How many calories in a frozen key lime pie?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a single slice of a store-bought frozen key lime pie can contain anywhere from 330 to over 500 calories, depending on the brand and specific recipe. Understanding the calorie content is key to fitting this sweet treat into a balanced diet. This guide breaks down the nutritional facts behind this popular dessert.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the calorie count of various frozen key lime pies, exploring factors that influence nutritional content. It offers specific brand comparisons, highlights ingredient differences, and provides context for making informed dietary choices regarding this dessert.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a frozen key lime pie slice ranges from approximately 330 to over 500 calories, varying significantly by brand and recipe.
Brand-Specific Data: Popular brands like Edwards and Schwan's are typically on the higher end of the calorie spectrum, while brands such as Marie Callender's and Trader Joe's offer lower-calorie alternatives.
Ingredient Impact: Key factors influencing calories include the amount of sweetened condensed milk, the fat content of the graham cracker crust, and the type and quantity of topping used.
Lighter Options: Consider choosing a brand with a lower calorie count or preparing a homemade version to better control ingredients and manage calories.
Portion Control: Cutting a pie into smaller slices (10-12 instead of 8) is an effective way to reduce the calorie intake per serving.
Label Check: Always check the nutrition facts label on the product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Moderation is Key: As with most desserts, enjoying a frozen key lime pie in moderation is the best approach for maintaining a balanced diet.
Homemade Benefits: Making a pie at home allows for ingredient customization, such as using reduced-fat or sugar-free options, to create a healthier dessert.

Calorie Breakdown of Frozen Key Lime Pies

The calorie content of a frozen key lime pie is not uniform across all products; it varies significantly by brand, serving size, and recipe. A standard 1/8 slice of a pie is the typical serving size used for nutritional labeling. For example, brands like Edwards and Schwan's often feature a calorie count in the range of 440 to 450 calories per slice, reflecting a rich and indulgent recipe. However, other brands like Marie Callender's offer a slightly lower calorie option, around 360 calories per serving, by adjusting ingredients and portion size.

What Influences the Calorie Count?

Several factors contribute to the final calorie count of a frozen key lime pie. These include:

Crust Composition: The crust is a major source of calories, primarily from fat and carbohydrates. Most commercial frozen key lime pies use a graham cracker crust made with butter or shortening. Some brands may use more or less of these ingredients, directly affecting the overall calorie count.
Filling Ingredients: The filling is typically made from sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks. The amount of sweetened condensed milk, a significant source of sugar and calories, is a prime determinant of the pie's energy density. Recipes that use more or less of this ingredient, or substitute it with lower-calorie alternatives, will have a different caloric value.
Toppings and Additions: Many pies come with a whipped topping or meringue. A generous layer of whipped cream or meringue can add a substantial number of calories. Some brands use a lighter, low-fat whipped topping, which can help reduce the total calorie count per slice.

Comparative Analysis of Frozen Key Lime Pies

To illustrate the differences, consider this comparison table of several popular frozen key lime pie brands, based on typical serving sizes:


Brand	Calories per Slice (approx.)	Serving Size	Notable Features	Ref.
Edwards	450 calories	1/8 pie	Rich and creamy filling.
Schwan's	450 calories	1/8 pie	Balanced macronutrient profile.
Marie Callender's	360 calories	1/8 pie	Lower calorie option, uses no artificial flavors.
Trader Joe's	330 calories	1/8 pie	Less fat and added sugars.
Generic/Store Brand	Varies, typically 400-500	1/8 pie	Depends on local formulation.

It is always advisable to check the specific nutrition label on the product packaging, as ingredient formulations and serving sizes can change over time. This table provides a general guideline but is not a substitute for the official product information.

Making Healthier Choices

For those looking to enjoy key lime pie with fewer calories, there are a few strategies to consider:

Portion Control: Opting for a smaller slice is the simplest way to reduce calorie intake. If a pie is cut into 10 or 12 slices instead of 8, each portion will contain significantly fewer calories.
Homemade Alternatives: Making a frozen key lime pie from scratch allows for complete control over ingredients. Using a reduced-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk, a lighter crust, or a sugar-free lime gelatin can dramatically cut down on calories. Recipes designed for lower-calorie diets are readily available and can be surprisingly delicious.
Garnish Consciously: If a pie does not come with a whipped topping, consider adding your own. A small dollop of light whipped cream will add fewer calories than a thick, sugary meringue.

The Role of Macronutrients

Beyond just calories, the macronutrient content—carbohydrates, fats, and protein—is important for a full nutritional picture. Frozen key lime pies are typically high in carbohydrates due to the sugar in the filling and crust. They are also high in saturated fat from the crust and dairy ingredients. Protein content is generally low. Understanding this macronutrient balance helps contextualize the dessert's place in a diet.

The Bottom Line

So, how many calories in a frozen key lime pie? The answer is not a single number, but a range. Most commercial brands fall between 330 and 500 calories per slice, influenced by the crust, filling, and toppings. While a rich dessert, it's possible to enjoy a slice by being mindful of portion sizes or exploring lighter homemade versions. The key is to check the label for the most accurate information. When enjoying any dessert, moderation is always the best approach for a balanced diet.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count of a frozen key lime pie depends heavily on the specific brand and recipe, with most commercial varieties ranging from 330 to 500 calories per slice. Factors like the type of crust, the richness of the filling, and the amount of topping all play a role. By reading nutrition labels, practicing portion control, or trying a homemade, low-calorie version, one can enjoy this classic dessert while being mindful of their overall caloric intake. Informed decisions about dessert choices can support a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

For a deeper look into dietary guidelines and nutritional information, you can visit the USDA National Nutrient Database for reliable data on a wide variety of foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single 1/8 slice of Edwards frozen key lime pie contains approximately 450 calories, with a balanced macronutrient breakdown of carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

Not necessarily. Homemade key lime pies can also be high in calories depending on the recipe. However, making your own pie allows you to use lighter ingredients, such as reduced-fat condensed milk or a lower-calorie crust, for a healthier result.

Brands like Marie Callender's and Trader Joe's often offer lower-calorie frozen key lime pie options, typically with calorie counts around 330-360 per slice.

You can reduce the calories by practicing portion control (cutting smaller slices) or by opting for a brand with fewer calories. Some people also remove some of the whipped topping to cut down on excess calories.

Yes, the nutritional information on product packaging is generally reliable. However, it is based on the stated serving size, and brands can update their recipes, so it's best to check the label yourself.

The primary sources of calories are the sweetened condensed milk in the filling and the graham cracker crust, which contains significant amounts of sugar and fat.

While not a health food, frozen key lime pie can contain some nutrients from ingredients like condensed milk (calcium) and egg yolks (vitamins). However, it is high in sugar and fat and should be considered an occasional treat rather than a nutritious food source.

Restaurant versions can be significantly higher in calories than frozen ones, sometimes exceeding 1,000 calories per slice, due to larger portion sizes and richer ingredients.

Yes, you can make a lighter version at home using a reduced-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk, a low-fat graham cracker crust, and a sugar-free lime gelatin mix.