Pecan pie is a rich, delicious dessert that’s especially popular around the holidays. But if you’re watching what you eat, it’s important to understand its nutritional content. It can be very high in calories and sugar. This article provides a comprehensive look at the nutritional profile of pecan pie and explains why it’s important to be mindful of calories in pecan pie.
Macronutrient Breakdown of Pecan Pie
Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. What’s actually in a slice of pecan pie? Here’s a peek at the nutritional information for a standard slice (about 1/6 of the pie):
- Calories: A slice will set you back around 452 calories. That’s a hefty chunk of your recommended daily intake, so keep that in mind! Per 100g, you’re looking at 412 calories.
- Fat: Pecan pie is definitely rich, coming in at about 20.9g of fat per slice. That’s a pretty significant percentage of your daily value. The fats break down into roughly 4.01g of saturated fat, 12.14g of monounsaturated fat, and 3.6g of polyunsaturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: A single slice delivers around 64.64g of carbohydrates. A good chunk of that is sugar, but there’s also a little fiber to help balance things out.
- Sugars and Fiber: You’ll find about 31.92g of sugar and 3.96g of fiber in each slice.
- Protein: Pecan pie isn’t exactly a protein powerhouse. You’re only getting about 4.52g of protein per slice. Compared to the fat and carb content, it’s pretty minimal.
So, there you have it. Pecan pie is a calorie-dense treat that’s high in fat and carbohydrates. Enjoy it in moderation!
Glycemic Index and Load
The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food increases blood sugar. Glycemic load (GL) considers both the GI and how many carbohydrates are in a serving.
Pecan pie has a medium GI of 59 and a high GL of 38. This means it can significantly impact blood sugar levels.
What micronutrients are in pecan pie?
Pecan pie does contain some vitamins and minerals, though not in substantial amounts.
- Vitamins: You’ll get a little bit of vitamins A, C, and E, and trace amounts of others. One serving of pecan pie contains 197.75 IU of vitamin A, 1.24 mg of vitamin C, and 0.36 mg of vitamin E.
- Minerals: You’ll also get trace amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. A serving of pecan pie delivers 19.21 mg of calcium, 1.18 mg of iron, 83.62 mg of potassium, and 20.34 mg of magnesium.
- Other nutrients: Pecan pie contains cholesterol (36.16 mg per serving) as well as different types of fatty acids.
In Summary
Pecan pie is a classic dessert, but it’s important to remember that it’s high in calories, fat, and sugar. So, while it’s okay to enjoy a slice now and then, remember to practice moderation and mindful eating.
Pecan pie is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, rather than a regular part of your diet.