How many carbs does a meat pie have? A nutritional guide

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Some commercial meat pies, like one from Banjo's Bakery, can contain over 40 grams of carbohydrates per serve. Understanding exactly how many carbs does a meat pie have is crucial for those monitoring their intake, as the final count depends heavily on ingredients and preparation.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of a meat pie varies significantly based on its size, type of pastry, and filling. Standard store-bought pies often contain more carbs than smaller or homemade versions, where ingredients can be controlled.

Key Points

Pastry is the Main Factor: The type of pastry, usually made with refined flour, is the largest contributor to a meat pie's carbohydrate count.
Carb Counts Vary Wildly: A meat pie's carb content can range from under 10 grams for a mini party pie to over 40 grams for a large commercial serving.
Homemade Offers Control: Making your own meat pie allows you to use low-carb flour alternatives, like almond or coconut flour, to greatly reduce the carb load.
Read Commercial Labels: Nutritional information on store-bought pies is critical, as carb counts differ between brands and product sizes.
Filling Affects Carbs: Starchy vegetables like potatoes or flour-based thickeners in the filling will increase the total carbohydrate content.
Portion Size Matters: For high-carb pies, managing your portion size is the most straightforward way to control your overall intake.

The Primary Source of Carbohydrates: The Pastry

The most significant contributor to the total carbohydrate count of a meat pie is the pastry. Traditional pies use refined wheat flour, which is a major source of carbohydrates. The carb count can differ based on the type of pastry used:

Puff Pastry: Layers of butter and flour make puff pastry rich and flaky, but also relatively high in carbohydrates and fat. Because of the way it’s made, it’s not particularly dense, but the overall amount of flour adds up.
Shortcrust Pastry: This style, while denser, also contributes a large number of carbs due to its flour content. Homemade shortcrust can be made with wholemeal flour to slightly increase fiber, but will still be carb-heavy.
Low-Carb Alternatives: Specialized recipes for keto or low-carb diets use alternative flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or a mix, to create a crust with a drastically reduced carb load.

Factors Influencing the Final Carb Count

Beyond the pastry, several other factors contribute to the overall carbohydrate total of a meat pie. A seemingly small detail can significantly alter the nutritional profile.

Size and Weight

It stands to reason that a larger pie will have more carbohydrates. A small party-size pie can have as little as 8 grams of available carbohydrates, while a large, individual serving can have over 40 grams. Always check the serving size listed on commercial packaging to get an accurate number.

Commercial vs. Homemade

Homemade pies offer the most control over ingredients and, consequently, the carbohydrate content. You can choose different flour types, adjust the filling, and control portion sizes. Store-bought pies have a fixed nutritional profile, often listed on the label, which can vary from brand to brand. Some commercial options may also contain hidden sugars or additives that increase the total carb count.

The Filling

While the pastry is the main culprit, the filling can also add to the carbohydrates, particularly if it includes starchy vegetables or thickening agents.

Starchy Fillings: Some recipes, like the one from Allrecipes, include potatoes in the filling, which adds to the carbohydrate count.
Thickeners: Ingredients like flour or cornstarch used to thicken the gravy in the filling will increase the total carbohydrate amount. Using alternative thickeners or reducing the amount can help reduce carbs.
Vegetables: While most vegetables are lower in carbs than flour, adding a lot of high-starch vegetables to the filling will slightly increase the overall carb total. This is a trade-off for extra nutrients and fiber.

How to Reduce Carbs in Your Meat Pie

For those who love meat pies but need to watch their carb intake, there are several ways to enjoy this comfort food without the high carb count. The primary focus is on modifying the crust.

Use Keto Flours: Replace traditional wheat flour with low-carb alternatives. Almond flour and coconut flour are excellent choices for creating a delicious and compliant crust.
Modify the Crust: Consider making an open-faced pie or a pie with only a top crust. This instantly halves the main source of carbohydrates.
Increase Lean Protein: Use a lean ground beef or chicken filling. This adds protein, which is very satiating, meaning you'll feel full on a smaller portion.
Substitute Fillings: Opt for non-starchy vegetables in your filling. Instead of potatoes, consider adding mushrooms, green beans, or extra carrots. Thicken the filling with a minimal amount of low-carb thickeners or simply cook it down to reduce liquid.
Mindful Portions: Even with a high-carb pie, managing your portion size is the easiest way to control your intake. A small slice can be a satisfying treat without derailing your goals.

Comparison Table: Meat Pie Carb Content

Here is a comparison of the typical carbohydrate content for different types of meat pies, demonstrating the wide range possible based on recipe and size.


Meat Pie Type	Approx. Serving Size	Total Carbohydrates	Source	Notes
Commercial Meat Pie	175g	35-42 g	CalorieKing, Four'N Twenty	Based on a standard, full-size frozen pie.
Restaurant-Style Pie	124g	32 g	Nutritionix	Example based on a US-style savory pie.
Homemade Meat Pie	Per 1/8 of recipe	28 g	Allrecipes	Based on a recipe that may include potato.
Low-Carb/Keto Pie	Per serving	~6 g	Diet Doctor	Made with a crust using low-carb flours.
Party Size Pie	38g	~8 g	Food Standards AU	Considerably lower carb due to small size.

Conclusion

The carbohydrate count of a meat pie is highly variable, influenced most significantly by the type of pastry used. A traditional, commercial meat pie can contain 30 to over 40 grams of carbs per serving, largely due to refined flour in the crust. However, with conscious choices like using low-carb flours for a homemade crust, controlling portion size, and selecting fillings carefully, it is entirely possible to enjoy a meat pie while managing your carbohydrate intake. Reading labels on commercial products is essential for those on specific diet plans. For an excellent low-carb option, consider this Diet Doctor's Keto Meat Pie Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes. A standard commercial meat pie contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the wheat flour used in the pastry. A single pie can easily contain over 40 grams of carbs.

You can reduce the carb count by using low-carb flour alternatives such as almond flour or coconut flour for the crust, or by making a crustless pie. Choosing a leaner filling with fewer starchy vegetables also helps.

Yes, absolutely. A small party-size meat pie contains far fewer carbs than a large, individual-sized pie. Always be aware of the serving size when checking nutritional information.

Puff and shortcrust pastries, both made from refined flour, contribute the most carbohydrates. The higher the ratio of pastry to filling, the higher the total carb count will be.

Not necessarily. It depends on the recipe and ingredients used. However, with homemade pies, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose low-carb flour and fillings to lower the total carb count. Store-bought pies have a pre-determined nutritional profile.

Traditional meat pies are not suitable for a ketogenic diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, there are many recipes available for keto-friendly meat pies that substitute the traditional crust with low-carb ingredients.

Besides the crust, the filling can also contribute carbs. This is especially true if the filling contains starchy vegetables like potatoes or is thickened with additional flour or cornstarch.