If you're a fan of apple pie and often indulge in a slice, it's important to know its nutritional value. One piece (1/8 9" dia) of commercial apple pie made with enriched flour contains about 296 calories.

Besides the calorie count, apple pie is also rich in carbohydrates, sugar and fat. But how do the ingredients used in commercial apple pie affect its nutritional value?

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients used in commercial apple pie and discuss the nutritional value of enriched flour. We will also compare homemade and commercial apple pie, and discuss the potential health risks of consuming too much apple pie.

Calories and macro-nutrients in 1 piece of apple pie

A single slice of (1/8 9" dia) commercial apple pie contains approximately 296 calories. It also contains 44g of carbohydrates, 16g of fat and 2g of protein. Of the total fat, about 6g comes from saturated fat, while 4.5g comes from monounsaturated fat and 5.5g comes from polyunsaturated fat. The pie also contains about 19g of sugar. The high calorie count and sugar content make apple pie a treat that should be consumed in moderation. But what about the ingredients used in making commercial apple pie?

The ingredients used in commercial apple pie

The ingredients used in commercial apple pie vary, but typically include enriched flour, sugar, shortening, apples, cinnamon, and salt. Enriched flour is a common ingredient used in commercial baked goods. It is made by refining the wheat and removing the bran and germ. During this process, many of the vitamins and minerals are also lost. To compensate for this loss, the flour is enriched with several vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins. However, enriched flour is not as nutritious as whole-grain flour, which contains all parts of the wheat, including the bran and germ. This makes it a less healthy option for consuming apple pie.

The nutritional value of enriched flour

As mentioned earlier, enriched flour is a common ingredient in commercial apple pie. Enrichment is done to restore some of the vitamins and minerals that are lost during processing. Enriched flour contains several vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron. However, it lacks the fiber, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that are present in whole-grain flour. It's worth noting that enriched flour is not bad for human health. The absence of other nutrients can be compensated by eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But consuming too much glycemic overload, which is present in enriched flour, can increase the risk for developing certain chronic conditions.

Serving size and servings per container

The serving size for apple pie is 1/8 of a 9" dia pie (approx. 128g). A typical commercial apple pie contains 8 servings per container. It's important to pay attention to serving size as consuming more than the recommended serving can significantly increase the calorie and sugar intake.

The percentage of daily value for each nutrient

One piece (1/8 9" dia) of commercial apple pie provides 15% of the daily calorie intake based on a 2,000 calorie diet. It also provides 9% of the recommended dietary intake of carbohydrates, 25% of fat, and 6% of protein intake. It's important to consume apple pie within moderation and to pair it with fruits and vegetables to meet the daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

The total fat and carbohydrate content of apple pie

One piece (1/8 9" dia) of commercial apple pie contains 16g of total fat and 44g of carbohydrates. And while fat and carbohydrates are essential for human health, consuming too much of them can result in weight gain and other chronic conditions.

The sugar and protein content of apple pie

One piece (1/8 9" dia) of commercial apple pie contains 19g of sugar and 2g of protein. While sugar can provide energy, excessive intake can lead to various health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, protein is essential for growth and maintenance of body tissues.

The number of calories from fat and sugar

Out of the 296 calories in one piece of apple pie, about 144 calories come from fat, while 76 come from sugar. While fat is essential in our diet, too much of it can lead to weight gain and other chronic conditions. Similarly, too much sugar intake can lead to several health issues.

Comparing homemade vs commercial apple pie

Homemade apple pie is generally a healthier option compared to commercial apple pie. This is because homemade pies use fresh apples, whole-wheat flour, and less sugar. Whole-wheat flour is grain that contains all parts of the wheat, including the bran and germ, thus making it a more nutritious choice compared to enriched flour. When making apple pie at home, you have the control over the ingredients used, which can help you make a healthier version of the dessert.

The health risks of consuming too much apple pie

While apple pie can be an enjoyable treat, consuming too much of it can lead to several health problems. The high-calorie and sugar content can increase the risk for developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Excessive intake of fat can also trigger inflammation in the body, which can lead to other health issues. Therefore, it's important to consume apple pie within moderation and to pay attention to serving size and the ingredients used in making the dessert.