SUPERMARKET shoppers love reaching for a Pizza Express pizza – but can you find an own-brand one that’s just as good?
They can be pricey when compared to supermarket own brands.
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At the moment a Margherita will set you back between £4.35 – £6.00 depending on where you buy it.
Natasha Harding tried six supermarket brands and compared them to Pizza Express Margherita pizza – and rated them all out of 30.
Pizza Express Margherita Pizza
£4.35 (when bought with Nectar), Sainsbury’s
Per 100g: calories, 263 fat, 8.7g sugar, 3.4g salt 0.93g
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If the secret to a good pizza is in the dough, then Pizza Express hits the spot.
The base cooked to perfection and it was a good size for two people.
There was a good amount of topping and it cooked evenly in about 12 minutes.
However, there are other pizzas that taste just as good for a fraction of the cost.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Overall rating: 6/10
Out of 30: 19
Carlos Stonebaked Pizza
£1.99, Aldi, Aldi
Per 100g: calories, 308 fat, 10.2g sugar, 4g salt 1.09g
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It cooked nicely in 12 minutes and was big enough to feed four people.
The base was deliciously crispy and the cheese and tomato topping tasted authentically Italian.
I haven’t tried this flavour from Aldi before, but absolutely will in the future – my winner – and less than half the price of Pizza Express, that’s dinner sorted.
Taste: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Overall rating: 10/10
Out of 30: 30
Cheese & Tomato Pizza
£1.90, Sainsbury’s
Per 100g: calories, 298 fat, 9g sugar, 2.6g salt 0.76g
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Good value and a perfect size for two.
I wasn’t so keen on this one as I thought it was a bit bland and there wasn’t enough cheese to tempt my tastebuds.
However, my daughter and her friend loved it and she’s asked if she can have it for tea regularly.
At that price, I’m happy to oblige – and if I join her, I’ll add extra cheese on my half.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Overall rating: 7/10
Out of 30: 25
Stonebaked Margherita Pizza
£2.58, Asda
Per 100g: calories, 238 fat, 7.7g sugar, 3.9g salt 1.09g
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It cooked well in just over 12 minutes and the generous size means it would satisfy four people, especially if you add a couple of sides.
The topping was plentiful and the fact that you’re getting a lot of pizza for your money means that this is a good staple for a family if you’re unsure what to serve up for dinner.
Taste: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Overall rating: 8/10
Out of 30: 24
Chef Select, Stonebaked Margherita Pizza
£1.99, Lidl
Per 100g: calories, 254 fat, 8.6g sugar, 2.3g salt 1.08g
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Another well priced pizza but I wasn’t so keen on the taste.
The tomato had an intense, slightly synthetic taste that I couldn’t get away from.
The cheese was generous and tasted great – and it cooked to perfection.
If you like a stronger taste sensation, it might be one for you but it’s not one I’d be keen to buy again.
Taste: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Overall rating: 7/10
Out of 30: 23
Classic Margherita
£3.10, Tesco
Per 100g: calories, 259 fat, 7g sugar, 2.8g salt 0.75g
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It cooked nicely in just over ten minutes and looked very appealing once it was ready.
It was generously sized and the base was just the right consistency of being thick enough but crispy too.
It was oh so cheesy which hit the spot for me – I’d definitely buy it again if I needed a cheese fix.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Overall rating: 8/10
Out of 30: 23
Essential Cheese & Tomato Pizza
£2.75, Waitrose
Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g
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I felt a bit let down by Waitrose offering as the Essential range is fantastic.
The base was a bit thin, and it could have done with some extra toppings as it felt a bit lacklustre.
If I was to buy it again, it would be as a base to add some extra ingredients to.
Taste: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Overall rating: 6/10
Out of 30: 18