The Great Thanksgiving Pie Debate: Nutrition Experts Weigh In
As families across the United Kingdom prepare for their Thanksgiving celebrations, a perennial question arises at the dessert table: which pie reigns supreme for your health? According to nutritional experts, while both traditional options have merits, one emerges as the clear winner in the health stakes.
Calorie and Fat Content: The Clear Winner
When comparing slice for slice, pumpkin pie demonstrates significant nutritional advantages. A standard slice of apple pie contains approximately 400 calories, whereas the same portion of pumpkin pie comes in at around 320 calories, according to data from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
The differences extend to fat content as well. Apple pie typically contains about 13 grams of fat per slice, while pumpkin pie averages just 10 grams. Gastroenterologist Dr. Carey Strom confirms this assessment, stating unequivocally that "pumpkin pie is healthier than apple pie" when considering these fundamental nutritional metrics.
Beyond Calories: The Nutritional Breakdown
The health benefits of pumpkin pie extend well beyond simple calorie counting. Pumpkins contain substantially more fibre than apples - seven grams per cup compared to just three grams in apples. This translates to 2.94 grams of fibre in pumpkin pie versus 1.84 grams in apple pie, supporting better gut health and reducing risks of cancer and heart disease.
Pumpkin also outperforms apple in essential minerals, containing 564 milligrams of potassium compared to apple's 195 milligrams, alongside more than 55 milligrams of bone-strengthening calcium. Both fruits provide valuable vitamins including immune-supporting vitamin C and eye-protecting vitamins A and E, plus beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals that research from UCLA Health indicates can hinder cancer development.
The Topping Matters Too
Dr. Strom also highlights the importance of what accompanies your pie. "Traditionally, using whipped cream is way healthier than ice cream!" he notes. The numbers support this claim: a tablespoon of whipped cream adds just 13-35 calories, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream can contribute 100-150 additional calories to your dessert.
Perspective and Popularity
Despite pumpkin pie's nutritional advantages, registered dietitian Nancy Mazarin offers important perspective, reminding us that "pie is pie is pie" and the nutritional differences, while real, remain relatively small. She emphasises that neither dessert should be mistaken for health food, noting you can't categorise pumpkin pie as a "healthy starch."
For those committed to pumpkin pie, Mazarin suggests using skim milk instead of evaporated milk in recipes, potentially cutting the calorie content by half. Meanwhile, in terms of pure popularity, pumpkin pie takes the crown regardless of nutrition. A recent YouGov poll of 7,259 American adults found 30 percent favoured pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, compared to 20 percent who preferred apple.
