less greasy than Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizzas.

Buitoni Instant Pizzas

These mini toaster pizzas from the 1970s and 1980s resembled enclosed calzones rather than pizzas. They could be warmed up in the toaster, which was convenient for parents who didn't want to heat up the whole house by turning on the oven.

Totino's Pizza Slices

Totino's was possibly the first company to make a name for itself in the frozen pizza industry. The company grew out of a successful Minneapolis pizza restaurant owned by Rose and Jim Totino. Their early offerings included individual slices of pizza, which came in a box of six rectangular slices. Today, the brand only offers Party Pizzas and Pizza Rolls.

Bagel Bites (Canada)

Since late 2022, Bagel Bites pizza snacks have been discontinued in Canada, much to the dismay of fans. Shipping costs may have contributed to this decision.

Trader Joe's Arugula Pizza

This pizza featured cherry tomatoes and arugula as its main toppings, along with mozzarella, pecorino, manchego, and provolone cheeses. It was reportedly discontinued in January 2022, leaving vegetarians disappointed as it was one of the few meatless pizza options available at Trader Joe's.

Trader Joe's Organic Woodfired Sicilian Style Pizza

This pizza had a rustic look with an imperfect crust and random placement of toppings, including roasted red peppers, provolone, and pearl mozzarella. It also came with a packet of olive oil and red pepper flakes to sprinkle on top after cooking. It was discontinued in April 2020 and has not made a comeback since.

Tofutti Pizza Pizzazz

A rectangular frozen pizza with a crisp crust and fatty cheese-type product, Tofutti Pizza Pizzazz was a favourite among vegans and those with dairy intolerances. However, it was discontinued, and the Tofutti brand now focuses on non-dairy cheeses, sour cream, dips, and ice cream treats.

DiGiorno Garlic Bread Pizza

DiGiorno's Garlic Bread Pizza stood out for its garlic-butter crust. However, it was discontinued in March 2021, with the company announcing that it did not plan to return this product to its lineup.

DiGiorno Spicy Chicken Supreme

A popular choice for those who enjoy frozen chicken pizzas, DiGiorno's Spicy Chicken Supreme featured a traditional red pizza sauce and a balance of spicy chicken, red and green bell peppers, and onions. It was discontinued in May 2021, leaving fans disappointed.

• Roman's Frozen Pizza, advertised as "the non-stingy frozen pizza for big American appetites" in the 1960s.
• Pizza Pick-Up Stix, tubes of pizza sold by Bird's Eye in the 1970s.
• Chef Boyardee Frozen Pizza, from the king of the DIY boxed pizza kit.
• Pizza Hut Electronic Baking Oven Pizza, small plastic plug-in cookers that made pizza-like treats in the 1970s.
• Celentano Frozen Pizza, a rectangular pizza with square-shaped sausage.
• Kellogg's Presto Pizza, pizza-flavoured Pop-Tarts.
• Pizza-flavoured Nabisco Poppins, round frozen discs stuffed with tomato sauce, ground beef, and cheese.

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