Pie Shell

A pie shell is the edible crust that holds the filling of a pie. It is typically made from flour, fat (like shortening, butter, or lard), water, and salt. The dough is rolled out and then baked, either before or with the filling.

Pie shells are used as the base and/or top for a wide variety of sweet and savory pies. Manufacturers use them to provide structure, texture, and a neutral flavor base for the pie's filling. They are found in products like fruit pies, cream pies, quiches, and pot pies.

Pie shells are generally considered safe for consumption. The FDA lists many common ingredients used in pie shells, such as wheat flour and salt, as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). While high intake of refined carbohydrates and fats found in some pie shells may not align with general healthy eating guidelines, they are not typically associated with specific health risks at levels consumed in moderation. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many food ingredients, but specific evaluations for 'pie shell' as a whole are not applicable.