What Fruit Pies Are Vegan at Marie Callender's?

Over half of US consumers have purchased a plant-based food item, and for many, finding store-bought vegan desserts is a challenge. Fortunately, several fruit pies at Marie Callender's are accidentally vegan, offering a convenient and delicious option for those following a plant-based diet.

Quick Summary

This guide details which frozen fruit pies and cobblers from Marie Callender's are suitable for a vegan diet. It lists specific products like Razzleberry and Dutch Apple, highlights why fruit pies often work, and covers ingredients to watch out for in non-vegan varieties.

Key Points

• Vegan Options: Several fruit pies and cobblers, including Dutch Apple, Razzleberry, Blueberry, and Cherry Crunch, are accidentally vegan due to their plant-based ingredients.

• Vegan Crust: Marie Callender's pie crust for these fruit pies uses vegetable shortening and soybean oil instead of butter, making it dairy-free.

• Avoid Cream Pies: Any pie with a cream, custard, or meringue filling, such as Pumpkin, Southern Pecan, or Lemon Meringue, is not vegan due to the inclusion of eggs and/or dairy.

• Check Labels: While many fruit varieties are vegan-friendly, always confirm the ingredients on the physical box as recipes can change.

• Restaurant vs. Frozen: The vegan status applies specifically to the frozen, store-bought pies; restaurant pies may use different recipes and should be confirmed directly with staff.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair your baked vegan fruit pie with vegan ice cream or whipped cream for a complete and satisfying dessert.

A Guide to Vegan Fruit Pies at Marie Callender's

Many store-bought frozen pies are made with animal products like butter, eggs, or milk, making them off-limits for vegans. However, Marie Callender's has long been known for its accidentally vegan fruit pies, much to the delight of the plant-based community. The key lies in their specific ingredient lists, which, for many fruit varieties, feature a plant-based crust and filling.

The 'Accidentally Vegan' Advantage

Marie Callender's pie crust is typically made with vegetable shortening and soybean oil instead of butter, which is a common ingredient in traditional pie crusts. This crucial detail is what makes many of their fruit pies suitable for vegans. Since the filling consists primarily of fruit, sugar, and thickeners, many of these classic recipes align with a vegan lifestyle without the brand's explicit intention to market them as such.

Specific Vegan Fruit Pies and Cobblers

Based on recent reviews and ingredient analysis, the following Marie Callender's frozen fruit pies are considered vegan-friendly:

• Dutch Apple Pie: A classic choice featuring sweet Fuji apples and a streusel topping that is confirmed to be vegan.
• Lattice Apple Pie: A simpler apple pie with the iconic woven crust that is free of animal products.
• Razzleberry Fruit Pie: A popular mix of blackberries and raspberries, the filling and crust are all plant-based.
• Blueberry Pie: This single-fruit favorite is also part of the vegan-friendly lineup.
• Cherry Crunch Pie: Another classic with a crunchy topping that is suitable for vegans.
• Lattice Cherry Pie: Similar to the apple lattice, this pie offers a vegan cherry filling.
• Lattice Peach Pie: A seasonal-sounding option that also uses vegan ingredients.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Pie: This tangy and sweet combination is confirmed to be accidentally vegan.
• Apple Crumb Cobbler: A dessert that offers the same comforting fruit filling and streusel topping without animal products.
• Peach Cobbler: The peach version of their vegan-friendly cobbler.

Note: As with any packaged food, always double-check the ingredient list on the physical box for the most current information, as formulations can change over time. Cross-contamination is also a possibility in manufacturing, which some vegans may consider.

What About the Restaurant Pies?

It is important to differentiate between the frozen, grocery store pies and the pies served at Marie Callender's restaurants. Restaurant offerings are often prepared differently, and menu items can vary by location. The vegan status of a specific pie at a restaurant should be confirmed directly with staff, as it's not guaranteed to follow the same recipe as the frozen version sold in stores.

Vegan-Friendly vs. Non-Vegan Marie Callender's Pies

To help identify the right pies, here is a comparison table of commonly found frozen dessert pies from Marie Callender's.

Pie Type	Vegan Status	Key Ingredients	Why it is or isn't Vegan
Dutch Apple Pie	Vegan-Friendly	Apples, sugar, vegetable shortening, flour	Crust and filling are free of animal products.
Pumpkin Pie	Not Vegan	Pumpkin, eggs, milk	The filling explicitly contains eggs and milk.
Razzleberry Fruit Pie	Vegan-Friendly	Blackberries, raspberries, soybean oil	Fruit filling and soybean oil-based crust are plant-based.
Southern Pecan Pie	Not Vegan	Pecans, eggs, butter (often)	The traditional recipe, used by Marie Callender's, includes eggs.
Blueberry Pie	Vegan-Friendly	Blueberries, sugar, flour, soybean oil	Classic fruit pie with no animal-derived ingredients.
Chocolate Satin Pie	Not Vegan	Cream, chocolate, eggs, milk	Contains multiple dairy and egg products.
Lattice Cherry Pie	Vegan-Friendly	Cherries, sugar, soybean oil, flour	Plant-based ingredients for both filling and crust.
Lemon Meringue Pie	Not Vegan	Eggs, lemon, sugar, butter	Meringue is made from egg whites and butter is used in the crust.

Considerations for Vegans

While these fruit pies are considered 'accidentally vegan' based on their ingredient lists, some stricter vegans may still choose to avoid them due to the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. These products are processed in the same facility as non-vegan items. However, for many, the availability of these pre-made, plant-based desserts is a convenient option that vastly outweighs this concern.

Conclusion: Savoring Vegan Fruit Pies from Marie Callender's

For vegans seeking a readily available and satisfying dessert, several Marie Callender's fruit pies offer an excellent solution. By sticking to the list of fruit pies like Razzleberry, Dutch Apple, and Blueberry, you can enjoy a classic baked good without compromising your dietary principles. Always remember to check the latest ingredients on the box, but know that you have a solid selection of comforting, fruity options ready to bake.

Always Read the Label

While this list is a reliable guide based on current product information, it's crucial to confirm ingredients every time you shop. Product sourcing and formulations can shift without notice, so a quick read of the label is the best practice for any vegan consumer.

Vegan Pie Enjoyment

With a clear understanding of which fruit pies are vegan at Marie Callender's, you can confidently navigate the freezer aisle. The Dutch Apple, Razzleberry, and various lattice fruit pies all offer a delightful and convenient plant-based dessert option. Serve them warm with your favorite vegan ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a simple, satisfying treat.

Additional Resources

For more information on identifying vegan products and other accidentally vegan items, you can consult resources like the PETA's guide to accidentally vegan products. These resources often provide broader lists of accessible vegan foods.

How to Serve Your Vegan Pie

After baking your chosen Marie Callender's fruit pie, let it cool for at least three hours for the best slicing and serving results. This allows the filling to properly set. Pair it with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold combination or top it with some homemade vegan whipped cream. The possibilities for a satisfying and easy vegan dessert are plentiful.

Note: While Marie Callender's website lists the frozen product ingredients, sometimes more detailed information is available on the physical packaging. The SmartLabel feature sometimes linked on their site can provide the most precise details.

Ingredients to Check

When reading the label on any Marie Callender's pie you're unsure of, look for these specific ingredients to ensure it's vegan. Avoid anything containing milk, eggs, or butter. Look for plant-based fats like soybean oil or vegetable shortening in the crust ingredients. The fruit fillings typically consist of fruits, sugar, water, and modified corn starch, which are usually vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruit pies are vegan at Marie Callender's?

Marie Callender's offers several accidentally vegan fruit pies, including Dutch Apple, Razzleberry, Lattice Apple, Lattice Cherry, Blueberry, Cherry Crunch, Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel, Apple Crumb Cobbler, and Peach Cobbler.

Is Marie Callender's Dutch Apple Pie vegan?

Yes, Marie Callender's Dutch Apple Pie is considered vegan-friendly. The pie features a plant-based crust and a filling made with apples, sugar, and spices.

Is Marie Callender's frozen pumpkin pie vegan?

No, Marie Callender's frozen pumpkin pie is not vegan. Its filling contains both milk and eggs, which are not plant-based ingredients.

Are Marie Callender's pie crusts vegan?

The pie crusts used in Marie Callender's fruit pies are vegan. They are made with vegetable shortening and soybean oil, not butter or other animal-derived fats.

Is the Razzleberry Fruit Pie at Marie Callender's vegan?

Yes, the Razzleberry Fruit Pie is one of the confirmed vegan options. The filling and crust are free of animal products, making it a great dessert for vegans.

What is the difference between Marie Callender's frozen pies and restaurant pies regarding vegan options?

The ingredient formulations differ between Marie Callender's frozen grocery store products and those served at its restaurants. Restaurant items can vary by location and preparation, so the vegan status should be verified with the restaurant staff directly.

Do any of the cobblers at Marie Callender's contain animal products?

The Apple Crumb Cobbler and Peach Cobbler from Marie Callender's are both accidentally vegan. The toppings and fillings do not contain animal-derived ingredients.