How many calories are in a pork pie 440g? A Guide to Nutrition and Diet

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A 440g Walkers pork pie contains approximately 1637 kcal. When considering a nutrition diet, this figure illustrates why understanding the energy density of traditional foods is crucial, especially when consumed as a substantial meal or a complete snack.

Quick Summary

This article explains the typical calorie count for a 440g pork pie, breaking down the macronutrient composition of the pastry and filling. It compares different brands and offers insights into how to enjoy this food in moderation as part of a healthy eating pattern.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: A 440g pork pie contains a significant amount of calories, often over 1400 kcal, comprising more than half of a daily intake for many adults.
Fat is the Main Source: The high calorie count is primarily due to the energy-dense nature of the fatty pork filling and the lard-based hot water crust pastry.
Brand Variation: Calorie and macronutrient content differ between manufacturers, so checking product-specific nutritional information is important.
Moderate Consumption: Pork pies are best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack due to high fat, saturated fat, and sodium levels.
Pair with Healthier Sides: To balance your meal, serve a small portion of pork pie with a large, fresh salad to add fibre and nutrients.
Portion Control: Limiting yourself to a quarter of a large pie is a practical way to manage calorie intake while still enjoying the food.
Jelly's Role: The aspic jelly inside a traditional pork pie provides moisture and flavour but contributes minimally to the total calories compared to the meat and pastry.

The Calorie Breakdown of a 440g Pork Pie

Determining the exact calorie count for a 440g pork pie is challenging because it varies by manufacturer, but several search results offer a clear picture. The calorie density is consistently high due to the pastry and fatty meat content. Here is a breakdown of representative calorie counts based on publicly available data:

Walkers (440g): A 'King Size' version is listed at around 1637 kcal for the entire pie, with 372 kcal per 100g.
Morrisons (440g): A 'Melton Mowbray Large Pork Pie' has approximately 365 kcal per 100g, amounting to roughly 1606 kcal for a full 440g pie.
Tesco (440g): The 'Large Melton Mowbray Pork Pie' has a lower reported calorie density of 328 kcal per 100g, which would make a 440g pie approximately 1443 kcal.
Dickinson & Morris (440g): A 'Large Melton Mowbray Pork Pie' contains 359 kcal per 100g, totaling around 1580 kcal for the whole pie.

These figures demonstrate that a single 440g pork pie can contribute a significant percentage of an average adult's recommended daily calorie intake of 2000-2500 kcal, often exceeding half of it in one sitting.

What Makes a Pork Pie So Calorie-Dense?

The high-calorie nature of a pork pie is directly linked to its key components: the filling and the pastry. Both are traditionally made with high-fat ingredients that significantly increase the overall energy density.

The Primary Ingredients

Fatty Pork: The filling typically consists of minced or chopped pork, which includes both lean meat and fatty cuts like pork belly. This fattier composition is a major contributor to the calorie count.
Hot Water Crust Pastry: The robust, savoury pastry is traditionally made with lard, which is essentially pork fat. Lard is highly energy-dense, and because the crust is thick and forms the majority of the pie's outer layer, it is a primary source of fat and calories.
Pork Jelly: While the jelly is often perceived as a fatty element, it is typically made from a pork stock containing gelatine. This provides protein and moisture but adds considerably fewer calories than the meat and pastry.

Comparing 440g Pork Pie Brands

To better understand the nutritional variance, here is a comparison of different 440g pork pies based on typical values per 100g:


Feature	Walkers (approx.)	Morrisons (approx.)	Tesco (approx.)	Dickinson & Morris (approx.)
Energy (kcal)	372	365	328	359
Fat (g)	N/A	26.2	21.1	26.8
Saturates (g)	N/A	9.5	7.6	9.4
Carbohydrate (g)	N/A	22.2	22.7	19.1
Protein (g)	N/A	9.7	11.1	12.1

Note: Nutritional values can vary. Always check the specific product label for the most accurate information.

Incorporating Pork Pie into a Balanced Nutrition Diet

Given its high calorie, fat, and sodium content, a pork pie is best viewed as an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple. A balanced nutrition diet requires careful consideration of portion sizes and overall food choices. The British Heart Foundation highlights that even a quarter of a small pork pie contains a significant amount of saturated fat.

Making Healthier Choices

Portion Control: Instead of eating a whole 440g pie, consider consuming a smaller portion, such as a quarter (110g) or an individual mini-pie, and treat it as the main course for a meal.
Pair with Nutritious Foods: Balance the meal by pairing a small portion of pork pie with a large, fresh side salad rather than other high-calorie sides like chips or mashed potatoes. This adds fibre, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.
Alternative Fillings: When making a homemade version, opt for leaner cuts of pork and reduce the amount of added fat and lard in the pastry. This can significantly lower the overall calorie count while still providing a satisfying meal.
Enjoy as a Treat: Embrace the pork pie for special occasions like a picnic or a celebratory meal, rather than as a regular fixture in your weekly diet. This helps manage intake without completely restricting a beloved food.
Consider Substitutes: If you enjoy savoury pastries regularly, explore healthier alternatives like vegetarian pies with lean vegetable fillings or pies made with healthier, lower-fat pastry options.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

In summary, a 440g pork pie is an energy-dense food, with calorie counts typically ranging from 1450 to over 1600 kcal. The high fat content, particularly from the pastry and filling, is the primary source of these calories. While delicious, pork pies are not a health food and are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied and balanced nutrition diet. By controlling portion sizes, pairing with healthier foods, or making smart swaps, you can enjoy this classic British delicacy without derailing your nutritional goals.

For additional guidance on balanced eating, consult resources like the British Heart Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a 440g pork pie can vary, but based on popular brands, it typically ranges from approximately 1450 kcal to over 1600 kcal for the entire pie.

A pork pie's high calorie and fat content come from its main ingredients: a filling of fatty pork meat and a dense, high-fat hot water crust pastry made with lard.

Yes, but it is best to do so in moderation. Due to its high calorie and saturated fat content, a pork pie is not a health food and should be considered an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.

To reduce the fat and calorie content in a homemade pork pie, you can use leaner cuts of pork and reduce the amount of lard in the pastry. Serving a smaller portion alongside a large, healthy salad is another way to make it a more balanced meal.

The primary source of calories in a pork pie is the fat, which comes from both the meat in the filling and the lard used to make the traditional hot water crust pastry.

No, the jelly (aspic) is not high in fat. It is typically made from a pork stock and gelatine, which provide some protein but contribute far fewer calories than the pastry and meat filling.

Both pork pies and sausage rolls are high in fat and calories. However, a specific comparison would depend on the size and ingredients of each item. Generally, both should be consumed in moderation.