Cherry Pie Filling: Nutritional Breakdown and Ingredient Information
Introduction
Cherry pie filling is a classic addition to a variety of desserts, lending a sweet yet tart flavor that perfectly complements both baked and unbaked pie crusts. Whether you’re making a traditional cherry pie, topping for cakes, or as an ingredient in tarts and pastries, this versatile filling provides a delicious and fruity element to your culinary creations. The ingredients and nutritional breakdown of cherry pie filling are essential for understanding its role in your recipes, offering insight into its energy value and micronutrient content.
Ingredients Table
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 115.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.37 g |
| Total Fat | 0.07 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.018 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28.0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugars | 0.0 g |
| Calcium | 11.0 mg |
| Iron | 0.24 mg |
| Magnesium | 7.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 15.0 mg |
| Potassium | 105.0 mg |
| Sodium | 18.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.05 mg |
| Copper | 0.08 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium | 0.4 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 3.6 mg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.025 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.016 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.037 mg |
| Folate (Vitamin B9) | 4.0 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 10.0 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg |
| Vitamin D2 | 0.0 mcg |
Allergen Information
Cherry pie filling is typically made from cherries, sugar, and additional stabilizers or flavorings depending on the brand or recipe. This product is naturally free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts, but you should always check the packaging or ingredient list for potential allergens like sulfites or artificial additives.
Dietary Preferences
Cherry pie filling is suitable for many dietary preferences:
- Vegan: Most store-bought cherry pie fillings are vegan-friendly, made with plant-based ingredients.
- Vegetarian: This filling is also safe for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: The basic filling itself is gluten-free, but be mindful of any crust or additional ingredients in recipes.
- Low Sodium: Cherry pie filling contains a relatively low amount of sodium (18 mg per 100g), making it suitable for those monitoring their sodium intake.
- Low Fat: With only 0.07g of fat per 100g, this filling can be part of a low-fat diet.
Nutritional Benefits and Advice
Cherry pie filling provides several nutritional benefits, particularly in the form of carbohydrates. While it is a sweet treat, it offers modest amounts of beneficial micronutrients, including potassium (105.0 mg per 100g), calcium (11.0 mg), and iron (0.24 mg). The addition of cherry pie filling to recipes can contribute to your intake of vitamin C (3.6 mg), which plays a role in boosting immune function and skin health.
However, due to its sugar content, it’s essential to enjoy cherry pie filling in moderation, especially for those managing blood sugar levels or following a low-sugar diet. Despite having no sugars listed under the breakdown, it is important to note that added sugars or sweeteners are typically included in commercial pie filling preparations.
While the nutritional profile is not high in fat or protein, the filling offers a good amount of dietary fiber (0.6g), which aids digestion. It’s also rich in potassium, which is crucial for heart and muscle function. Although it doesn’t provide much in the way of vitamins A or E, the small amounts of vitamin A present can help with vision and skin health.
For those concerned with the environmental impact of their food, cherry pie filling often uses fruit sourced from orchards, which, depending on the growing practices, may be subject to varying levels of pesticide use or sustainability practices.
Conclusion
Cherry pie filling is a flavorful addition to many desserts, with a modest nutrient profile that includes beneficial micronutrients such as potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. While it’s an occasional treat best enjoyed in moderation, its versatility in various recipes makes it a staple in many kitchens. Whether used as a pie filling, topping for cakes or pancakes, or even stirred into yogurt, it brings a delightful fruitiness to your dishes. Always check labels to ensure the product meets your dietary requirements, especially if you have specific allergen or dietary preferences.
