Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten free diet, finding tasty gluten free versions of foods that typically contain gluten can be challenging. One such food is pie crust, which traditionally contains wheat flour. Fortunately, major retailers like Walmart now offer gluten free alternatives for classic baking ingredients like pie shells.
What is Gluten and Why Do Some People Need to Avoid It?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It acts as a glue that helps food maintain its shape and texture. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause issues.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This damage interferes with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a milder condition that still causes uncomfortable gastrointestinal and other symptoms when gluten is consumed.
The only treatment for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is adopting a strict lifelong gluten free diet. This means avoiding foods and ingredients that contain wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats that may be contaminated with gluten during processing.
Checking Food Labels for Gluten
When following a gluten free diet, reading food labels carefully and looking for “gluten free” labels is essential. Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), foods containing wheat must clearly state this on the label. However, checking for other gluten-containing grains like barley or rye is also important.
Ideally, you should look for a “gluten free” statement on the packaging. According to the FDA’s gluten free labeling rule, foods displaying this must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This threshold is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Why Pie Shells are Typically Not Gluten Free
Most conventional pie shells are made using wheat flour, which contains gluten. Specifically, they are often made with all-purpose flour or bread flour. These flours are entirely wheat-based, meaning the resulting pie shells contain gluten.
Pie shells need flour to achieve the right binding, structure and flakiness. Gluten allows the flour to form dough that can be rolled, shaped into shells, and maintain integrity during baking. Removing standard wheat flour makes this process more challenging.
Gluten Free Flours for Baking
Creating gluten free baked goods requires replacing wheat flour with alternative gluten free flours. There are a variety of options, each with their own properties, flavors and challenges.
Some examples of gluten free flours include:
- Rice Flour – Made from ground rice. Tends to create crumbly baked goods.
- Tapioca Flour – Extracted from cassava root. Provides chewiness.
- Potato Starch – Adds binding. Can result in dense, heavy textures.
- Chickpea Flour – Made from ground chickpeas. Has a strong flavor.
- Almond Flour – Made from finely ground almonds. Adds moisture and nutty flavor.
- Coconut Flour – Made from dried, defatted coconut meat. Very high in fiber so absorbs a lot of liquid.
Finding the right balance of gluten free flours is important for achieving the desired texture in gluten free baked goods. Binding agents like xanthan gum or eggs are also often added to help mimic the role of gluten.
Are Walmart’s Pie Shells Gluten Free?
Walmart offers several brands of gluten free pie shells, both in their stores and online.
LiveGFree Gluten Free Pie Crusts
One gluten free pie shell option at Walmart are the LiveGFree Gluten Free Pie Crusts. These shells are sold in a pack of two and are available both in stores and on Walmart.com.
According to the packaging, these shells are certified gluten free to below 10 ppm. They are made using a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch and xanthan gum. The ingredient list does not indicate the presence of any gluten sources like wheat.
The LiveGFree pie shells receive positive reviews from Walmart customers. They are reported to roll out easily and have a nice texture. Some reviews say they are best used for sweet pies vs savory, as they have some natural sweetness. The shells are also said to bake up crispy.
Miss Roben’s Gluten Free Pie Crusts
Miss Roben’s Gluten Free Pie Crusts are another option sold at Walmart stores and online. These come packaged in sets of two as well.
The ingredients include rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, palm oil, cellulose gel, and other binders and emulsifiers. It does not contain any gluten sources. The packaging states the crusts are certified gluten free to below 20 ppm.
Reviews suggest these shells roll out thin and bake up nice and crisp. The taste and texture gets positive marks, making them a good choice for both sweet and savory gluten free pies.
Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Traditional Pie Shells
Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Traditional Pie Shells are sold in boxes containing six shells. This brand is certified gluten free and states “contains less than 20ppm of gluten” on the packaging.
These shells are made with a blend of rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, palm oil and xanthan gum. No gluten containing ingredients are listed.
According to reviews, these shells perform well and have a good flaky, crisp texture. They are reported to bake evenly and hold up well to fillings. The shells can be used for both sweet and savory pies.
Smitten Kitchen Gluten Free Pie Crusts
Walmart recently began carrying Smitten Kitchen Gluten Free Pie Crusts. These shells are sold in packs of two.
The ingredients are rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, brown rice flour, sugar, and xanthan gum. They are certified gluten free to below 20 ppm.
Early reviews indicate these shells roll out very easily compared to other gluten free pie crusts. They bake up flaky with a lightly sweet flavor. The texture gets high marks.
Tips for Working with Gluten Free Pie Shells
Gluten free pie shells behave a bit differently than regular wheat flour crusts. Here are some tips for working with gluten free shells successfully:
- Handle the dough gently and don’t overwork it. Gluten free doughs tend to be more delicate.
- Roll between two large pieces of parchment paper for easier handling.
- Refrigerate the dough if it feels sticky before rolling.
- Use pie weights or dried beans when pre-baking. Gluten free crusts can slump more easily.
- Watch closely while baking to prevent over-browning.
- Let cool completely before filling to prevent getting soggy.
Filling Ideas for Gluten Free Pie Shells
Gluten free pie shells can be used either for sweet dessert pies or savory pot pies and quiches. Here are some delicious filling ideas:
Sweet Fillings
- Pumpkin pie
- Pecan pie
- Key lime pie
- Strawberry rhubarb pie
- Apple pie
- Chocolate cream pie
- Banana cream pie
- Coconut cream pie
- Peanut butter pie
- Cherry pie
Savory Fillings
- Chicken pot pie
- Shepherd’s pie
- Quiche with bacon, spinach and swiss
- Broccoli and cheddar quiche
- Quiche with ham, bell peppers and onion
- Taco pie
- Sausage and vegetable pot pie
With so many options for fillings, gluten free pie shells open up a world of delicious possibilities for those on a gluten free diet!
Are There Any Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Pie Shells at Walmart?
In addition to being gluten free, some Walmart pie shell options are also dairy free:
- LiveGFree Gluten Free Pie Crusts – Dairy free
- Miss Roben’s Gluten Free Pie Crusts – Dairy free
- Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Traditional Pie Shells – Dairy free
Always check the ingredient labels to confirm dairy free status when needed. Some people have dairy allergies or follow a vegan diet and need to avoid milk-based ingredients.
For those that need to avoid both gluten and dairy, the LiveGFree, Miss Roben’s and Wholly Wholesome crusts would be suitable options available at Walmart.
Are Gluten Free Pie Shells More Expensive?
Gluten free specialty products often come with a higher price tag compared to conventional gluten containing versions. This is also frequently the case with gluten free pie shells.
There are a few reasons for the higher cost:
- Gluten free flours and starches tend to be more expensive than regular wheat flour.
- Producing gluten free foods requires strict protocols and procedures to avoid cross-contamination, which adds to costs.
- The market for gluten free specialty products is smaller, so it is more difficult for manufacturers to benefit from economies of scale.
While gluten free pie shells usually cost more than wheat-based ones, Walmart’s prices are quite affordable. For example, their LiveGFree Gluten Free Pie Crusts cost under $4 per package. Considering you get two crusts per package, this is comparable to many regular pie crust options.
Should Gluten Free Pie Shells Be Refrigerated or Frozen?
Fresh gluten free pie shells that are sold refrigerated will need to remain refrigerated at home until ready to use. This helps retain freshness and prevent the oils in the crust from turning rancid.
Gluten free pie shells that are sold frozen can be left in the freezer if not using right away. Transfer to the refrigerator to thaw one day before needed.
Make sure to check the package instructions, as some brands may recommend keeping frozen until baking, while others advise thawing first. Leaving in the refrigerator too long before baking can cause gluten free crusts to get gummy.
For best results, gluten free pie shells should be used within a few days of thawing or purchasing refrigerated. Baked crusts will last 3-4 days refrigerated.
Can You Make Homemade Gluten Free Pie Shells?
With some gluten free flour blends and xanthan gum on hand, you can also make homemade gluten free pie crusts. Here is a basic recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄4 cups gluten free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 blend or your own mix)
- 1⁄4 cup tapioca starch
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- 3-5 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the flour blend, tapioca starch, sugar, xanthan gum and salt. Pulse to mix.
- Add the butter and pulse until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add 3 tablespoons ice water and pulse until dough just starts coming together, adding more water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to use, roll out dough between two large sheets of parchment paper.
- Fill and bake as desired recipe directs.
This recipe can be doubled for a two-crust pie. Just divide in half before chilling and use one half per crust.
Conclusion
Walmart offers a nice selection of gluten free pie shells from reputable brands like LiveGFree and Wholly Wholesome. The shells get high marks for taste, texture and ease of use. Walmart provides an affordable way for gluten free bakers to still enjoy pies and quiches.
By taking care when handling and baking gluten free dough, beautiful crispy crusts can be achieved. Let cool fully before filling to prevent sogginess.
Gluten free pie shells open up endless sweet and savory filling options. Use them for everything from pumpkin pie to chicken pot pie. With the help of Walmart’s gluten free crusts, those on a gluten free diet don’t have to miss out on this tasty treat.
