If you are someone who enjoys a slice of pecan pie every once in a while, then it's important to know the nutritional information of this popular dessert. One serving of pecan pie, which is typically 99 g, contains approximately 390 calories.
In addition to the high calorie count, pecan pie is also high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. It's important to keep this in mind when deciding on portion sizes or deciding whether to indulge in this tasty treat. However, it's not all bad news as pecan pie does provide some essential vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional content of pecan pie, as well as some healthier alternatives for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without the added calories and sugar.
Calorie count of Pecan Pie
As mentioned earlier, one serving of pecan pie (99 g) contains around 390 calories. This accounts for approximately 20% of your daily calorie intake based on a 2000 calorie diet. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to keep in mind that a smaller slice of pecan pie or opting for a healthier alternative may be a better choice.
Fat content in one serving of Pecan Pie
One serving of pecan pie contains approximately 23 g of fat, with 4 g of that being saturated fat. While some fat is essential for a healthy diet, it's important to remember that too much saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease. So, it's best to enjoy pecan pie in moderation.
Carbohydrate count of Pecan Pie
One serving of pecan pie contains 44 g of carbohydrates, with 28 g of that being from sugar. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for our bodies, but too much can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It's best to balance your carbohydrate intake with other nutrients such as protein and fiber.
Pecan Pie's Sugar content
One serving of pecan pie contains around 28 g of sugar, which is equivalent to seven teaspoons of sugar. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems. It's important to keep your sugar intake in check, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
Fiber content in one slice of Pecan Pie
Despite being high in calories, fat, and sugar, pecan pie does provide some fiber. One serving contains around 3 g of fiber, which is important for digestive health. However, it's important to remember that other sources of fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are better for you in the long run as they provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
Protein content in Pecan Pie
One serving of pecan pie contains around 4 g of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in our bodies. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other sources of protein such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes that are better for you as they are lower in calories and fat.
Cholesterol count in Pecan Pie
One serving of pecan pie contains around 55 mg of cholesterol, which is around 18% of your recommended daily intake. While dietary cholesterol is not as harmful as previously thought, it's still important to limit your intake, especially if you have high cholesterol levels.
Pecan Pie's Minerals and Vitamins
Despite its high calorie and sugar content, pecan pie does provide some essential vitamins and minerals. For example, one serving contains around 6% of your daily value for calcium, 10% for iron, and 4% for vitamin C. Pecans themselves are a good source of vitamin E, thiamine, and magnesium. While it's not the healthiest dessert option, pecan pie can still provide some nutritional benefits in moderation.
Healthy alternatives to Pecan Pie
If you're looking for a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, you can try making a fruit salad with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt, or enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate with a handful of almonds. Other options include baked apples with cinnamon, frozen yogurt, or a homemade fruit smoothie. There are also plenty of healthier versions of pecan pie on the internet that you can try making at home.
Pecan Pie's Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Due to its high sugar content, pecan pie can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. It's important to limit your intake of sugary desserts and pair them with other foods that can help stabilize your blood sugar, such as protein and fiber. If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, it's important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a meal plan that fits your unique needs.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie
1. How many calories are in one serving of pecan pie?
One serving of pecan pie, which is typically one slice or one 99 gram pie, contains 390 calories. This is a relatively high amount of calories for a dessert or sweet treat, so it's important to practice moderation when enjoying pecan pie.
2. What are the main ingredients in pecan pie?
The main ingredients in pecan pie include pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and sometimes vanilla extract. The pie filling is typically poured into a pie crust, which is made from flour, butter or shortening, and water.
3. Is pecan pie a healthy dessert option?
Pecan pie is not typically considered a healthy dessert option due to its high sugar, calorie, and fat content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It's also possible to make modifications to the recipe to reduce the calorie and sugar content, such as using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of corn syrup.
4. How should pecan pie be stored?
Pecan pie should be stored in the refrigerator if it will not be consumed within a few hours of being made. The pie can be covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Leftover pecan pie can also be frozen for up to two months, though the texture and flavor may be slightly altered after thawing.
5. What are some alternative toppings or additions to pecan pie?
While pecan pie is delicious on its own, there are a few alternative toppings or additions that can enhance its flavor. One popular option is to add a layer of chocolate ganache to the top of the pie. Whipped cream or ice cream can also be served alongside the pie. Some variations of pecan pie incorporate other ingredients such as bourbon, maple syrup, or pumpkin.