Are you a fan of key lime pie but always feel guilty indulging in a whole slice? Fear not, because with just 0.33 cup of key lime creme pie filling, you can quench your craving with only 130 calories! That's right, this delicious and creamy filling is a guilt-free way to enjoy the tangy flavor of key lime pie.

But what exactly is in this key lime creme pie filling? The ingredients include condensed milk, water, sugar, lime juice concentrate, modified corn starch, natural and artificial flavorings, and green food coloring. While it does contain sugar, the small serving size means you can enjoy this treat without compromising your diet.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into the nutritional value of this filling, its fat and sugar content, and explore some of the health benefits of key lime creme pie filling.

Calories in Key Lime Creme Pie Filling

As mentioned earlier, a 0.33 cup serving of key lime creme pie filling contains 130 calories. This is significantly less than a slice of key lime pie, which can have upwards of 350 calories. In fact, substituting key lime creme pie filling for the traditional pie can save you over 200 calories! It's important to note that while this filling can be a healthier option than a full slice of pie, it should still be consumed in moderation. Too much sugar and fat in any form can be detrimental to your health.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Ingredients

The ingredients in key lime creme pie filling have been listed earlier, but let's take a closer look. Condensed milk provides the creamy texture, while lime juice concentrate gives it that tangy flavor. Modified corn starch is used as a thickener, and sugar is added for sweetness. Natural and artificial flavorings enhance the taste, and green food coloring gives it that signature lime color. While some may question the use of artificial flavorings and food coloring, they are used in very small amounts and have been deemed safe for consumption by the FDA. However, if you prefer a more natural option, there are recipes available for homemade key lime creme pie filling without these ingredients.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Serving Size

A serving size of key lime creme pie filling is 0.33 cup, which equates to approximately 76 grams. This small serving size is great for portion control and allows you to enjoy the delicious flavor of key lime pie without over-indulging. One can of key lime creme pie filling typically yields around 8 servings. If you're using this filling in a recipe, be sure to measure out the correct serving size to accurately track your calorie and nutrient intake.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Nutritional Value

A serving of key lime creme pie filling contains 130 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 95 mg of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 23 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. While the fat content is relatively low, the sugar content is quite high. It's important to remember that sugar should be consumed in moderation, as excessive sugar intake can lead to negative health effects such as weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Fat Content

As previously mentioned, a serving of key lime creme pie filling contains 2.5 grams of fat. This is a relatively low amount, making this filling a good option for those watching their fat intake. The fat in this filling comes primarily from the condensed milk, which is a significant source of saturated fat. While saturated fat can contribute to negative health effects such as high cholesterol and heart disease, moderation is key. Incorporating small amounts of saturated fat into your diet is not necessarily harmful, but it should be balanced with healthier fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Sugar Content

A serving of key lime creme pie filling contains a whopping 23 grams of sugar. This is more than half of the recommended daily intake for added sugars (which is around 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women). While sugar is necessary for providing energy to the body, too much can be detrimental to your health. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to a multitude of negative health effects, including weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates make up the majority of the nutrient content in key lime creme pie filling. A serving size contains 24 grams of carbohydrates, with 23 grams of that coming from sugar. Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient that provide energy to the body. However, it's important to choose complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits) instead of simple carbohydrates (such as sugar, white bread, and white pasta) as they are more nutritious and provide sustained energy.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Protein

While key lime creme pie filling does contain a small amount of protein (2 grams per serving), it is not a significant source of this macronutrient. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, as well as supporting immune function and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. It's important to incorporate adequate protein into your diet through sources such as lean meats, beans, legumes, and dairy products.

Health Benefits of Key Lime Creme Pie Filling

While key lime creme pie filling is not necessarily a health food, it does have some potential benefits. Lime juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and wound healing. Additionally, the use of green food coloring may provide some antioxidant benefits. However, it's important to remember that the small serving size and high sugar content mean this filling should still be consumed in moderation.

Key Lime Creme Pie Filling Recipes

Key lime creme pie filling can be used in a variety of recipes, from traditional key lime pie to cheesecake bars and even cupcakes. Here's a simple recipe for a key lime creme pie: - 1 prepared graham cracker crust - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 3 egg yolks - 1/2 cup fresh lime juice - 1/4 cup key lime creme pie filling - Whipped cream and lime wedges for garnish Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and key lime creme pie filling until well combined. 3. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until filling is set. 5. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. 6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 7. Garnish with whipped cream and lime wedges before serving. 8. Enjoy!