Is Duncan Hines Cherry Pie Filling Vegan? The Definitive Guide

Over 2% of the population identifies as vegan, leading to a growing demand for plant-based alternatives and ingredient transparency. For those looking to bake a delicious vegan pie, a common question arises: is Duncan Hines cherry pie filling vegan? The answer, as with many processed foods, depends on the specific product line.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Duncan Hines' Comstock pie filling lines reveals that some cherry varieties are vegan while others are not, primarily due to the use of artificial colors like Red 40. Safe alternatives and ingredient sourcing are also discussed.

Key Points

• Vegan Status Depends on Product Line: Not all Duncan Hines Comstock cherry pie fillings are vegan; the answer depends on the specific variety, with the 'Simply Cherry' line being a safer choice.

• Check for Red 40: Some varieties contain the artificial dye Red 40, which is often tested on animals and therefore avoided by many ethical vegans.

• "Simply Cherry" is Vegan-Friendly: The Comstock "Simply Cherry" Pie Filling is generally considered vegan, according to dietary apps like Spoonful.

• Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Always scrutinize the ingredient list for Red 40 and other potential non-vegan additives, and use dietary apps for confirmation.

• Consider Making Homemade Filling: To ensure your pie filling is 100% vegan, make your own using fresh cherries, organic sugar, and a plant-based thickener like cornstarch or tapioca flour.

• Don't Forget the Pie Crust: Remember that many pre-made pie crusts contain butter or lard and are not vegan, so read labels or use a certified vegan or homemade crust.

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Variety

Navigating the world of packaged foods as a vegan requires a careful reading of labels, and Duncan Hines' Comstock pie fillings are no exception. The brand offers different lines, and the ingredient lists vary. The key is to look at the specific product you're buying, as some contain artificial colors that may or may not be vegan-friendly depending on interpretation, while other lines are explicitly confirmed as plant-based.

Deconstructing Duncan Hines Comstock Ingredients

To determine if a Duncan Hines cherry pie filling is vegan, let's examine the ingredient differences between their product lines. The primary point of contention for many vegans is the use of Red 40, an artificial coloring agent.

• Original Country Cherry Pie Filling: This product typically lists ingredients such as cherries, water, high fructose corn syrup, modified food starch, Red 40, and citric acid. While the core ingredients are plant-based, the use of Red 40 makes it a gray area for many vegans. Red 40 is derived from petroleum and is often tested on animals, leading some vegans to avoid it. The foodisgood.com app notes that this particular filling has an ingredient that may not be vegan, referring to this dye.

• Simply Cherry Pie Filling: This newer, more simplified line is often explicitly cited as vegan-friendly. According to the Spoonful app, which analyzes dietary profiles, the Comstock Simply Cherry Pie Filling is believed to be vegan and contains no animal or animal-derived ingredients. The ingredients are typically cherries, water, sugar, and modified food starch, and it tends to avoid the controversial artificial dyes.

• No Sugar Added Cherry Pie Filling: This variety generally contains water, cherries, modified food starch, citric acid, sucralose, and sometimes Red 40. Just like the Original Country line, the presence of Red 40 means vegans should check the specific packaging and decide if they are comfortable with that ingredient.

The Controversial Ingredient: Red 40

For many vegans, the issue with Red 40 is not that it's directly made from animals, but that it has been historically and is currently tested on animals to meet regulatory standards. This presents an ethical dilemma for many, as the philosophy of veganism extends beyond just avoiding direct animal products. If a product's creation involves animal testing, many vegans will choose to avoid it entirely. Therefore, even though the other components of the filling are plant-based, Red 40 can make a product non-vegan for ethical reasons.

How to Verify Your Filling

When you're at the grocery store, follow these steps to ensure you're picking a vegan-friendly option:

1. Check the Product Line: Look for the label to identify if it's the "Simply" line or another variety. The "Simply" products are more likely to be a safe bet.
2. Read the Ingredient List: Always double-check the back of the label. Look for "Red 40" or other artificial colorings. If it's present, you'll need to decide if that aligns with your ethical standards.
3. Look for a Vegan Certification: While not all vegan products are certified, this is the most reliable way to confirm. Look for the "Certified Vegan" logo on the packaging.
4. Use a Dietary App: Applications like Spoonful or Fig can be helpful tools for quickly scanning product barcodes and getting dietary information.

Comparison Table: Duncan Hines Comstock Cherry Fillings

Feature	Original Country Cherry	Simply Cherry	No Sugar Added Cherry
Key Ingredients	Cherries, HFCS, Red 40	Cherries, Water, Sugar	Cherries, Water, Sucralose
Vegan Status	Not considered vegan by many due to Red 40	Generally confirmed vegan	Ambiguous due to presence of Red 40 in some versions
Thickener	Modified Food Starch	Modified Food Starch	Modified Food Starch
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup	Sugar	Sucralose
Ideal For	Those not concerned about Red 40	Strict vegans seeking a convenient option	Vegans controlling sugar intake (check for Red 40)

Making Your Own Vegan Cherry Pie Filling

For those who prefer to be 100% certain of their ingredients, or simply enjoy a homemade touch, making your own vegan cherry pie filling is an easy and delicious alternative.

Here are some essential ingredients for a homemade version:

• Cherries: Use fresh or frozen cherries. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them first.
• Sugar: Organic granulated cane sugar is often used to ensure it hasn't been processed with animal bone char.
• Thickener: Vegan-friendly options include cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour. Tapioca flour is a particularly effective and popular choice for thickening fruit fillings.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of brightness to the flavor.
• Almond Extract: A few drops of almond extract will enhance the cherry flavor beautifully.
• Water: For creating the syrup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether Duncan Hines cherry pie filling is vegan depends entirely on which specific product line you choose. The Comstock Simply Cherry filling is generally considered vegan-friendly, while other varieties that include Red 40 are a gray area for many vegans who avoid products tested on animals. For the safest and most ethically-aligned option, always read the ingredient label carefully or opt for a homemade version using certified vegan ingredients. This ensures your dessert is not only delicious but also fully consistent with your plant-based lifestyle.

Vegan Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

For those inspired to make their own, here is a simple and reliable recipe:

Ingredients:

• 5 cups pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries
• ¾ cup organic cane sugar
• 4 ½ tablespoons tapioca flour or cornstarch
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the organic cane sugar and tapioca flour. In a separate bowl, toss the cherries with the lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Add the sugar-tapioca mixture and stir until everything is coated.
2. Macerate: Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the fruit juices to release.
3. Cook: Transfer the cherry mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and cook for about 3 minutes until the filling thickens. If it is too thick, add a splash of water; if it is too thin, mix an additional tablespoon of thickener with water and stir it in.
4. Cool: Let the filling cool completely before adding it to your pie crust. It will thicken further as it cools.

Vegan Crusts and Baking Tips

Remember that while the filling might be vegan, a traditional pie crust often is not. Look for accidentally vegan store-bought crusts or make your own using vegan butter and shortening. Sara Lee and Marie Callender offer some frozen cherry pies that are accidentally vegan, though you should always check the label.

Key Takeaways

• Not All Duncan Hines Varieties Are Vegan: The vegan status depends on the specific product line, so checking the label is essential.
• The "Simply" Line Is Your Best Bet: Comstock Simply Cherry Pie Filling is generally considered vegan-friendly.
• Red 40 is a Common Concern: Ingredients like the artificial dye Red 40, which is tested on animals, make some varieties non-vegan for many ethical vegans.
• Look for Vegan Certification: Using a dietary app or checking for a certified vegan logo provides the most certainty.
• Homemade is Always a Safe Option: For complete peace of mind, making your own cherry pie filling with trusted ingredients is the best route.
• Remember the Crust: Always ensure your pie crust is also vegan, as many contain butter or lard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all Duncan Hines pie filling vegan?

No, not all Duncan Hines pie fillings are vegan. It depends on the specific flavor and product line, so it's essential to check the ingredients list for each product individually.

Which Duncan Hines cherry pie filling is vegan?

The Duncan Hines Comstock 'Simply Cherry' Pie Filling is generally considered vegan-friendly. Other varieties, particularly those with Red 40, are often avoided by vegans for ethical reasons.

Why might some Duncan Hines cherry pie fillings not be vegan?

Some fillings contain the artificial dye Red 40, which is commonly tested on animals. For many vegans, this practice makes the product non-vegan, even if the other ingredients are plant-based.

What is the key ingredient to look for when checking if a pie filling is vegan?

The main controversial ingredient to look for in cherry pie fillings is Red 40, which is often tested on animals. Always double-check for any other unexpected additives like dairy or animal-derived thickeners, though these are less common in fruit fillings.

Can I make my own vegan cherry pie filling?

Yes, making your own vegan cherry pie filling is a great option. You can use simple ingredients like cherries, organic sugar, a thickener such as cornstarch or tapioca flour, and a touch of lemon juice and almond extract.

Are there other vegan cherry pie filling brands?

While Duncan Hines has vegan options, other brands also offer plant-based fillings. Some store brands and specialty brands, such as Cambie Cherry Pie Filling, explicitly state they are vegan. Always read the label to confirm.

What is a good thickener for homemade vegan pie filling?

Cornstarch, tapioca flour, and arrowroot powder are all effective plant-based thickeners for homemade vegan pie filling. Tapioca flour is a popular choice for its ability to create a clear, glossy finish.