Does Pie Crust Have Dairy in It? Navigating the World of Dairy-Free Baking

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While many traditional recipes call for butter, a dairy product, about 68% of the global population is lactose intolerant. Therefore, the question, does pie crust have dairy in it? is a crucial one for many, and the answer depends significantly on the specific recipe or brand.

Quick Summary

The dairy content in pie crust depends on the recipe and brand, as traditional versions use butter while many store-bought and alternative recipes use dairy-free fats like shortening or lard. Always check ingredients for confirmation.

Key Points

Standard Recipes: Many classic pie crust recipes use butter, a dairy product, for a rich, flaky texture.
Store-Bought Variety: Pre-made crusts can be either dairy-containing or dairy-free, so always read the ingredient list carefully.
Common Dairy-Free Fats: Look for crusts made with vegetable shortening, lard, or coconut oil as butter alternatives.
Vegan Options: Many vegan pie crust recipes use plant-based butters or oils to achieve a flaky result without any dairy.
Cross-Contamination: For severe dairy allergies, be sure to check labels for "made in a facility with dairy" warnings.
Flavor Differences: Crusts made with different fats will have varying flavors and textures, from rich and buttery (vegan butter) to crisp and neutral (shortening).
Check Brand Specifics: Some brands like Pillsbury offer dairy-free options, while others like certain Trader Joe's crusts contain milk, so brand knowledge is key.

The Role of Fat in Traditional Pie Crusts

In baking, fat is a key ingredient for creating the flaky, tender texture that defines a good pie crust. When the fat is cut into the flour and melts during baking, it creates air pockets that separate the layers of dough. Historically, the most common fat used for this purpose was butter. Made from milk, butter provides a rich flavor and golden color that many bakers prefer. Other animal fats, like lard, were also traditionally used and are naturally dairy-free.

Deciphering the Ingredients of Homemade Pie Crusts

For homemade recipes, knowing the ingredients is straightforward. A traditional butter-based crust will explicitly list unsalted or salted butter, requiring those with dairy sensitivities to find an alternative. However, countless recipes are designed specifically to be dairy-free. These recipes swap butter for a variety of plant-based or alternative animal fats, ensuring a delicious and safe result. The choice of fat can influence the crust's texture and flavor, offering a range of culinary possibilities.

Navigating Store-Bought Pie Crusts

When it comes to convenience products, the question becomes more complex. You cannot assume a store-bought pie crust is dairy-free. Some major brands, such as Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, are typically made with vegetable shortening and are considered dairy-free. However, other brands, like certain frozen crusts from Trader Joe's, may contain milk. This highlights the importance of always checking the ingredient label. Beyond just the listed ingredients, some individuals with severe allergies must also be mindful of cross-contamination warnings, as a product might be processed in a facility that also handles dairy.

Dairy-Free Alternatives for Pie Crusts

For those needing to avoid dairy, a range of fats and recipes provide excellent results. Whether you are baking from scratch or looking for a reliable pre-made option, here are some common alternatives:

Vegetable Shortening: This is a popular dairy-free choice for its high melting point, which contributes to a very flaky crust. It is a neutral-flavored fat, making it versatile for both sweet and savory pies.
Lard: A rendered pig fat, lard is naturally dairy-free and is prized by many bakers for its ability to produce an exceptionally flaky crust. It adds a savory, rustic quality to the crust, making it a great option for savory pot pies.
Vegan Butter: Plant-based butter substitutes have come a long way and can mimic the flavor and flakiness of traditional butter effectively. Many modern vegan butters are made from a blend of plant oils and are specifically designed for baking.
Coconut Oil: For a plant-based alternative, solid coconut oil can be used in place of butter. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor, while unrefined versions will impart a noticeable coconut taste. It produces a sturdy, crisp crust.
Vegetable Oil: A no-roll pie crust can be made using liquid vegetable oils like olive or canola oil. This method is quick and results in a crisp, sturdy crust.

A Comparative Look at Pie Crust Fats


Feature	Butter	Vegetable Shortening	Lard	Vegan Butter	Coconut Oil
Dairy Status	Contains Dairy	Dairy-Free	Dairy-Free	Dairy-Free (Vegan)	Dairy-Free (Vegan)
Flavor	Rich, buttery	Neutral	Savory, rustic	Varies by brand	Varies (neutral to coconut)
Flakiness	Excellent	Excellent, very flaky	Superior	Excellent	Good, can be more heavy
Ease of Use	Requires careful handling	Often easier to work with	Very easy to work with	Varies by brand	Easy, but can melt quickly
Texture	Tender, rich	Mealy, very flaky	Tender, flaky	Tender, rich	Sturdy, crisp
Allergies	Avoid for dairy allergies	Safe for dairy allergies	Not for vegans/vegetarians	Safe for dairy allergies	Safe for dairy allergies

Tips for Making a Perfect Dairy-Free Crust

Keep it cold: Regardless of the fat used, ensure all your ingredients (fat, water) and equipment (bowls, cutters) are very cold. This prevents the fat from melting too early and results in a flaky crust.
Use the right techniques: When cutting in a solid fat like shortening or vegan butter, avoid overmixing. The dough should have visible pea-sized chunks of fat, which will create steam and flakiness in the oven.
Chill the dough: After mixing and before rolling, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the fat solidify and allows the gluten to relax, which prevents shrinkage during baking.
Blind bake when needed: For no-bake pie fillings, or to prevent a soggy bottom crust with a wet filling, blind bake the crust by baking it partially or fully before adding the filling.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, does pie crust have dairy in it?, is a resounding “it depends.” While traditional recipes rely on butter, the modern world of baking offers a plethora of dairy-free alternatives that deliver equally delicious results. Whether you choose the buttery flavor of vegan butter, the incredible flakiness of shortening, or the savory richness of lard, a satisfying pie crust can be achieved for any dietary need. By understanding your ingredients and reading labels carefully, you can confidently bake a tasty and worry-free pie.

For more information on making dairy-free pie crusts, you can explore resources like King Arthur Baking's guide on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all store-bought pie crusts are dairy-free. While many are made with vegetable shortening or lard and are safe for dairy-free diets, some brands or specific products may contain butter or milk. It is essential to check the ingredient label every time.

No, lard is not a dairy product. Lard is rendered pig fat and is naturally dairy-free and lactose-free, making it a suitable fat for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.

Yes, you can use vegetable oil to make a dairy-free pie crust. While the texture will be different—often more sturdy and crisp than flaky—recipes exist for a 'no-roll' oil-based crust that is quick and easy to prepare.

The best alternative depends on your desired texture and flavor. Vegan butter provides the most similar flavor and flakiness to traditional butter. Vegetable shortening offers superior flakiness, while lard adds a rustic, savory flavor. Coconut oil is another plant-based option that creates a sturdy crust.

Combining butter and shortening allows bakers to get the best of both worlds. They benefit from the rich, buttery flavor of butter and the superior flakiness and easier handling that shortening provides due to its higher melting point.

For severe dairy allergies, always read the allergen warnings on store-bought products. In addition to listing milk as an ingredient, some packaging will include a notice if the product was manufactured in a facility that also processes dairy.

Graham cracker crusts can contain dairy depending on the ingredients. The traditional version uses butter to bind the crumbs together. However, it can be easily made dairy-free by substituting melted vegan butter or coconut oil.