Does Marie Callender's apple pie contain dairy? Navigating Nutrition and Allergens

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Food allergies and sensitivities affect millions of people, making ingredient label vigilance a critical part of a healthy diet. This raises a common question for dessert lovers: Does Marie Callender's apple pie contain dairy? The answer, surprisingly, depends on the specific type of apple pie product you're considering.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of dairy in Marie Callender's apple pie varies by product. While standard individual-sized apple pies may contain modified whey, the larger Dutch and Lattice apple pies are typically accidentally vegan, using oil-based crusts. Careful label inspection is crucial for those with allergies.

Key Points

Check the Label: Not all Marie Callender's apple pies are the same; ingredients vary by product line and size.
Standard Pies May Contain Dairy: Some smaller, single-serve apple pies list 'Modified Whey' and 'Contains: Milk' on their labels.
Dutch and Lattice Pies are Vegan: The larger Dutch Apple and Lattice Apple pies are often accidentally vegan, with a dairy-free crust made from vegetable oil.
Look for Common Dairy Ingredients: Be aware of common dairy ingredients such as whey, casein, and milk derivatives listed on the packaging.
Dairy-Free Baking is an Option: If store-bought pies are a concern, many dairy-free butter and milk substitutes can be used for homemade baking.
Understand Your Restriction: Distinguish between a milk allergy (immune reaction) and lactose intolerance (digestive issue) for proper dietary management.

The Surprising Truth: Not All Marie Callender's Apple Pies Are Alike

For those with a dairy allergy or who follow a vegan diet, the assumption that a fruit pie is automatically dairy-free can be a costly mistake. The truth about if Marie Callender's apple pie contains dairy is not a simple yes or no; it depends on the specific product. Marie Callender's offers various apple pie options, and their ingredient lists can differ significantly.

The Dairy-Containing Apple Pie

Some versions of Marie Callender's apple pie, particularly the smaller, single-serve frozen desserts, explicitly list milk derivatives as an allergen. For example, some product listings show "Modified Whey" in the ingredients and a prominent allergen warning stating, "CONTAINS: MILK, WHEAT". This confirms that these particular pies are not dairy-free. Modified whey is a common dairy ingredient derived from the cheesemaking process and is used as a thickening agent or flavor enhancer in many processed foods. For anyone with a milk allergy, this ingredient is a red flag that necessitates avoiding the product.

The Vegan-Friendly Dutch and Lattice Apple Pies

Conversely, several larger, take-and-bake fruit pies from Marie Callender's are known to be "accidentally vegan," which means they are made without any animal products, including dairy. This includes the Dutch Apple Pie and Lattice Apple Pie. The key difference lies in the crust and topping. Instead of butter or other dairy fats, these pies use vegetable shortening or a combination of soybean and hydrogenated soybean oils. The fillings are typically a blend of apples, sugar, and spices without any dairy additives. For those who can tolerate soy, these options offer a convenient pre-made dessert free of dairy ingredients.

How to Check for Dairy and Other Allergens on Labels

To ensure you are making a safe choice, it is essential to read the ingredient list carefully every time you purchase a product. Even for the same brand, ingredient formulations can change without notice. Here is what to look for:

Allergen Warning: Look for the bolded "Contains: Milk" or similar warning below the ingredient list. The FDA requires this for major allergens.
Ingredient List: Scan the full ingredient list for dairy-derived ingredients. Common names include:
- Butter, butter fat
- Casein, caseinates
- Cheese
- Cream
- Ghee
- Lactose
- Milk, milk fat, milk powder
- Whey, modified whey, whey protein concentrate

Dairy vs. Lactose Intolerance: What's the Difference?

When considering whether a pie is suitable for your diet, understanding the distinction between a dairy allergy and lactose intolerance is important.

Comparison of Dairy Intolerance Types


Feature	Dairy Allergy	Lactose Intolerance
Cause	An immune system reaction to the proteins in milk (casein and whey).	Inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk, due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme.
Symptoms	Hives, swelling, wheezing, digestive issues, anaphylaxis (severe cases).	Digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea.
Treatment	Complete avoidance of all dairy protein.	Can often tolerate small amounts of dairy or use lactase supplements. Lactose-free products may be suitable.
Marie Callender's Pies	Both the dairy and vegan versions can be tolerated depending on the specific ingredients.	Products with added lactose-free milk may be tolerated, but vegan options are the safest bet.

Dairy-Free Baking and Diet Alternatives

If you prefer to bake your own apple pie or can't find a suitable Marie Callender's option, there are many dairy-free substitutions available.

Butter substitutes: Vegan butter sticks, vegetable shortening, or coconut oil are excellent 1:1 replacements for butter in pie crusts.
Milk substitutes: Plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk can be used in recipes that call for milk, though you may need to adjust for flavor or fat content.
Richness: Use canned coconut milk (the thick cream part) as a substitute for heavy cream in fillings or toppings.
Other brands: Numerous brands offer dairy-free or vegan pies. Some, like Katz Gluten Free, specifically label their pies as such. McDonald's apple pies are also surprisingly vegan.

A Final Word on Your Dessert

Navigating dietary restrictions requires diligence, especially with processed foods where hidden ingredients are common. The question of whether Marie Callender's apple pie contains dairy serves as a perfect example of why relying on brand reputation alone is not enough. Always read the ingredient label and allergen information on each specific package to ensure it aligns with your nutritional needs and dietary choices. For those seeking a delicious, convenient, and dairy-free treat, the vegan-friendly Dutch or Lattice apple pies are a great option, but checking the label for modified whey or milk is a must for other varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Marie Callender's Dutch Apple Pie is typically dairy-free and considered accidentally vegan, as its crust is made with vegetable oil rather than butter. However, you should always check the specific product label to confirm.

Besides the Dutch and Lattice Apple pies, other Marie Callender's fruit pies are often vegan, including the Blueberry Pie, Razzleberry Fruit Pie, and Cherry Crunch Pie. Always consult the product's ingredient list for verification.

Modified whey is a dairy-derived ingredient that contains milk proteins, making it a definite concern for individuals with a dairy allergy. It is a common additive in processed foods for texture, flavor, and binding.

Marie Callender's pie crust formulation depends on the product. Some, like those used in the vegan-friendly fruit pies, use soybean oil and are dairy-free, while others may contain dairy-derived ingredients. Always check the ingredient list for the specific pie you are purchasing.

Yes, several brands offer dairy-free or vegan apple pie options. You can look for specialty brands like Katz Gluten Free or check the ingredient lists of other brands. Some chain restaurants, like McDonald's, also have vegan apple pies.

For homemade dairy-free apple pie, you can use vegan buttery sticks, vegetable shortening, or coconut oil as a butter substitute in the crust. For any fillings requiring milk or cream, use plant-based alternatives like full-fat canned coconut milk.

For those with lactose intolerance, the vegan-friendly pies would be safe. If a pie contains modified whey, the amount of lactose might be minimal due to processing, but it's not guaranteed to be lactose-free. Sticking to the explicitly dairy-free or vegan options is the safest approach.