Nutrition Diet: A Guide to Discovering Which Premade Pie Crusts Are Vegan?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 survey, over 6% of the US population identifies as vegan, prompting a rise in demand for convenient plant-based products. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just curious, knowing which premade pie crusts are vegan? is essential for hassle-free baking.

Quick Summary

This article lists popular brands of vegan premade pie crusts and explains how to check for non-vegan ingredients like lard or butter. It provides a quick guide for plant-based shoppers to select suitable options for their dietary needs.

Key Points

Check Labels Thoroughly: Always read the ingredient list for hidden animal-derived products like lard, butter, and whey, which can be found in many premade pie crusts.
Trusted Vegan Brands: Wholly Wholesome is a reliably vegan brand with certified options, including gluten-free varieties.
Accidentally Vegan Options: Brands like Kroger's Simple Truth Organic often offer vegan options that contain no animal products, but labels should be checked as recipes can change.
Refrigerated Dough Options: Jus-Rol is a good refrigerated, lard-free choice for those who prefer not to use frozen dough.
Healthier Diet Choices: Selecting vegan premade products supports a plant-based nutrition diet, which is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases.
No-Bake Crusts: Some graham cracker crusts, like certain Kemach products, are naturally vegan, but check for honey or butter.
Avoid Specific Pillsbury Varieties: Many traditional Pillsbury pie crusts contain lard, but always check the specific product label, as some frozen varieties may not.

The Hidden Challenge: Common Non-Vegan Ingredients

For those on a plant-based nutrition diet, the convenience of a premade pie crust can be a lifesaver. However, many conventional pie crusts contain animal-derived ingredients that can be tricky to spot. The most common culprits are:

Lard: A fat rendered from pork, lard is a traditional ingredient used in many pie crust recipes for its flakiness. Its presence immediately makes a product non-vegan. Many Pillsbury and Marie Callender's frozen products used to contain lard, though some recipes may have changed, requiring a double-check.
Butter: Derived from cow's milk, butter is another common ingredient that provides richness and flavor. It is a definite no-go for vegans. Even though plant-based butter alternatives are common in homemade recipes, they are not standard in most premade crusts.
Dairy Products: Beyond butter, some crusts may contain other milk-based products like whey or casein, which act as binders or emulsifiers. Reading the ingredient list is crucial to avoid these hidden additives.
Eggs: While less common in pie crusts, some graham cracker or specialty crusts might use egg as a binder. Always scan the ingredient list for any mention of eggs or egg derivatives.

Popular Vegan-Friendly Premade Pie Crusts

Navigating the grocery store aisles can be much simpler with a list of reliable vegan options. The following brands are often cited as being vegan, but remember that manufacturers can change their recipes, so always check the label before purchasing.

Wholly Wholesome Pie Crusts

This is one of the most reliable and widely recommended brands for vegan pie crusts. They offer several certified vegan options, often found in the frozen foods section of natural and organic grocery stores like Whole Foods. They even have gluten-free versions for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Kroger Simple Truth Organic Pie Crusts

For those shopping at Kroger or its affiliate stores, the Simple Truth Organic brand is a great place to look. Multiple varieties, including their traditional and deep-dish frozen crusts, have been noted by shoppers as 'accidentally vegan,' meaning they contain no animal products in their ingredients.

Marie Callender's Pastry Pie Shells (Select Varieties)

While some of Marie Callender's products may contain animal fats, their frozen Pastry Pie Shells have been found to be vegan-friendly by many online communities. Again, verifying the ingredients is the most prudent step, as formulas can vary by region and time of production. This brand is often easier to find in mainstream supermarkets.

Jus-Rol Refrigerated Pie Crust

For refrigerated dough, Jus-Rol offers a flaky and lard-free pie crust that is suitable for vegans. Their packaging explicitly mentions its lard-free status, catering to those who avoid animal fats.

Graham Cracker Crusts

Many graham cracker crusts, including some from brands like Keebler and Kemach, are often vegan. The main ingredients to watch for are butter (replaced with margarine or vegetable shortening) and honey. Kemach's Graham Cracker Pie Crust, for instance, has been identified as a reliable vegan choice.

Your Vegan Label-Reading Guide

When in doubt, the most important step is to scrutinize the ingredient list. Look for these keywords and follow these steps to ensure your crust is plant-based:

Check for an official vegan certification: Look for labels from organizations like Vegan Action or the Certified Vegan Logo.
Scan for major allergens: Look for a “contains” statement that includes milk or eggs.
Read the full ingredient list: Don't just rely on the allergen statement. Read the entire list, checking for sneaky animal-based ingredients such as:
- Lard
- Butter
- Whey
- Casein
- Rendered fat
- Mono- and diglycerides (can be plant- or animal-derived)

Comparison of Popular Premade Pie Crusts


Brand	Vegan Status	Key Ingredients	Gluten-Free Option?	Notes
Wholly Wholesome	Certified Vegan	Flour, Palm Oil, Cane Sugar, Salt	Yes	Found in specialty grocery stores
Kroger Simple Truth Organic	'Accidentally' Vegan	Flour, Palm Oil, Sugar, Salt	No	Check the label carefully, available at Kroger stores
Jus-Rol	Vegan	Flour, Palm Oil, Vegetable Shortening, Salt	No	Refrigerated dough, lard-free
Kemach	Vegan (Graham Cracker)	Graham flour, Sugar, Vegetable Shortening	No	Often found in kosher sections, confirm ingredients
Pillsbury (Pet-Ritz Frozen)	Varies, Check Label	Some versions contain palm and soybean oil, some contain lard.	No	Always double-check ingredient lists

Vegan Baking and Your Nutrition Diet

Choosing a vegan pie crust is part of a broader commitment to a plant-based nutrition diet, which offers numerous health benefits. A diet rich in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is associated with a lower risk of noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. By being mindful of ingredients, even in premade products, you ensure your baked goods align with your health and ethical goals. The availability of vegan premade crusts makes it easier than ever to enjoy homemade pies without compromising your diet.

Conclusion: Simplifying Vegan Baking

Finding a suitable premade pie crust can significantly simplify vegan baking. While the selection is expanding, it's crucial to stay vigilant and read labels carefully to avoid hidden animal products like lard, butter, and other dairy derivatives. Reliable brands like Wholly Wholesome, Kroger's Simple Truth Organic, and Jus-Rol provide excellent, readily available options. By combining a little label-reading savvy with the right brand knowledge, you can ensure your delicious pies are perfectly aligned with your plant-based and ethical commitments.

For more vegan baking inspiration and recipes, you can explore trusted resources like School Night Vegan for their homemade pie crust guide and additional tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common animal-derived ingredient to watch for in pie crusts is lard, which is a fat rendered from pork and is traditionally used to create flaky pastry. Many brands now use vegetable shortening instead, but it's important to check the label.

Pillsbury's vegan status varies significantly by product. Many of their refrigerated pie crusts contain lard, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, some frozen varieties might use vegetable oil instead, so you must read the ingredient list carefully for each specific product.

To check for dairy, read the 'Contains' statement for milk and scan the ingredient list for terms like butter, whey, or casein. These ingredients are common dairy additives.

No, graham cracker crusts are not always vegan. Some may contain butter or honey. You should always check the label for dairy and honey and look for brands that explicitly state they are vegan, like certain Kemach varieties.

Vegan premade pie crusts are typically found in the frozen desserts or baking aisle of most major grocery stores. Speciality stores like Whole Foods and natural food markets often carry brands like Wholly Wholesome. Major retailers like Kroger also have house brands that offer 'accidentally vegan' options.

If you can't find a vegan premade crust, it is relatively simple to make one at home using vegan butter or coconut oil and a few other basic ingredients. Many online recipes provide quick and easy instructions for homemade vegan crusts.

Yes, there is always a risk of cross-contamination, even if a product's ingredients are vegan. If this is a concern, look for products that are certified vegan by a third party, as these certifications often include facility standards to prevent cross-contamination.