Finding a vegan-friendly frozen pie crust can be a challenge, but several brands offer delicious, plant-based options that save you time in the kitchen. Not all brands are explicitly labeled vegan, so it's essential to check the ingredient list for hidden animal-derived products like lard, butter, or milk. This guide helps you navigate the freezer aisle to find the perfect crust for your next sweet or savory pie.
Dedicated Vegan Brands
These brands make it easy by explicitly marketing their products as vegan, ensuring peace of mind for plant-based bakers.
- Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional Pie Shells: This brand is a favorite among vegans and is widely available in many health food stores and major grocery chains. Made with simple, organic ingredients like wheat flour, palm fruit shortening, and cane sugar, their pie shells are a reliable choice for any recipe. They offer both traditional and gluten-free options.
- Immulate Brand (Select Varieties): While you should always double-check the label, some products from Immaculate Baking Co. are vegan. They offer a range of doughs, so verify the specific pie crust's ingredients to ensure it fits your needs. As a company that offers both conventional and vegan products, label reading is key.
Accidentally Vegan Frozen Pie Crusts
Some mainstream brands don't market their products as vegan but happen to be made without animal ingredients. This can vary by product and region, so reading the ingredient list is crucial before purchasing. The following are known to have accidentally vegan options:
- Marie Callender's Deep Dish Pastry Pie Shells: Several sources confirm that these pie shells are accidentally vegan, using a blend of soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oil instead of butter or lard. This is a great option for a quick, flaky crust. However, it's vital to check the label for any changes in formulation. Note: Not all Marie Callender's frozen products are vegan, so this only applies to the pastry pie shells.
- Simple Truth (Kroger Brand) Pie Crusts: The Simple Truth brand, available at Kroger and its affiliated stores, is reported to have accidentally vegan pie crusts. Kroger's private label options can change ingredients, so always verify the current label. Their products often focus on fewer, more recognizable ingredients.
Ingredients to Check for When Shopping
When evaluating a frozen pie crust, here is a list of ingredients to look for and avoid:
- Vegan-Friendly Ingredients: Look for vegetable shortening, vegetable oil (such as soybean, palm, or canola), and plant-based sugars. Sometimes, certain doughs use palm fruit shortening as a plant-based fat source.
- Animal-Derived Ingredients (Avoid): Be cautious of ingredients such as:
- Lard (animal fat)
- Butter or Butterfat
- Milk, Whey, or Casein (dairy derivatives)
- Eggs (sometimes used as a binder or wash)
Comparison Table: Vegan Frozen Pie Crusts
| Brand | Vegan Status | Deep Dish Available? | Key Fats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wholly Wholesome | Explicitly Vegan | Yes | Palm Fruit Shortening | Organic; often found in health food stores. |
| Marie Callender's | Accidentally Vegan | Yes | Soybean Oil | Check label; product formulation can change. |
| Simple Truth (Kroger) | Accidentally Vegan | Yes | Vegetable Shortening | Kroger's private label; always check current ingredients. |
| Pillsbury | Not Vegan | Yes | Lard | Avoid; uses animal-derived fats. |
Baking with Frozen Vegan Crusts
Once you have found your vegan frozen pie crust, the baking process is straightforward and typically follows the same steps as non-vegan versions. Follow the package instructions for thawing and pre-baking (blind baking), if required by your recipe. For fruit pies, you can fill and bake the crust directly. For custard or cream pies, a pre-baked shell is often necessary to prevent a soggy bottom.
If you have trouble finding a suitable frozen crust, it is relatively simple to make one from scratch using vegan butter or vegetable shortening. For example, a reliable recipe uses a blend of vegan butter or coconut oil with flour, salt, and ice water to create a flaky, buttery crust. Shortening-based vegan pie crusts are known for their flaky texture.
Conclusion
While the search for a vegan frozen pie crust can be tricky, options like Wholly Wholesome offer a reliable solution for plant-based bakers. Additionally, some mainstream brands like Marie Callender's and Kroger's Simple Truth provide accidentally vegan versions, though careful label reading is essential. By knowing what to look for—primarily the absence of lard, butter, and milk—you can confidently navigate the freezer aisle and create a delicious, homemade-tasting pie with minimal effort. For those who enjoy baking from scratch, a simple coconut oil or vegan butter recipe is a rewarding alternative that guarantees a completely vegan result.
For Further Reading
Tips for Ensuring Your Pie Is Completely Vegan
- Read Everything: Don't just look at the crust. If you're using a store-bought filling, check its ingredients as well. Many fruit fillings are vegan, but some contain hidden animal products.
- Mind the Toppings: If you're adding a streusel topping, ensure it doesn't contain butter. For cream pies, use a plant-based whipped topping or make your own from coconut cream.
- Blind Bake Carefully: If blind baking your crust, use parchment paper and dried beans or pie weights to prevent it from puffing up. For vegan versions, you can follow the same method.
The Rise of Plant-Based Baking
As veganism and plant-based diets grow in popularity, so do the product offerings from both dedicated brands and conventional companies. The availability of accidentally vegan products demonstrates a shift in ingredient sourcing, often toward more affordable and stable vegetable fats like soybean oil. This trend benefits consumers by offering more variety and accessible options for dietary needs.
Beyond the Crust: Other Vegan Baking Staples
When building your vegan baking pantry, consider these other common swaps:
- Butter: Vegan butter sticks are now widely available and perform similarly to dairy butter in many recipes.
- Milk: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk can be used in place of cow's milk.
- Eggs: For binding, use a "flax egg" (ground flaxseed mixed with water) or commercial egg replacers.
Key Factors for Choosing a Vegan Pie Crust
Beyond just checking for vegan ingredients, consider these factors when selecting a frozen pie crust:
- Texture: Some crusts are flakier than others. Coconut oil and vegetable shortening can provide a very flaky texture, often without the need for butter.
- Deep Dish vs. Traditional: Ensure the crust you choose is the right size and depth for your recipe.
- Availability: While specialty brands are great, checking for accidentally vegan versions at your local grocery store can save you a trip.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can find the perfect vegan frozen pie crust for your baking needs, making it easier than ever to create delicious plant-based desserts.
