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How many calories are in Marie Callender's pie crust?

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single serving (1/8 of a crust) of Marie Callender's deep-dish pastry pie shell contains approximately 130 calories. Understanding how many calories are in Marie Callender's pie crust is crucial for home bakers and dessert lovers managing their dietary intake, especially since the final calorie count will vary depending on the type of crust and the filling used.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of the calorie content and nutritional breakdown of Marie Callender's pie crusts, covering standard and deep-dish varieties. It examines factors that influence total calories, offers a comparison of different products, and provides tips for incorporating this ready-made crust into your baking.

Key Points

  • Standard Crust Calories: A single 1/8th serving of Marie Callender's standard pie crust contains approximately 120 calories.

  • Deep-Dish Crust Calories: A 1/8th serving of the deep-dish version has a slightly higher count of around 130 calories.

  • Factors Affecting Total Calories: The overall calorie count of your finished pie depends heavily on the type of filling and toppings you add, not just the crust itself.

  • Macronutrient Breakdown: Both crusts are primarily composed of fat and carbohydrates, with very little protein and minimal sugar in the crust itself.

  • Ingredient Awareness: The crust's primary ingredients are enriched wheat flour and soybean oil, with minimal sugar, allowing for greater control over the pie's overall sweetness.

  • Portion Control: Cutting a pie into smaller slices (e.g., 10 or 12 instead of 8) is a simple way to reduce the calorie count per serving.

  • Customization for Health: For a lower-calorie dessert, pair the crust with lighter fillings like fresh fruit and limit high-calorie toppings.

In This Article

Standard vs. Deep-Dish Crusts: A Calorie Comparison

Marie Callender's offers a few different types of pie crusts, and the calorie count varies slightly based on the size and variety. The most common varieties are the standard and deep-dish pastry pie shells. While the difference per serving might seem small, it can add up over an entire pie.

For a standard Marie Callender's pie crust, a typical serving size, or 1/8 of a 9-inch crust, contains approximately 120 calories. The macronutrient breakdown for this serving is usually around 53% fat and 44% carbohydrates, with 7 grams of fat and 13 grams of carbs.

In contrast, a serving of the deep-dish pastry pie shell is slightly higher. One-eighth of a deep-dish crust contains about 130 calories. The fat content is also a little higher at 8 grams per serving, along with 13 grams of carbohydrates. This extra depth means more crust per slice, resulting in a slightly higher calorie count for each portion. Home bakers should consider this difference when using either option for their recipes.

What Influences the Total Calorie Count?

The calories listed for the crust are just the starting point. The overall calorie count of your finished pie will be significantly affected by the type of filling you use and any toppings added.

  • Filling Type: A fruit filling like apple pie has a very different nutritional profile than a creamy, rich filling such as a pecan or custard pie. For example, a slice of a Marie Callender's custard pie is much higher in calories due to the filling and added sugars.
  • Added Ingredients: Ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour used to create the filling and any toppings further increase the calorie count. For example, a crumble topping can add a substantial amount of extra calories and sugar.
  • Serving Size: The serving size is key. The nutritional information is based on an 1/8th slice, but homemade pies are often cut into larger or smaller portions, which changes the calories per piece. It is important to remember that doubling the portion also doubles the calories.

A Look at Other Nutritional Factors

Beyond just calories, it is helpful to look at the full nutritional picture. Both the standard and deep-dish crusts are relatively low in protein and fiber. They contain very little added sugar, which is a positive aspect for those who prefer to control their pie's sweetness with their own filling.

The main ingredients are enriched wheat flour and soybean oil (or interesterified soybean oil for some varieties), along with water, dextrose, and salt. The presence of enriched flour means the crust contains added vitamins and minerals like niacin, reduced iron, and folic acid.

Comparison: Marie Callender's vs. Other Frozen Crusts

When shopping for convenience, it can be useful to compare different frozen pie crust brands. While Marie Callender's is a popular option, other brands like Pillsbury also offer a range of products. The calorie counts are often quite similar across major brands for comparable crust types, but minor variations can occur depending on the ingredients and formulation.

Feature Marie Callender's Standard Crust Marie Callender's Deep-Dish Crust Generic Frozen Crust (approx.)
Calories (per 1/8 crust) ~120 ~130 ~105-125
Total Fat (per 1/8 crust) 7g 8g 7-8g
Carbohydrates (per 1/8 crust) 13g 13g 13-14g
Saturated Fat (per 1/8 crust) 3g 4g 3-4g
Added Sugar 0g ~0.5g Varies by brand
Ingredients Enriched wheat flour, soybean oil Enriched wheat flour, soybean oil Varies, often similar composition

Tips for Using and Enjoying Your Pie Crusts

  • Read the Label: Always check the most current nutritional information on the packaging, as recipes and serving sizes can change over time. The label will provide the most accurate details for the specific product you have purchased.
  • Portion Control: If you are watching your calorie intake, consider cutting your pie into 10 or 12 smaller slices instead of the standard 8. This will reduce the calories per serving, allowing you to enjoy a treat with less guilt.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Pair the flaky, buttery taste of the Marie Callender's crust with lower-calorie fillings. Use fresh fruit with minimal added sugar, or consider a lighter filling like a sugar-free pudding. Check out the official website for inspiration: Marie Callender's Meals.
  • Mind the Toppings: Be aware of what you're adding on top. A scoop of ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream can easily add a hundred or more calories to your slice of pie. Opt for a light dusting of cinnamon or a small amount of low-fat whipped topping if you are concerned about calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie content of a Marie Callender's pie crust varies depending on the specific product, with the standard crust at around 120 calories and the deep-dish version at about 130 calories per 1/8th serving. The total nutritional impact of your homemade pie will depend heavily on the filling and any additional ingredients. By paying attention to these factors and practicing portion control, you can create delicious desserts that fit your dietary preferences. Always remember to check the product's nutritional information for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marie Callender's does not explicitly offer a 'low-calorie' version of their pie crusts. The calories are determined by the fat and carbohydrate content, which are essential for achieving the flaky texture. To reduce overall pie calories, focus on low-sugar fillings and smaller serving sizes.

The calorie count for an unbaked crust is the same as the nutritional information provided, as baking the crust itself does not add significant calories. However, if you are adding ingredients or baking the crust as part of a full pie, the total calorie count will be different.

Yes, all Marie Callender's food products, including pie crusts, are required to have a nutrition facts label. The label will list the calories per serving, along with other macronutrients like fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

You can reduce the calories in your pie by using a filling with less sugar and fat, such as fresh fruit instead of a cream-based or sugary filling. You can also reduce portion sizes and opt for low-fat toppings like light whipped topping instead of ice cream.

The ingredients for Marie Callender's pie crusts are generally consistent, featuring enriched wheat flour and soybean oil. However, it's always best to check the specific product label, as formulations can vary slightly between standard and deep-dish varieties or over time.

The Marie Callender's pie crust is not suitable for a low-carb diet. A single 1/8th serving contains approximately 13 grams of carbohydrates, which is high for most low-carb eating plans.

According to current nutritional information, Marie Callender's pie crusts are listed as having 0g of trans fat per serving. However, it's always wise to double-check the label for the most recent and accurate information.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.