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 is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. It's also lower in calories and fat compared to apple pie. Pumpkin pie contains more dietary fiber than apple pie, thanks to the pumpkin puree.
Would you rather eat pumpkin pie or apple pie? ›
Apple pie provides an entirely different sensation. The filling is more crisp and juicy compared to the creaminess of pumpkin pie. The buttery crunch and warmth of apple pie pairs perfectly with ice cream whereas pumpkin pie goes best with whipped cream.
Do more Americans prefer apple or pumpkin pie? ›
Thanksgiving pies are a traditional part of Americans' modern-day feast, with harvest flavors dominating the country's favorite pies. Pumpkin pie is Americans' top choice for a Thanksgiving pie — with pecan pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pie right behind it.
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.
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.
Which Thanksgiving pie is healthiest? ›
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.
What is the number one pie in America? ›
Apple. When you think about quintessential America, you can't help but imagine a warm, crumbly apple pie accompanied by a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream. If apples and pie are a great combo, then apple pie and ice cream are even better, as nothing can defeat that incredible flavor.
What is the least popular pie in the United States? ›
The least popular types of pies were salted caramel, gooseberry, blueberry and peach, all being the most popular in only one state each.
What is the most popular pie eaten on Thanksgiving? ›
While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the majority of American households, sweet potato pie is still the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in the South. According to one theory, it was Henry VIII's love of sweet potato desserts that kicked off the popularity of yams in a pie.
Is pumpkin pie anti-inflammatory? ›
Is pumpkin pie anti inflammatory? Like other orange foods, pumpkin contains carotenoids which may be able to tackle free radicals and decrease inflammation.
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.
Is pumpkin pie healthy to lose weight? ›
Simply put, pumpkin is a weight-loss friendly food because you can consume more of it than other carb sources — such as rice and potatoes — but still take in fewer calories. What's more, pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help curb your appetite.
Is pumpkin pie healthy or unhealthy? ›
According to the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should all be eating 2 cups of orange veggies each week. Pumpkin pie can help meet these recommendations plus that brilliant orange color provides the antioxidants vitamin A and lutein.
Which is more nutritious pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie? ›
Between the two pies, most of the other ingredients are the same. Pumpkin pie has slightly lower calories, while sweet potato pie has more nutrients.
Is apple pie good for your body? ›
Apple pie can undoubtedly give you your daily dose of fat requirements. With a slice of apple pie, you get to eat proteins that are required in building and repairing muscles and tissues. It is likewise important in creating antibodies to boost your defenses. Proteins are also known for aiding in proper metabolism.
