Understanding a Nutrition Diet: What are the ingredients in a Pillsbury pie crust?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

An eighth of a Pillsbury pie crust serving contains about 100 calories, primarily from enriched flour and fat. For those prioritizing a nutrition diet, it's wise to examine exactly what are the ingredients in a Pillsbury pie crust? to make informed choices about your baked goods.

Quick Summary

An examination of Pillsbury pie crust ingredients reveals key components like enriched bleached flour and fat, often lard or hydrogenated oils. The article discusses preservatives and additives found in the premade dough and offers a nutritional breakdown and alternative options for those following a healthier eating plan.

Key Points

Enriched Flour and Fats: The primary ingredients are enriched flour and fat, often lard or hydrogenated oils, which contribute to high caloric density.
Preservatives and Additives: Pillsbury pie crusts contain preservatives like BHA, BHT, and potassium sorbate to extend shelf life.
Fat Variations: Some versions use lard (animal fat), while others use all-vegetable shortening (soybean and hydrogenated soybean oils).
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making a crust from scratch gives you full control over the type of flour, fat (like butter or coconut oil), and additives.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For healthier options, consider making a crust from scratch with whole wheat flour, nuts, or oats.
Read the Label: The best way to make informed dietary choices is to read the nutrition and ingredient labels on all processed foods.

Analyzing Pillsbury Pie Crust in a Nutrition Diet

For many home bakers, a pre-made pie crust offers convenience and saves time. However, for those carefully monitoring their intake as part of a nutrition diet, understanding the components of processed foods is critical. Pillsbury, a well-known brand, provides ready-to-bake pie crusts that have a specific ingredient list that influences their nutritional profile and suitability for various dietary plans. The ingredients can vary slightly depending on the specific product, such as the standard refrigerated version versus the all-vegetable shortening version.

The Core Ingredients in Pillsbury's Standard Refrigerated Pie Crust

The primary ingredients of the standard refrigerated Pillsbury pie crust include enriched flour, lard and hydrogenated lard with BHA and BHT added, water, wheat starch, and corn starch.

Minor Ingredients and Additives

Pillsbury pie crust also contains salt, rice flour, xanthan gum, sodium propionate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, and annatto extract for color.

The All-Vegetable Shortening Alternative

Pillsbury offers an all-vegetable shortening version for those avoiding animal products, which typically replaces the lard with a combination of soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oil. Consumers should check labels for specific details.

Nutritional Implications for a Diet

From a nutritional standpoint, Pillsbury pie crust is high in fat and processed carbohydrates due to ingredients like enriched flour and hydrogenated fat. It is not considered a whole food. It also contains sodium and additives.

Comparison: Pillsbury vs. Homemade Pie Crust


Feature	Pillsbury Pie Crust	Homemade Pie Crust
Ingredients	Enriched flour, lard/hydrogenated fats, preservatives, colorings	All-purpose or whole wheat flour, butter or vegetable shortening, salt, ice water
Nutritional Profile	Higher in saturated/hydrogenated fats, additives; lower fiber.	Can be customized for higher fiber (whole wheat) and uses recognizable fats.
Control over Ingredients	None. Dependent on manufacturer.	Full control. Can substitute fats, flours, and adjust salt.
Convenience	High. Ready to unroll, fill, and bake.	Low to moderate. Requires measuring, mixing, chilling, and rolling.
Flavor	Consistent, but often has a characteristic processed flavor.	Varies based on skill and ingredients, often described as richer and fresher.
Shelf Life	Long (refrigerated).	Short. Best used immediately or within a few days of preparation.

Healthier Alternatives to Pillsbury Pie Crust

If the ingredients in Pillsbury pie crust do not align with your nutrition diet, several alternatives can offer a healthier profile while still satisfying your pie cravings.

Whole Wheat Flour Crust

Using whole wheat flour adds dietary fiber and more nutrients compared to enriched white flour.

Homemade Butter Crust

A classic homemade crust made with real butter, flour, and ice water allows you to control all ingredients.

Nut-Based Crusts

For a gluten-free and grain-free option, a crust made from almonds, pecans, or other nuts is an excellent alternative.

Oat-Based Crusts

An oat crust, made with rolled oats and a binding fat, provides a whole-grain base that is high in fiber.

How to Make Informed Choices for Your Diet

Mindful consumption and understanding ingredient lists are key to fitting foods like pie crust into a healthy diet. Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list of any processed product to ensure it aligns with your personal wellness plan. More information on Pillsbury products can be found on their official website.

Conclusion

While Pillsbury pie crust offers unparalleled convenience, a look at what are the ingredients in a Pillsbury pie crust? reveals a highly processed product containing enriched flour, lard or hydrogenated fats, and various preservatives. For individuals focused on a nutrition diet centered on whole foods, this may not be the ideal choice. Homemade alternatives and options with whole-grain or nut-based ingredients offer more control over the nutritional content. Ultimately, being an informed consumer by reading ingredient labels is the most effective way to ensure your food choices support your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust lists lard and hydrogenated lard as primary ingredients, added to protect the flavor.

Yes, Pillsbury offers a version made with all-vegetable shortening, which replaces the lard with oils like soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oil, making it suitable for vegetarians.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are antioxidants and preservatives added to the lard or hydrogenated fat to prevent rancidity and protect the flavor of the crust.

According to nutritional information, an 1/8 serving of Pillsbury pie crust contains about 100 calories.

No, Pillsbury pie crust is a processed food, containing enriched bleached flour and additives, and is not considered a whole food.

Homemade pie crusts can be healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose whole-grain flours and healthier fats.

While not a whole food, Pillsbury pie crust can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The key is understanding its nutritional profile and how it fits within your overall eating plan.