Wondering which one is healthier – Pumpkin pies or pecan pies?
Both of these pies have their own importance in cultural events. They have mouthwatering flavors that can satiate your cravings. However, if you can’t decide which one is good for your health, read the article to get a clear idea.
Pumpkin Pie
When it comes to a pumpkin pie’s slice, it offers you 350 calories and 20 grams of fat. Pumpkin itself is a healthy veggie and delivers several nutrients, including Vitamin A and fiber, which are good for vision.
This orange-colored, nutritious vegetable is also rich in protein, carbs, Vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients. An average-sized pumpkin usually contains around 49 calories. However, a pumpkin pie is not totally healthy. This is because a pumpkin has a high GI (75), and it can drastically increase your blood sugar if eaten in a large amount. Plus, pumpkin pies have a high sugar content, which can contribute to weight gain.
Pecan Pie
These pies are as popular among Americans (especially Texans) as pumpkin pies because of their mouthwatering and amazing taste. A slice of this pie contains around 620 calories and 38 grams of fat.
What’s more, pecans can provide you a wide range of minerals and vitamins and are considered to be healthy for heart patients. These nuts are also rich in fiber, protein, carbs, manganese, zinc, copper, thiamine, and other essential nutrients. All this makes it an ideal option to munch on a healthy pie.
So, Which One is Healthier?
Well, we can’t name one pie as a healthy choice as both are different from each other. 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.
If you want to consume essential nutrients to overcome your nutritional deficiency, then go for pecans. In case you are planning to lose weight while consuming a low-calorie dessert, then a pumpkin pie should be your choice.
Tips to Cut Some Calories from Your Pies
Sugar content and crust are the two main reasons that make any pie a high caloric source. If you try to limit their use and look for substitutes, you can make a completely healthy pecan or pumpkin pie.
Here are the alternatives that you need to know.
- Use skimmed milk instead of whole milk
- Consider whole wheat flour instead of refined flour
- Use brown sugar as an alternative to white sugar
- Avoid corn syrup, and use honey instead
- Make your own pie crust, as store-bought crust contains higher calories and artificial content
- Opt for Greek yogurt or nonfat sour cream rather than lard or butter
Bottom Line
Pumpkin and pecan pies are both ideal to enjoy cultural festivities and holidays. They are easy to make and offer you mouthwatering flavors. Just make sure to opt for healthy substitutes that we have mentioned above to avoid health issues, such as a spike in blood sugar or weight gain.
Sources
chowhound.com/food-news/190593/pecan-pie-or-pumpkin-pie-which-is-better/
https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2012/11/which-is-healthier-pumpkin-or-pecan-pie
https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Comparing-Nutritional-Value-Pecan-Pie-vs-Pumpkin-Pie-12068409
FAQs
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 the healthiest 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.
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.
Does pumpkin pie have a lot of sugar? ›
According to the USDA, a standard slice of pumpkin pie has 25g (over 6 teaspoons) of total sugar in it, most of which is added to the recipe in the form of brown or white sugar.
Which is more nutritious pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie? ›
NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN
Calories: Pumpkin pie — 316; Sweet potato pie — 340. Protein: Pumpkin —7 grams; Sweet potato — 5 grams. Fat: Pumpkin —14 grams; Sweet potato —16 grams. Cholesterol: Pumpkin — 25 mg; Sweet potato — 20 mg.
Which is better for you pumpkin pie or pecan 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 does pumpkin pie do to your body? ›
Rich in beta-carotene: Decrease cancer risk, protect eye health and get better skin. The orange coloring of pumpkins complements the look of fall perfectly, but that's not all it does.
What is the unhealthiest Thanksgiving food? ›
Unhealthy: Stuffing
“Bacon, sausage, mince meat, giblets, and a variety of similar ingredients find their way into many a stuffing, which takes an already unhealthy dish — often topping 500 calories per serving, depending on the recipe — to an entirely new level of unhealthy,” she said.
What's 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.
Can 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.
Sweet potatoes are richer in natural sugars and starches than most vegetables, making them higher in calories. One-half cup of sweet potatoes has about 90 calories compared to 30 to 40 calories in one-half cup of pumpkin or winter squash.
What happens if I put too much evaporated milk in my pumpkin pie? ›
Pies with too much evaporated milk formed blisters on top.
Though the interior of the filling had a great, creamy texture. The flavor was ever-so-slightly muted and had a hint of milkiness to it.
Is pumpkin pie better for you than apple pie? ›
"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.
Which pumpkin pie is best? ›
As a baker, a homemade pie will always be at the top of my list but I think some of the store-bought versions I tried were still pretty tasty. The textures of both Costco's and Safeway's pumpkin pies were very good. However, I thought Safeway's pumpkin pie had an edge over Costco's famed dessert because of its flavor.
Which sweet potato is the healthiest? ›
Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are richest in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes with purple flesh are richer in anthocyanins. Beta-carotene and anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant “phyto” chemicals that give vegetables their bright colors.
What's healthier, pumpkin pie or apple pie? ›
Winner: Pumpkin Pie
The single crust keeps calories light, while the star of the show, pumpkin, pushes the nutrition of this pie way beyond apple.
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 bad for cholesterol? ›
One of the most popular holiday treats — pumpkin pie — is often loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. With adjustments, everyone can enjoy this traditional dessert.
