Are Meat Pies Gluten Free?

Contains Gluten
Meat pies contain gluten in the pastry crust and often in the filling.
Meat pies have wheat pastry crust as the main component. Some fillings also contain wheat flour as a thickener.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid all commercial meat pies unless specifically certified GF. Specialist bakeries like Gluten Freedom make GF pies.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Avoid unless verified GF. Check for thickeners and additives.

Why Do Meat Pies Contain Gluten?

Pastry is made from wheat flour. Fillings often use wheat flour for thickening. Gravy may contain gluten-based thickeners.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ classifies all standard meat pies as containing gluten. Few GF options available.

United States (FDA)

FDA allows pies, but most contain gluten pastry.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g ยท Typical serve: 100 g (beef pie, Australian style)
Energy1075 kJ / 257 kcal
Protein9.5g
Fat, total14.0g
Saturated fat6.0g
Carbohydrate23.0g
Sugars1.5g
Dietary fibre1.2g
Sodium500mg

Source: AFCD. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.

What to Watch For

Wheat pastry, wheat flour in filling, wheat-based thickeners in gravy.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Gluten-free meat pies (from specialist bakeries), homemade GF pies, fresh meat with vegetables.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Meat Pies gluten free?

Meat pies have wheat pastry crust as the main component. Some fillings also contain wheat flour as a thickener.

Can coeliacs eat meat pies?

Avoid all commercial meat pies unless specifically certified GF. Specialist bakeries like Gluten Freedom make GF pies.

More from RefDat

Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of slow cookers for coeliac-friendly options. Explore more reference data at refdat.com.

How We Verify This

Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.

Sources

FSANZ, pie brand labels

Last reviewed: May 2026