Cheese and tomato pizza remains a staple dinner choice across the UK, valued for its convenience and versatility. Whether paired with garlic bread or a fresh salad, it offers a quick and satisfying meal. While homemade or pizzeria versions are often considered superior, supermarkets have significantly improved their offerings. With this in mind, Millie Bull, Deputy Editor of Spare Time, set out to test five Aldi cheese and tomato pizzas to determine the best value option. She evaluated both fresh and frozen varieties at different price points, assessing flavour, texture, and overall quality.
Everyday Essentials Cheese & Tomato Pizza
Price: 58p for 114g or 99p for 293g
Score: 2/5
This pizza features a bready base topped with tomato paste and a modest sprinkling of cheese. While the overall flavour was acceptable—with salty, tangy cheese and a sweet tomato paste—the texture was disappointing. The base was slightly soggy, reminiscent of school cafeteria pizza. It could be improved with additional toppings such as ham, chopped sundried tomatoes, or even a drizzle of Marmite.
Takeaway Classic Crust The Big Cheese Pizza
Price: £2.49 for 531g
Score: 3/5
True to its name, this pizza closely resembles offerings from major takeaway chains. The sauce was notably sweet, and the cheese formed a thick, impenetrable layer over the sauce. The crust was thick and crunchy. However, the flavours lacked complexity—no hints of garlic, basil, or oregano were present. As the pizza cooled, the cheese dried out and developed a cardboard-like texture. The crust was the standout feature, offering a satisfying crunch ideal for dipping in sauce.
Stonebaked Margherita Pizza
Price: £1.99 for 305g
Score: 3.5/5
This is a popular choice, cooking in just 12 minutes. The sauce is rich with herbs and garlic, and the cheese provides satisfying pulls when properly melted. The tomato sauce extends to the edge of the crust, ensuring flavour in every bite. The main drawback is the base, which can become soggy, causing toppings to slide off. Cooking it slightly longer or at a higher temperature helps mitigate this issue.
Specially Selected Mozzarella & Slow Roasted Tomato Wood Fired Sourdough Pizza
Price: £2.89 for 210g
Score: 4/5
This personal-sized pizza from Aldi's premium range delivers authentic flavour with creamy mozzarella, slow-roasted tomatoes, and basil pesto. The 30-hour slow-fermented dough, made from '00' flour, results in a crisp, charred base reminiscent of a wood-fired oven. However, the topping distribution was uneven, with some areas lacking cheese while others were overloaded. At £2.89, a more consistent topping application would be expected.
Carlos Stonebaked Sourdough Mozzarella Pizza
Price: £2.49 for 355g
Score: 4.5/5
This frozen pizza was the surprise winner, impressing with its flavour, toppings, crust, and base. It features a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, a spinach and basil sauce, and cubed tomatoes. The sourdough base is crisp yet chewy, well-seasoned, and the basil-spinach sauce adds freshness without overpowering. The only downside was the cooking time: despite packaging claiming 12 minutes, it took nearly 20 minutes for the cheese to fully melt and the base to crisp.
The Verdict
The frozen Carlos Sourdough Mozzarella Pizza emerged as the top choice, offering excellent value at £2.49. For those seeking a smaller, premium option, the Specially Selected Mozzarella and Slow Roasted Tomato Wood Fired Sourdough Pizza is a solid pick. Budget-conscious shoppers will find the Stonebaked Margherita Pizza under £2 a reliable choice.
