Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache, anxiety, and more. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must follow a strict gluten-free diet to manage their condition. But navigating ingredient labels and identifying hidden sources of gluten in foods can be challenging. Many people wonder if beloved desserts, like apple pie, are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. Here’s what you need to know about the gluten content of apple pie filling.
What is apple pie filling made of?
Classic apple pie filling contains just a few simple ingredients:
- Apples – typically diced or sliced
- Sugar – white granulated sugar or brown sugar
- Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, etc
- Cornstarch or tapioca starch – to thicken the filling
- Water or apple juice
The specific ingredients and quantities vary between recipes, but the core components are apples, sugar, spices, and a starch thickener. Some recipes may also include lemon juice, vanilla, or butter. Apple pie filling is made by cooking down the apples with the other ingredients until thickened and caramelized.
Do apples contain gluten?
No, apples do not naturally contain any gluten. Apples are considered a gluten-free fruit, as are most other produce. The only potential source of gluten in basic apple pie filling would come from thickening agents or other added ingredients.
Does sugar contain gluten?
No, basic white and brown sugar do not contain gluten. However, some specialty flavorings added to sugar may contain gluten, such as malt extract used in malt sugars. Plain white and brown sugar are gluten-free.
Do spices contain gluten?
Most pure, single-ingredient spices and herbs do not contain gluten and are considered gluten-free. These include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cloves, etc. However, some spice blends may contain gluten-containing additives such as wheat flour. It’s important to check the label on blended spices to confirm gluten-free status.
Do thickeners like cornstarch and tapioca starch contain gluten?
No, cornstarch and tapioca starch (sometimes called tapioca flour) are naturally gluten-free. They are extracted from corn and the cassava plant, respectively, neither of which contain gluten. These are common replacements for wheat flour in gluten-free baking. Other gluten-free starch thickeners sometimes used in pie filling include potato starch and arrowroot starch.
What about pre-made apple pie filling?
When purchasing pre-made canned or jarred apple pie filling from the grocery store, the gluten-free status depends on the specific brand and ingredients:
| Brand | Gluten-Free? |
|---|---|
| Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Pie Filling | Yes |
| Comstock Apple Pie Filling | No (contains wheat flour) |
| Stonewall Kitchen Apple Pie Filling | Yes |
| Knouse Apple Pie Filling | No (contains wheat flour) |
Always thoroughly read the ingredient list and check for statements about gluten content. Contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns.
What about the crust?
While the apple pie filling itself is gluten-free, traditional pie dough is made with wheat flour. There are a few possible solutions for enjoying apple pie with a gluten-free crust:
- Use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust
- Make your own crust with gluten-free flour blend
- Make a crust from alternate ingredients like cookies or nuts
- Serve the apple pie filling over vanilla ice cream or yogurt instead of crust
Is apple pie filling dairy-free?
Plain apple pie filling without butter is typically dairy-free. However, some recipes call for butter or milk to be added, so check the specific ingredients if dairy is a concern. Most canned or pre-made apple pie fillings are dairy-free.
Apple pie filling recipe
Here is a simple gluten-free, dairy-free apple pie filling recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- In a saucepan, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the water and apples and stir to coat apples in spice mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and filling is thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let filling cool before using in a pie.
The bottom line
Plain apple pie filling made with basic ingredients like apples, sugar, spices, and cornstarch or tapioca starch is gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, some pre-made apple pie fillings may contain gluten from added wheat flour. Be sure to read labels carefully and look for gluten-free brands if needed. With a few simple swaps like a gluten-free pie crust, classic apple pie can often be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet.