How many calories are in a medium pork pie?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

A single, average-sized supermarket pork pie weighing around 140g typically contains approximately 400 calories. However, the specific nutritional content can vary significantly depending on the brand, size, and recipe, with factors like the pastry and filling fat content playing a major role in the final calorie count.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a medium pork pie varies based on brand, ingredients, and size. Factors like pastry and pork fat content significantly impact the nutritional profile. Store-bought pies often differ from homemade versions in calorie density.

Key Points

Average Calories: A medium pork pie typically contains around 400 calories, but this can vary significantly by brand, size, and recipe.
Pastry is Key: A major source of calories comes from the 'raised crust' pastry, traditionally made with high-fat lard.
Fatty Filling: The pork filling's fat content varies based on the cut of meat, directly impacting the final calorie count.
Size Matters: 'Medium' is not a standard size, so always check the product's nutritional label for the most accurate information.
Enjoy in Moderation: Due to its high calorie and saturated fat content, a pork pie is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular dietary staple.
Comparison Varies: Homemade pork pies allow for better control over ingredients and calorie content compared to standardized, often saltier, store-bought options.

Average Calorie Count for a Medium Pork Pie

A medium pork pie generally refers to a single-serving pie, typically weighing between 140g and 150g. Based on data from various supermarkets and bakeries, a single medium pork pie can contain anywhere from 289 to over 400 calories. This wide range highlights the importance of checking specific product labels for accurate information. For example, a Waitrose Melton Mowbray pork pie (150g) is listed as having 289kcal, while a Tesco Melton Mowbray pork pie (140g) contains 385kcal per pie.

What Influences the Calorie Count?

The caloric density of a pork pie is a result of its core ingredients, with the pastry and the meat filling being the main contributors.

Pastry: Traditional pork pie pastry, known as 'raised crust,' is made using hot water and lard, which is a significant source of fat. The amount of lard used directly impacts the final calorie count. Some commercial pies may use alternative fats, but the effect on calories can be similar.
Filling: The pork filling itself contains fat. The cut of pork used—whether it's lean pork shoulder or includes fattier cuts—affects the total fat and calorie content. Butcher-made pies often use higher-quality, less processed meat than some supermarket versions.
Jelly: The jelly, typically made from gelatin and stock, adds some moisture but is not a significant source of calories. It is primarily protein and water.
Size and Weight: The most obvious factor is the size. A larger pie will have more calories than a smaller one, even if the per-100g calorie density is the same. A 'medium' pie is not a standardized size across all brands.

Nutritional Breakdown Per 100g

Across the board, most commercial pork pies share a similar nutritional profile when viewed per 100 grams.

Energy: Around 350-400 kcal.
Fat: Typically 20-27 grams, with a high proportion being saturated fat.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-28 grams, mainly from the flour in the pastry.
Protein: Roughly 9-15 grams, from the pork filling.
Salt: Can be quite high, with some variations exceeding 1 gram per 100g.

How Calorie Content Varies: Homemade vs. Store-Bought


Feature	Store-Bought Pork Pie	Homemade Pork Pie
Ingredients	May contain preservatives, fillers, and more standardized, potentially fattier, cuts of pork. Often uses a pre-made or less traditional pastry.	Ingredients are fully controlled. Often uses higher-quality pork and traditional, lard-based pastry.
Pastry	Standardized, often machine-made, and can be less dense or more processed.	Can be made from scratch with specific fat content. Artisan or traditional methods might use more lard for texture.
Calorie Control	Limited control over the total fat and calories. Rely on nutritional labels.	Complete control over ingredients, including the type of fat (lard vs. a substitute) and the leanness of the pork.
Jelly	Usually a set, clear jelly made with commercial gelatin.	Traditional recipes use stock from the cooking process to create a flavorful gelatin.
Nutrient Balance	Calorie-dense, often higher in saturated fats and salt to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.	Can be tailored to be slightly leaner by using less fat in the pastry and leaner cuts of pork, though this may impact traditional flavor and texture.

Managing Your Pork Pie Intake

Despite their high calorie and fat content, pork pies can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. For those conscious of their intake, a few strategies can help:

Portion Control: Opt for a small or miniature pork pie instead of a medium one. Alternatively, share a medium pie to halve the calories.
Balance Your Meal: If having a pork pie, consider pairing it with a salad or vegetables instead of other high-calorie side dishes like chips or buttery mashed potatoes.
Choose Wisely: Compare nutritional labels of different brands. Some may offer slightly leaner options, although the calorie difference is often marginal. Butcher-made pies, while potentially higher in fat, may offer a better-quality, less processed option.

Conclusion

In summary, a medium pork pie contains a significant number of calories, with the average hovering around 400kcal, though variations exist between brands and recipes. The majority of these calories come from the rich, traditional pastry made with lard and the fat content of the pork filling. While not an everyday food for a balanced diet due to its high saturated fat content, it remains a beloved, occasional indulgence. By understanding the nutritional breakdown and practising portion control, you can enjoy this classic savory pie responsibly. For more detailed information on nutrition, consider visiting a reputable source like the British Heart Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium pork pie typically weighs between 140g and 150g, though this can vary depending on the specific brand or bakery.

The high calorie count is primarily due to the fatty ingredients, including the lard used for the traditional 'raised crust' pastry and the fat content in the pork filling.

Yes, there can be. Homemade pies allow for more control over the ingredients, such as using leaner pork cuts or less fat in the pastry, potentially resulting in a lower calorie count.

Pork pies are high in calories and saturated fat, making them unsuitable for regular consumption as part of a healthy diet. However, they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

To reduce calorie intake, you can opt for a smaller pie, share a medium pie, or balance your meal by serving it with a low-calorie side like a salad instead of chips.

No, the jelly, which is made from gelatin and stock, is not a significant source of calories. It is mainly protein and water.

Calorie counts vary by brand. For instance, a Waitrose 150g pie has 289kcal, while a Tesco 140g pie has 385kcal per pie. Always check the specific product label.