We took a survey in our office just before Thanksgiving and found a pretty even split when asked: What type of pie should be served for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You may be surprised to know the results; it was even between the two options but most everyone would have chosen a completely different dessert! So I ask you; do you prefer Apple or Pumpkin pie with your Thanksgiving meal? Will we have a similar debate in a few weeks over Christmas desserts?
Check out this article from Eating well.com to find out Which Pie Is Healthier: Apple or Pumpkin.
Thanksgiving pie is arguably most people’s favorite part of the meal: if it’s Thanksgiving, there must be pie. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, you may be wondering if one pie has a nutritional leg up on another. Is apple the healthier choice? Or does pumpkin pie reign supreme? Here’s what we found when we looked at the two side by side.
Let’s start with apple pie. It’s made from fruit, so it must be good for you… right? While apples are quite healthy-they’re loaded with fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants-coating them with sugar and dumping them in a buttery crust does change things a bit. Plus, apple pies normally come with double crusts, which means more calories.
As for pumpkin pie, here we start with a vegetable (yay!). The pumpkin delivers fiber and, like all orange foods, pumpkins are packed with carotenoids, which can help tackle free radicals and decrease inflammation. Of course, to turn that vegetable into pie, we add sugar and a crust, so the pumpkin’s not quite as pure as it was in its original vegetable state.
Apple or Pumpkin?
The nutrition will vary depending on which pie you make, but here’s the breakdown comparing our Deep-Dish Apple Pie and our Holiday Pumpkin Pie:
Apple Pie:
- Per serving: 345 calories; 10 g fat (4 g sat); 5 g fiber; 62 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 33 g sugars; 17 g added sugars;147 mg sodium; 213 mg potassium.
Pumpkin Pie:
- Per serving: 292 calories; 9 g fat (3 g sat); 3 g fiber; 42 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 26 g sugars; 22 g added sugars; 174 mg sodium; 482 mg potassium.
The pumpkin pie wins on calories, saturated fat, protein and calcium. But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber, sugar (both total and added) and sodium. So what’s a pie aficionado to do? Well, if you’re watching calories go for the pumpkin-it almost always has fewer because of the single crust. You could also get crazy and take a sliver of both pies. The bottom line is: feel free to make or enjoy your favorite pie, savor it and don’t go overboard.
Acknowledgements: Article from EatingWell.com
Written by: Lisa Valente, M.S., R.D.
FAQs
Pumpkin pie contains more dietary fiber than apple pie, thanks to the pumpkin puree. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels, making pumpkin pie a better choice for those watching their sugar intake," Afzal states.
Which has less sugar apple or pumpkin pie? ›
Pumpkin pie is a better choice. Usually, it is not as decadently dressed as apple pie, so you receive more of the fruit's nutrients— antioxidants like vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. Each piece has a whopping 43 grams less sugar than apple pie and a surprising five grams of protein.
Does pumpkin pie have a lot of calories? ›
A slice of pumpkin pie traditionally contains about 320 calories, but recipe adaptations like using evaporated skim milk can reduce fat from the usual 14 or 15 grams per slice, consequently reducing calories, too. If the pie filling is what you love, leave the crust behind and save 125 to 150 calories per slice.
Is apple pie good for constipation? ›
Apples are packed with dietary fiber, specifically pectin. This soluble fiber adds bulk to stool and ensures its smooth passage through the GI tract. Pectin also forms a gel-like substance when it comes into contact with water, which helps soften stool and prevent constipation.
What is the healthiest pie you can eat? ›
When in doubt, choose pumpkin pie. In competition with those mentioned above, it offers the fewest calories, and least fat and added sugar.
What is the most preferred pie? ›
Apple pie is arguably one of the most popular pie flavors. A symbol of America, the apple pie was actually invented by the British. Apple pie is simply made with sliced apples on double-crusted pastry dough.
Should diabetics eat pumpkin pie? ›
Diabetics can enjoy their favourite foods containing carbohydrates. They just need to keep a check on the portions and follow the diabetic plan for diabetes. There are various diabetic diet recipes to enjoy and creamy pumpkin pie is one of them. Here is the pumpkin pie recipe that you should definitely try.
Is pumpkin pie good for your stomach? ›
May improve gut health
Pumpkin is a functional food ingredient that may benefit your stomach in many ways. Its peel has polysaccharides, which help the good bacteria in your stomach grow and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. It's high in zinc and vitamin A, which may help improve the intestinal barrier.
Will apple pie raise blood sugar? ›
Apple pie is a delicious dessert that's loved by many. But eating an apple pie made with refined flour and butter can be risky. It typically contains a significant amount of sugar, flour, and fat. It is advisable to control your glucose levels before and after eating an apple pie.
How healthy is pumpkin pie for you? ›
Pumpkins also offer you plenty of nutrients, including vitamin A, protein, carbs, fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and fats. The core ingredient, pumpkin, also reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases, boosts immunity, and promotes weight loss. Hence, pumpkin pies are a low-carb option with some health benefits.
While apples are healthy—they're loaded with fiber (about 4 grams in one medium apple, per the USDA), vitamin C and antioxidants—coating them with sugar and dumping them in a buttery crust does change things a bit. Plus, apple pies normally come with double crusts, which means more calories.
Which is healthier, pecan pie or pumpkin pie? ›
Pecan pie contains more calories but offers you plenty of nutrients that you can't find in any other pie. On the other hand, pumpkin pies have a lower calorie content. But pumpkins contain fewer nutrients compared to pecans. Hence, both of these pies are healthy in their own way.
What simple trick empties your bowels immediately? ›
Try These Tricks for Quick Bowel Movement Stimulation
- Drink coffee. Regarding drinks that make you poop, coffee is probably the first that comes to mind. ...
- Squat when you poop. ...
- Use a fiber supplement. ...
- Take a stimulant laxative. ...
- Take an osmotic laxative. ...
- Take a lubricant laxative. ...
- Try a stool softener. ...
- Use a suppository.
Prunes are often hailed as the number one food to help you go number two — and for good reason. Prunes, which are just dehydrated plums, are packed with fiber, which helps keep food moving through the digestive system. They also contain the sugar alcohol sorbitol, which has a laxative effect, Chey explains.
Is pumpkin pie healthier than apple pie? ›
The pumpkin pie wins on calories, saturated fat, protein and calcium. But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber, sugar (both total and added) and sodium. So what's a pie aficionado to do? Well, if you're watching calories go for the pumpkin-it almost always has fewer because of the single crust.
Would you rather eat pumpkin pie or apple pie? ›
In the pumpkin pie, calories, carbs and sodium are lower, while protein is higher. But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber and potassium, and it has less added sugar.
Why is pumpkin pie the best pie? ›
Its subtle but definite flavor can carry all of the spice mix that borrowed its name, and the gourd lends itself to sweetness. The contrast between a creamy pumpkin filling and a perfect flaky crust nears pie perfection.
Is apple pie the most popular pie? ›
As the “most popular pie in America,” nearly 30% of Americans say that apple pie is their favorite type of pie. With such widespread popularity, it's clear that apple pie holds a special place in American culture.
