Quick Answer
Pillsbury’s refrigerated pie crusts contain sugar while their frozen pie crusts are sugar free. Most of Pillsbury’s refrigerated pie crust varieties including their classic ready to bake, petite, and deep dish crusts contain 1-3 grams of sugar per serving. Their frozen pie crusts including the classic ready to bake and deep dish varieties do not contain any sugar. So if you are looking for a sugar free pie crust option from Pillsbury, choose one of their frozen varieties.
Ingredients in Pillsbury’s Refrigerated Pie Crusts
Pillsbury’s refrigerated pie crusts are convenient ready to bake crusts that can be found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. They must be kept refrigerated or they will spoil quickly. Here is a look at the ingredients for some of Pillsbury’s most popular refrigerated pie crust varieties:
Pillsbury Ready to Bake Pie Crusts
Ingredients: Enriched bleached flours (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, vegetable shortening (palm oil, soybean oil), sugar, salt, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate), calcium propionate and potassium sorbate (preservatives).
Contains 2g of sugar per 1/6 pie crust serving.
Pillsbury Petite Sweet Ready to Bake Pie Crusts
Ingredients: Bleached enriched wheat flour [flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin b1), riboflavin (vitamin b2), folic acid], water, vegetable shortening (palm oil, soybean and/or canola oil), sugar, contains 2% or less of: salt, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda, cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate), yeast, calcium propionate and potassium sorbate (preservatives), color (annatto, turmeric).
Contains 3g of sugar per 1/8 pie crust serving.
Pillsbury Deep Dish Pie Crusts
Ingredients: Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, palm oil, sugar, salt, calcium propionate and potassium sorbate (preservatives).
Contains 2g of sugar per 1/8 pie crust serving.
As you can see from reading the ingredients lists, all of Pillsbury’s refrigerated pie crusts contain between 1-3 grams of sugar per serving. The sugar adds sweetness and assists in the browning process. So if you are looking to limit sugar in your pie crust, the refrigerated versions may not be the best choice.
Ingredients in Pillsbury’s Frozen Pie Crusts
Pillsbury also offers frozen pie crusts that can be purchased in the freezer section. These come packaged in aluminum pie plates and can be kept frozen until ready to use. Here are the ingredients for Pillsbury’s main frozen pie crust offerings:
Pillsbury Frozen Ready to Bake Pie Crusts
Ingredients: Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, palm oil, salt.
Contains 0g sugar.
Pillsbury Petite Frozen Pie Crusts
Ingredients: Wheat flour, water, soybean oil, palm oil, salt, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid.
Contains 0g sugar.
Pillsbury Deep Dish Frozen Pie Crust
Ingredients: Bleached enriched wheat flour (niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oils (cottonseed, soybean), contains 2% or less of: salt, sugar, leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda), mono and diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, TBHQ and citric acid (preservatives).
Contains 1g of sugar per 1/8 crust serving.
The frozen crusts (except for the Deep Dish version) do not contain any added sugars. This makes them a good choice if you are looking for a sugar free pre-made pie crust.
Nutrition Comparison
Here is a nutrition comparison of Pillsbury’s refrigerated classic pie crust versus the frozen classic pie crust for one 1/6 crust serving:
| Nutrition Facts | Refrigerated Pie Crust | Frozen Pie Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 60 |
| Total Fat | 3.5g | 3g |
| Sodium | 115mg | 140mg |
| Total Carbs | 9g | 7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0g |
| Sugars | 2g | 0g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
As you can see, the frozen version is slightly lower in calories, fat, and carbs compared to the refrigerated. The most notable difference is the lack of added sugars in the frozen crust.
Price Comparison
In addition to the differences in ingredients, Pillsbury’s refrigerated and frozen pie crusts do vary in price. Here is a general price comparison:
– Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts range from $2.50-$3.50 for a package of 2 crusts. This comes out to $1.25-$1.75 per crust.
– Pillsbury’s frozen pie crusts range from $2.00-$2.50 for a package of 2. This comes out to $1.00-$1.25 per crust.
The frozen crusts tend to be a little more affordable than the refrigerated versions. However prices can vary by retailer and location. When on sale, you can sometimes get packages of Pillsbury crusts for $2 or less.
Taste Comparison
In terms of taste and texture, there are some differences between Pillsbury’s refrigerated and frozen pie crusts:
– Refrigerated – These fresh crusts have a rich buttery taste and flaky layered texture. They bake up crisp and golden brown. The added sugar provides enhanced browning and sweetness.
– Frozen – The frozen crusts tend to be more neutral in flavor with less buttery taste. They have a more uniform, doughy texture that can be slightly soggy after baking. Lack of sugar equals less browning.
Many bakers prefer the taste and texture of the refrigerated crusts. However those limiting sugar or following a restricted diet may find the frozen version perfectly acceptable. Baking time and temperature can also be adjusted to crisp up frozen crusts.
How to Store and Thaw Pillsbury Pie Crusts
To get the best results from Pillsbury’s pie crusts, be sure to store, thaw, and handle them properly:
Refrigerated Pie Crusts
– Keep refrigerated crusts in original packaging until ready to use
– Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks past the use by date
– Allow to come to room temperature before unfolding and filling
Frozen Pie Crusts
– Store frozen crusts in original foil pans in freezer up to 4 months
– Thaw crusts completely in fridge overnight before using
– Do not thaw at room temperature or crust will become soggy
– Preheat oven before placing thawed crusts in pie pans
Proper storage and thawing helps maintain the flakiness and prevent sogginess. Following package instructions ensures your crusts bake as intended.
Tips for Preventing Soggy Pie Crusts
To help avoid a soggy bottom crust when baking pies:
– Use a glass or metal pie pan – these conduct heat better than foil pans
– Place pie pan on a baking sheet before putting in oven
– Preheat oven and pie pan before baking
– Prick bottom and sides of crust with a fork before baking
– For frozen crusts, bake 5-10 minutes before adding fillings
– Tent aluminum foil loosely over edges if crust browns too quickly
– Allow pie to cool completely before slicing for clean cut pieces
Following these tips will help promote even browning and a nice crispy texture in your pie crust.
Alternative Sugar Free Pie Crust Options
In addition to Pillsbury’s frozen crusts, there are other sugar free pre-made pie crust alternatives:
Wholly Wholesome Pie Shells
– All natural ingredients
– Available in gluten free and traditional varieties
– Sugar free
Keto Co. Almond Flour Pie Crust
– Made with almond flour and butter
– Sugar free, low carb
– Sold frozen online
Make Your Own
– Mix together almond flour, coconut flour, salt, butter
– For sweet pies, use sugar substitute like Swerve
– Press into pie pan and pre-bake before adding fillings
Making your own sugar free crusts allows for customization and control of ingredients. But pre-made options can be super convenient!
What About Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and Biscuits?
Pillsbury’s refrigerated crescent rolls and biscuits also contain sugar while their frozen equivalents do not.
Crescent Rolls
– Refrigerated: 2g sugar per serving
– Frozen: 0g sugar
Biscuits
– Refrigerated: 2-3g sugar per serving
– Frozen: 0g sugar
So the same pattern applies. For sugar free options, go with Pillsbury’s frozen baked goods over their refrigerated counterparts. But expect some differences in texture and flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, Pillsbury’s refrigerated pie crusts contain 1-3 grams of sugar per serving while their frozen pie crust varieties are sugar free. The added sugar provides enhanced browning and sweetness in their refrigerated crusts. But the frozen versions will be a better choice for those limiting sugar intake. Make sure to thaw frozen crusts properly and use recommended baking tips to ensure a flaky, golden crust when sugar free. And consider making your own crust or using other pre-made sugar free alternatives.
