Quick Answer
Yes, Trader Joe’s does offer gluten-free pie crust options for customers with gluten sensitivities or who follow a gluten-free diet. Trader Joe’s carries two main types of gluten-free pie crusts:
- Gluten Free Pie Crust – This is Trader Joe’s own brand of gluten-free pie crust, made with a blend of non-wheat flours.
- Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pie Shells – Pre-made gluten-free pie shells by the Wholly Wholesome brand.
In addition to pre-made crusts, Trader Joe’s sells gluten-free pie crust mixes that allow you to make your own crust at home. The availability of specific gluten-free crust products can vary by location. Check with your local Trader Joe’s store for their latest gluten-free offerings.
Gluten-Free Pie Crust Options at Trader Joe’s
Here is more detail on the different gluten-free pie crust choices at Trader Joe’s:
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pie Crust
This is Trader Joe’s branded gluten-free pie crust product. It comes in a box containing two rolls of pre-made pie dough.
The ingredients include a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum. It is certified gluten-free to meet the FDA’s standards.
The Trader Joe’s gluten-free crust can be used for both savory and sweet pies. It provides a crisp, flaky texture similar to traditional wheat crusts. Reviews indicate it performs well for baking quiches, pot pies, vegetable tarts, fruit pies, and more.
The dough rolls can be thawed and then rolled out on a floured surface before placing into a pie pan. Each crust is designed for a 9-inch pie pan.
Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pie Shells
Trader Joe’s carries these pre-made gluten-free pie shells from the Wholly Wholesome brand. They come packaged as two pie shells per box.
The pie shells are made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum. They are certified gluten-free to meet the FDA’s standards.
These pie shells can be filled either before or after baking. Consumers mention using them successfully for sweet pies like apple, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, and more. They can also be used for quiches, pot pies, or savory tarts.
The shells come ready to fill and bake. Each shell is designed for a standard 9-inch pie plate.
Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mix
For bakers who want to make their own gluten-free crust from scratch, Trader Joe’s also sells gluten-free pie crust mixes.
These come in the baking aisle in 16-ounce packages. Trader Joe’s carries its own brand of gluten-free pie crust mix along with mixes from brands like Glutino.
The mixes contain a proprietary blend of gluten-free flours along with xanthan gum or other binders. To prepare, you just add butter and cold water until the dough forms. It can then be rolled out between two sheets of parchment paper and transferred into a pie dish.
The homemade crusts can be used either fully cooked or partially baked before filling for pies, quiches, and tarts.
Availability of Gluten-Free Pie Crusts at Trader Joe’s
The availability of specific gluten-free pie crust products can vary across different Trader Joe’s locations. Here are some tips on finding them:
- Pre-made pie crusts are usually stocked in the frozen foods section, near other frozen pie and pastry products.
- Gluten-free pie crust mixes are generally found in the baking aisle with other baking mixes.
- New or seasonal items may be placed in a special display. Ask a crew member for help locating any products.
- You can call your local store in advance to check if a specific item is in stock.
- The Fearless Flyer newsletter and Trader Joe’s website list new and seasonal gluten-free offerings.
The availability of gluten-free products changes throughout the year as Trader Joe’s rotates items. Make sure to check back regularly if you don’t see a certain product on your first visit.
Tips for Using Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pie Crust
Here are some helpful tips for working with gluten-free pie crust from Trader Joe’s:
- Allow frozen crusts to thaw completely before unfolding. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
- Prick dough all over with a fork before baking to prevent air pockets from forming.
- Gluten-free crusts are more delicate. Handle gently and don’t overwork the dough.
- Use parchment paper to roll out dough if it’s sticking. Chill dough again if it becomes too warm.
- Avoid gluten contamination by using separate work areas, utensils, etc.
- Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since gluten-free crusts take longer to brown.
- Let baked crusts cool completely before filling to prevent getting soggy.
With proper handling, Trader Joe’s gluten-free crusts can deliver delicious results for all types of pies, tarts, and quiches. The pre-made crusts offer convenience while the mix allows you to customize your creation.
Nutrition Information for Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pie Crust
When following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to compare the nutritional value between products. Here is the nutrition information per serving for Trader Joe’s gluten-free pie crust options:
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pie Crust
| Serving Size | 1/6 crust (42g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pie Shells
| Serving Size | 1/6 pie shell (31g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
The Trader Joe’s branded crust has slightly higher calories and carbohydrates. The fiber content is low in both products. When using these for pie recipes, consider adding a fiber-rich filling.
As expected for gluten-free products, the carbohydrate grams are higher, coming from rice flour and starches instead of wheat flour. The fat and protein content are minimal.
Those needing to restrict carbohydrates or calories may want to limit portion sizes of the crust compared to the filling. Or, try making your own crust using the gluten-free pie crust mix and modifying ingredients.
The Cost of Gluten-Free Pie Crust at Trader Joe’s
Affordability is another consideration for gluten-free shoppers. Here are the current prices for Trader Joe’s gluten-free pie crust options:
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pie Crust
- 2 count – $4.49
Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pie Shells
- 2 count – $5.49
Gluten-Free Pie Crust Mixes
- 16 oz – $5.49
The pre-made crusts cost right around $2.25 per pie, while the mixes come out to about $0.34 per ounce.
Compared to other grocery stores, Trader Joe’s offers some of the most budget-friendly prices for specialty gluten-free baked goods. Name-brand gluten-free crusts can cost $5-8 for a single pie crust at standard supermarkets.
The affordability makes Trader Joe’s a popular shopping destination for gluten-free diets. You can stick to your food budget while still enjoying delicious pies, quiches, and baked treats.
Quality of Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pie Crusts
Finding tasty gluten-free alternatives to wheat-based foods can be hit or miss. Here is some feedback on how Trader Joe’s pie crusts stack up:
- Most customers say Trader Joe’s gluten-free crusts have a tender, flaky texture similar to traditional pie pastry.
- The crust has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower sweet or savory fillings.
- Some reviews say the pre-made crust performs better than homemade mixes.
- The crust generally gets good marks for not tasting overtly rice-like or gritty.
- It holds up well during baking and doesn’t fall apart when cutting slices.
- A few complaints that the crust is too dense or crumbly, especially if over-handled.
Results may vary based on how you handle and bake the crust. Follow package instructions closely for best results. Consider making a test pie first if trying a new gluten-free recipe.
Overall, customers seem pleased with the texture and taste of Trader Joe’s gluten-free crusts. They provide a quick way to enjoy dinners, desserts and snacks without having to avoid the crust portion or make your own from scratch.
Gluten-Free Diet Recipes with Trader Joe’s Pie Crust
Trader Joe’s gluten-free pie crust allows you to expand your recipe options if following a gluten-free diet.
You can use it as a shortcut for dishes you thought you couldn’t enjoy anymore. Or impress guests at your next gluten-free dinner party with these gourmet treats.
Here are some recipe ideas highlighting Trader Joe’s crust:
Savory Recipes
- Chicken Pot Pie – Fill crust with cooked chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce for comfort food.
- Quiche – Make a veggie, bacon, or lorraine quiche for brunch.
- Taco Pie – Layer beef, beans, salsa, and more for a Mexican inspired meal.
- Potato and Leek Tart – Elegant tart with potato, leek, and cheese filling.
Sweet Recipes
- Fruit Pie – Classic flavors like apple, blueberry, peach, or strawberry rhubarb.
- Pumpkin Pie – Fall favorite for Thanksgiving or anytime.
- Key Lime Pie – Refreshing citrus custard in a crisp graham cracker crust.
- Chocolate Tart – Rich chocolate ganache in a flaky crust.
The crust can also be used in layered desserts like trifles or parfaits by crumbling into pieces over mousse or pudding.
Gluten-Free Lifestyle with Trader Joe’s
Beyond gluten-free pie crust, Trader Joe’s offers an extensive selection of specialty diet products:
- They carry over 2000 gluten-free items for celiac disease or sensitivities.
- All gluten-free products are labeled clearly on shelf tags and packaging.
- You can shop for gluten-free snacks, baking mixes, pasta, desserts, cereal and more.
- Their product list makes it easy to find FODMAP friendly, paleo, vegan, and kosher options too.
- New gluten-free products are featured each month in the Fearless Flyer magazine.
- Crew members receive training on managing gluten-free diets and preventing cross-contamination.
With an accommodating approach to specialty diets, Trader Joe’s strives to provide foods that don’t make you feel limited.
You can enjoy pie again along with everyday basics and treat yourself to new gluten-free discoveries. Trader Joe’s makes it easier to stick to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or variety.
