Do Pillsbury Pie Crusts Have Lard? The Answer for a Healthy Nutrition Diet

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with dietary restrictions or specific health goals, the seemingly simple question, "Do Pillsbury pie crusts have lard?" is a critical one, and the answer is surprisingly nuanced. It depends entirely on which specific Pillsbury product you are considering, as some contain animal-based fat while others are made with vegetable shortening.

Quick Summary

An ingredient analysis of Pillsbury pie crusts reveals which versions contain lard versus vegetable shortening. Product selection is crucial for consumers following a vegetarian, vegan, or kosher diet. Understanding the fat type is an important aspect of making informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

Check the Label: Different Pillsbury pie crusts use different fats; read the ingredients to see if the product contains lard.
Lard vs. Vegetable Shortening: Some Pillsbury products use lard (pork fat), while others use all-vegetable shortening (processed oils).
Dietary Restrictions: Pie crusts containing lard are not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher diets.
Flavor Profile: Lard adds a rich, savory taste, whereas vegetable shortening has a neutral flavor that is more versatile.
Texture Differences: Lard-based crusts are known for their exceptional flakiness, while shortening provides a tender, softer crust.
Nutritional Impact: Both fats are calorie-dense, but modern vegetable shortenings are typically trans fat-free, while lard contains monounsaturated fats.

Not All Pillsbury Pie Crusts Are Made Equal

For many home bakers, Pillsbury's ready-made pie crusts are a convenient shortcut. However, for those concerned about animal products in their food, the ingredients list requires careful attention. The presence of lard varies significantly depending on the specific type of Pillsbury crust, such as the refrigerated dough versus the frozen, deep-dish, or all-vegetable varieties. A quick glance at the label is essential for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Which Pillsbury Pie Crusts Contain Lard?

Traditional Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts and some frozen regular crusts, such as the Pet-Ritz brand, have historically included lard as a primary ingredient. Lard, which is rendered pork fat, is prized by some bakers for creating a uniquely flaky and tender pastry texture. For those with dietary restrictions, particularly for pork-related reasons (such as halal or kosher diets), these products are unsuitable. The ingredient lists clearly state "Lard and Hydrogenated Lard" along with preservatives to protect the flavor.

Pillsbury Options with All-Vegetable Shortening

Recognizing the growing market for plant-based and vegetarian options, Pillsbury offers several pie crusts made with vegetable shortening instead of lard. These are often explicitly labeled as "All-Vegetable Shortening" on the packaging. The Pet-Ritz frozen deep-dish, all-vegetable pie crust is one such example, with its ingredient list primarily featuring soybean and hydrogenated soybean oils. For those who avoid animal products, opting for a clearly labeled "all-vegetable" version is the safest choice. It is important to note that recipes using shortening will not have the same savory undertones that lard can impart.

Lard vs. Vegetable Shortening: A Nutritional and Culinary Comparison

The choice of fat in a pie crust affects more than just dietary adherence; it influences the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. Both lard and vegetable shortening serve as solid fats at room temperature, but their origins and composition are distinctly different.

Lard

Source: Rendered pork fat.
Flavor: Offers a rich, savory flavor that can be desirable in certain recipes but may be too strong for delicate desserts.
Texture: Creates an exceptionally flaky and tender crust due to its larger crystalline structure compared to shortening.
Nutrition: Lard is predominantly monounsaturated fat, which is often considered more heart-friendly than saturated fats. However, it is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Vegetable Shortening

Source: Processed vegetable oils, such as soybean or palm oil.
Flavor: Has a neutral flavor profile, which makes it a versatile choice for both sweet and savory pies where you want the filling's flavor to shine.
Texture: Delivers a tender, soft, and crumbly crust. Early shortenings contained trans fats, but most modern versions are trans fat-free.
Nutrition: Typically contains no cholesterol, but some products can still be high in saturated fat depending on the processing. Like all fats, it is calorie-dense.

Making Informed Choices for Your Diet

For a health-conscious nutrition diet, it is important to consider the overall fat content and type. The total fat and saturated fat percentages can differ slightly between the lard-based and vegetable shortening-based Pillsbury crusts. Reading the nutrition facts label on the specific product packaging is the best way to determine the fat content. Remember that regardless of the fat used, a pie crust is a dense source of calories and is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Comparison Table: Lard vs. Vegetable Shortening in Pillsbury Pie Crusts


Feature	Lard-Based Crust (e.g., Refrigerated, some Regular Frozen)	All-Vegetable Shortening Crust (e.g., Pet-Ritz Frozen All-Vegetable)
Fat Source	Pork fat (animal-derived)	Vegetable oils (plant-based), such as soybean and palm oil
Best For	Traditionally flaky pies with a rich, savory flavor	All-purpose pies; suitable for those wanting a neutral-tasting fat
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher diets	Often suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets (check label for full list of ingredients and cross-contamination warnings)
Taste Profile	Rich, savory undertones	Neutral and clean-tasting

Conclusion: Read Your Labels for Peace of Mind

In conclusion, the question, "do Pillsbury pie crusts have lard?" does not have a simple yes-or-no answer. It's a critical reminder to be a diligent consumer and check the ingredients of any pre-made product, especially for those with specific dietary needs or a health-focused nutrition diet. While some Pillsbury crusts use lard to achieve a classic texture, others utilize all-vegetable shortening, providing a suitable alternative. By understanding the distinction and checking the label, you can confidently choose the right product for your baking and dietary needs.

For more information on nutritional information for specific Pillsbury products, you can visit their website.

Ingredient List Check:

Look for the word "Lard" on the ingredients list to confirm the presence of animal fat.
Verify for a vegetarian or vegan label, and explicitly check if the product is "all-vegetable".
Read for any preservatives or additives that may affect dietary restrictions, such as BHA and BHT.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts and some frozen options, particularly the regular versions under the Pet-Ritz brand, list 'lard and hydrogenated lard' in their ingredients.

Pillsbury offers all-vegetable shortening pie crusts, such as the Pet-Ritz frozen deep-dish variety, which are suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, but you should always check the label for potential cross-contamination warnings.

The main difference is the fat source: lard is from pork fat, and vegetable shortening is from vegetable oils. Lard contributes a richer flavor and flakier texture, while shortening is neutral in flavor and produces a more tender crumb.

Both lard and shortening are high in calories and fats. Lard contains more monounsaturated fats, while modern shortenings are generally trans fat-free. The total saturated fat can vary, so comparing the nutritional information on the packaging is recommended.

For vegetarians, Pillsbury's all-vegetable pie crusts are a convenient option. If baking from scratch, combining half butter and half modern vegetable shortening can provide both flavor and flakiness.

Lard is often used because it creates a more delicate and flaky crust than shortening due to its crystalline structure. For some, the rich flavor of lard is also preferred for a traditional pie.

Pillsbury's main refrigerated and frozen offerings typically rely on lard or vegetable shortening. For a butter-based crust, it is best to check specialty brands or make one from scratch, though some might use a butter-shortening blend.