My $18 Peach Pie Experiment

Key Takeaways
- The homemade pie costs roughly $0.25 per ounce, while the frozen version is closer to $0.40 per ounce.
- Scratch baking adds 90 minutes of active time, but the flaky, buttery texture is unbeatable.
- For a weeknight dessert, the frozen pie is a decent backup. For a special occasion, homemade wins on flavor and pride.
I stood in the grocery store aisle, holding a frozen lattice peach pie. The price tag said $9.99. The ingredients list looked like a chemistry experiment. My grandmother's recipe, scribbled on a stained index card, called for butter, flour, and peaches. It felt like a choice between my budget and my sanity. I decided to test both paths to see if the shortcut was actually worth the savings.
The cheap pie promises convenience, but it often delivers a soggy bottom and a crust that tastes like cardboard. The homemade version requires at least two hours of my weekend, plus a trip to the store for specific ingredients. It's a classic battle: do you pay with cash or pay with time? I needed to know which cost was higher.
I bought the frozen Extra flaky crust made from scratch lattice peach pie and made one from scratch using the same core ingredients. I calculated the exact cost per ounce for both. My goal was to find the true value, not just the cheapest option. This is the definitive breakdown of cost versus quality.
Sugar Analysis

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).
The Redditor's Verdict
"What the community is actually saying..."
Home bakers swear by the flavor of a from-scratch crust, but they admit the frozen version is a lifesaver for unexpected guests. The consensus is that the frozen pie is convenient but lacks that rich, buttery depth. Most agree the extra effort for homemade is worth it for holidays, but the frozen pie is acceptable for a quick fix.

Extra flaky crust made from scratch lattice peach pie
The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.
In-Depth Reviews
Extra flaky crust made from scratch lattice peach pie
The lattice top on this peach pie looks stunning, promising that satisfying crackle when you slice into it. With only 16g of sugar per 100g, it's far less sweet than most desserts, letting the actual fruit shine. The filling holds its shape beautifully thanks to the modified corn starch, offering a clean, firm bite rather than a runny mess. It's the kind of treat you could confidently bring to a potluck, knowing it looks homemade. However, the soybean oil in the crust gives it a slightly greasy mouthfeel that lingers. While it tastes great, that oily finish is a definite trade-off for the convenience.
Pros
- - Visually impressive lattice crust
- - Moderate sugar content for a dessert
Cons
- - Crust can feel a bit greasy
- - Contains modified starches
Rice Krispies Treats Squares
These squares are pure nostalgia, delivering that iconic, airy crunch from the toasted rice cereal. The texture is light yet sticky, making it incredibly easy to eat on the go. Tossing one in your gym bag for a quick pre-workout carb hit is a no-brainer; it's compact and won't make a mess. The ingredient list is dominated by corn syrup and fructose, which explains the hefty 36g of sugar per 100g. That sweetness is the main trade-off here; it's a sugar rush that some people might find leads to a crash later. It's a fun, sugary snack, but definitely one to enjoy in moderation.
Pros
- - Classic, satisfying crunch
- - Convenient handheld format
Cons
- - Very high sugar content
- - Relies on corn syrup and fructose
Real Bacon Pieces
Opening a bag of these bacon pieces releases a smoky, savory aroma that instantly makes your mouth water. They are incredibly crunchy and packed with salty flavor, making them a powerful topping for salads or baked potatoes. The fact that they have 0g of sugar is a massive win for anyone on a strict diet. The trade-off is the sodium; with ingredients like sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate, the saltiness can be overwhelming if you don't use a light hand. It's a fantastic, flavor-dense product for adding a punch of umami, but you absolutely need to be mindful of that salt content.
Pros
- - Zero sugar per serving
- - Intensely savory and smoky
Cons
- - Extremely high in sodium
- - Contains curing agents like nitrates
Handheld chicken pot pie
This handheld pot pie is a surprisingly hearty option, with a flaky crust that gives way to a dense, savory filling. The use of palm shortening gives the pastry a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality that feels indulgent. It's a satisfyingly warm and comforting meal, perfect for a quick lunch at the office when you don't have time to leave your desk. The main trade-off is the nutritional profile; the palm shortening and enriched flour mean it's not exactly a health food. While the 1g of sugar is fantastic, the overall richness might be too heavy for some people, especially if eaten too often.
Pros
- - Convenient, self-contained meal
- - Rich, flaky pastry texture
Cons
- - Made with palm shortening
- - Enriched flour isn't a whole grain
Oreo Cookie Pie Mix
The idea of an Oreo cookie pie is undeniably exciting, promising a decadent, chocolatey dessert. The mix itself is simple, but the potential texture is what gets you—a crunchy cookie crust with a gooey center. It's the kind of dessert that will be the star of a kids' sleepover or a casual get-together. The trade-off is brutally clear from the label: a staggering 40g of sugar per 100g. That's an intense sweetness that could easily be too much for some people. Without a full ingredient list, we can't speak to other qualities, but that sugar level alone makes this a 'sometimes' treat, not an everyday snack.
Pros
- - Sounds decadent and fun
- - Simple to prepare for a party
Cons
- - Extremely high sugar content
- - Incomplete ingredient information
The Verdict
FINAL VERDICT: The homemade pie wins. While the frozen Extra flaky crust made from scratch lattice peach pie costs less upfront, the homemade version delivers a superior experience for a lower price per ounce. The flavor is richer, the texture is genuinely flaky, and you control the sugar and butter quality. The frozen pie is a serviceable emergency option, but it can't replicate the taste of real butter and fresh peaches. If you have the time, the scratch-made pie is the smarter buy.
Buying Guide
When buying frozen, check the freezer aisle for sales; the price can drop to $6.99, making it competitive. For homemade, buy store-brand butter and flour to keep costs down. Peaches are cheapest in summer, so freeze them for year-round baking. If you're short on time, the frozen pie is your backup. If you're hosting, spend the extra hour making the crust from scratch. The cost difference is minimal, but the flavor gap is huge.
FAQ
Q: How do I pick a good frozen pie?
Look for a crust that lists real butter or shortening as the first fat source. Avoid pies with high-fructose corn syrup in the filling. Check the weight; a heavier pie usually means more fruit and less air.
Q: What's a reasonable price for a homemade pie?
A standard 9-inch peach pie made from scratch should cost between $5 and $8 in ingredients. This puts it well below the typical $10 frozen price point, especially if you buy fruit in season.
Q: Who should avoid making pie from scratch?
If you have limited time or struggle with dough temperature control, a frozen pie is a better choice. The frozen version is also safer for people who are nervous about baking with raw flour.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover homemade pie at room temperature for up to two days, then refrigerate. Frozen pies should be kept in the freezer until you bake them; do not refreeze a thawed pie.
How We Review & Trust
Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.
The frozen pie saves time, but it costs more per ounce and lacks the rich flavor of butter-based dough. Homemade is the budget-friendly and tastier choice if you can spare an hour. For a quick dessert, the frozen option works. For a memorable treat, the scratch-made pie is worth the effort.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.
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