13 Kinds Of Pies You Should Avoid Eating

Not all pies are created equal—some are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, others just taste like regret wrapped in a crust. Whether it’s store-bought shortcuts or recipe misfires, here are 13 pies that are better left uneaten (and what to pick instead).

1. Store-Bought Cream Pies

Store-bought cream pies might look tempting on the shelf, but they’re often packed with ingredients that are far from fresh or natural. These pies usually contain artificial stabilizers and fake whipped toppings that give them a glossy, unnatural sheen. The high sugar content can overwhelm the natural flavors you might hope to enjoy.

A better alternative is a homemade banana cream pie, where you can control the ingredients and enjoy real whipped cream. Embracing fresh components and homemade goodness makes all the difference in taste and satisfaction, elevating your dessert experience to something truly memorable.

2. Canned Pie Fillings in Crust

Canned pie fillings often promise convenience but deliver a metallic, syrupy experience instead. The artificial colors and flavors overshadow any natural fruit taste, leaving a lingering aftertaste that’s hard to ignore. These fillings often don’t provide the fresh, vibrant flavors that make fruit pies delightful. Instead of settling for this, consider using fresh fruit fillings accentuated with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of spice.

This approach preserves the fruit’s natural sweetness and creates a more pleasing texture. Elevate your pie game with ingredients that taste as good as they look.

3. Grocery Store Pumpkin Pie (Out of Season)

Grocery store pumpkin pies bought out of season often lack the rich flavors and textures that make this dessert special. These pies tend to be dry and overly spiced, with a bland taste that doesn’t do justice to the autumn classic. When it’s not Thanksgiving, the quality can significantly decline, turning what should be a treat into a tasteless disappointment.

To truly enjoy pumpkin pie, try making it at home with real pumpkin and a touch of maple syrup. This way, you can savor the full, comforting flavors that a well-made pumpkin pie has to offer.

4. Frozen Pot Pies

Frozen pot pies are often loaded with sodium, preservatives, and unappealing textures that leave much to be desired. The convenience they offer is overshadowed by the lack of fresh ingredients and the unnatural flavors. Eating one can feel like navigating through a maze of salt and artificial seasonings with every bite.

For a more delightful experience, consider making mini pot pies using rotisserie chicken and puff pastry. This approach allows you to enjoy the richness of real ingredients and a flaky, buttery crust, providing a comforting meal that’s worth the effort.

5. Prepackaged Mini Fruit Pies

Prepackaged mini fruit pies may appear cute and convenient, but their taste often resembles overly sweet cardboard. The waxy glaze that covers them does nothing to enhance their flavor, which can be overwhelmingly artificial and disappointing. These pies often lack the vibrant taste of fresh fruit, making them a poor substitute for a real dessert experience.

Instead, try making hand pies with fresh dough and seasonal fruit. This allows you to capture the essence of ripe, juicy fruits in a flaky, golden crust, creating a delightful treat that’s both fresh and flavorful.

6. “Lite” or Sugar-Free Pies

“Lite” or sugar-free pies often promise a guilt-free indulgence but fall short in delivering satisfaction. They rely heavily on artificial sweeteners, which can produce strange textures and leave an unpleasant aftertaste. The experience of consuming these pies can be disappointing, as they frequently miss the mark in flavor and enjoyment.

A better alternative is to create a naturally sweetened pie using dates or honey. This approach ensures a more authentic taste without the use of artificial ingredients, allowing you to indulge in a dessert that’s both delicious and mindful of your dietary preferences.

7. Gas Station Pies

Gas station pies are designed to be shelf-stable for far longer than any pie should be, sacrificing freshness for longevity. These pies often have a chemical taste and texture that screams artificial. Their long shelf life is a warning sign, not a convenience.

If you find yourself in need of a quick snack, you’re better off grabbing a granola bar or opting for a pastry from a real bakery. These options are more likely to deliver quality and satisfaction, leaving you with a more pleasant taste and experience.

8. Meringue Pies with Stabilizers

Meringue pies with stabilizers can look enticingly fluffy but often hide a multitude of unwanted additives. The unnaturally glossy finish is achieved through stabilizers that detract from the pie’s natural charm. These additives can affect both the flavor and texture, leading to a less satisfying dessert.

For a more authentic experience, consider creating a classic lemon meringue pie using whipped egg whites and sugar. This method highlights the true essence of meringue, providing a light and airy topping that complements the pie’s flavor without overwhelming it.

9. Overly Dense Nut Pies

Overly dense nut pies, such as pecan pie, can feel like sugar bombs rather than a balanced dessert. The combination of nuts and excessive syrup can create a heaviness that’s difficult to enjoy. These pies often lack the nuanced flavors and textures that should balance the richness of the ingredients.

For a more refined taste, consider making a pecan pie with a splash of bourbon and reduced corn syrup. This approach allows the nutty flavors to shine while maintaining a lighter, more harmonious balance, turning a dense dessert into a delightful culinary experience.

10. Artificially Colored Berry Pies

Artificially colored berry pies often feature fillings that glow with an unnatural neon hue, signaling more dye than real fruit. The vibrant colors may catch the eye, but they undermine the authentic taste of fresh berries, leaving an artificial aftertaste. These pies can disappoint those seeking genuine berry flavors.

Instead, try a mixed berry pie with a hint of lemon zest to enhance natural flavors. This choice prioritizes authenticity and offers a symphony of berry goodness, wrapped in a crust that complements rather than overwhelms the filling, delivering a true berry experience.

11. No-Bake Chocolate Pies with Powder Mix

No-bake chocolate pies made with powder mix often taste like instant pudding rather than a rich, decadent dessert. The waxy crust and artificial flavors don’t do justice to chocolate’s potential. These pies lack the texture and depth that make chocolate desserts so alluring.

For a more satisfying indulgence, consider making a ganache-based chocolate tart with a nut crust. This approach embraces real chocolate and offers a luscious texture that’s both smooth and rich, transforming a simple dessert into a luxurious treat that’s worth savoring.

12. Pre-Made Crust Pies from the Discount Freezer Section

Pre-made crust pies from the discount freezer section often fall flat in both flavor and texture. The crust can be disappointingly soggy on the bottom, while the top lacks the enticing golden finish that suggests quality. These pies often fail to deliver the richness and satisfaction expected from a well-made dessert.

For a quicker option, consider using frozen pie dough from a reputable brand and make your own filling. This alternative provides a more flavorful and enjoyable pie experience, allowing you to enjoy the convenience without sacrificing taste or quality.

13. Too-Much-Filling Apple Pies

Too-much-filling apple pies can turn a delightful dessert into a sugary mess. When the filling overwhelms the apples, you’re left with a cloying sweetness that masks the natural fruit flavors. The texture can become unpleasant, distracting from what should be a harmonious blend of fruit and spices.

To appreciate apple pie’s true charm, consider making a rustic apple galette with thin slices and just enough cinnamon. This approach ensures a balanced taste where the apples take center stage, supported by a flaky crust and a gentle cinnamon touch for a memorable dessert.