Sugar Busters Rejoice! Meijer Bakery Buyers Offer Best Pie Picks and Lighter Calorie Options This Thanksgiving

News provided by

Nov 20, 2017, 08:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In less than a week, American's love of celebration and feasting kicks into high gear with Thanksgiving. The Meijer Bakery team reports that traditionally, the retailer moves more than a quarter-million Meijer brand pies in the days before Thanksgiving. In fact, the day before Thanksgiving at Meijer is the top sales day for pies for the entire year.

However, if you live with diabetes or are trying to limit your sugar intake, this time of the year can be challenging to navigate through what seems like an endless parade of sweet tables and cookie exchanges. Here are some tips to remember on Thanksgiving, and throughout the season, so you can enjoy your slice of the pie.

Stick to the Classics: Pumpkin, apple and sweet potato pies are still top sellers, with pumpkin leading the pack. Sweet potato pie does outpace pumpkin sales in Indianapolis and the Metro Detroit area. If you are concerned about calories, pumpkin, apple and sweet potato are listed within the Top 10 as being healthier, ranging from 300-380 calories per slice, according to Eat This, Not That's Top 25 Pies. Additionally, all three pies contain cinnamon, which has been noted to help control blood sugar.

When it comes to mass-produced pumpkin pies, pay attention to the ingredients. Meijer Bakery buyers report that not all pies are created equal due to a sharp decline in sugar pumpkin production. Some pumpkin pies now contain a pumpkin squash mix, which can alter the flavor and the sugar content. Look for specific sugar pumpkin varieties on the label, including Baby Pam, Autumn Gold, Ghost Rider, New England Pie Pumpkin, Lumina (which are white), Cinderella and Fairy Tale.
Try a No-Sugar-Added Pie: Meijer continues to expand its selection of no-sugar-added treats and sources many from Illinois-based Hill & Valley Bakeries, which the retailer began working with in 2003. The top three sellers include: No Sugar Added (NSA) Pumpkin Pie, NSA Apple Pie and NSA Cherry Pie. Many no-sugar-added treats contain a combination of different kinds of sugar replacers, including sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are neither a sugar nor an alcohol. It is a hybrid between a sugar molecule and an alcohol molecule, and are considered a type of sweet carbohydrate that is a derivative of sugar. It is considered an excellent option in helping to control blood sugar levels. Unlike artificial and low-calorie sweeteners, sugar alcohols do contain calories, just fewer than plain sugar.
Take Advantage of Portion Sizes: Meijer now carries pie portions in various sizes, ranging from a 4-oz. slice to an 11-inch pie. The Meijer Bakery team found that many customers, particularly those with blood sugar issues, prefer traditionally-prepared pies, but opt to take a smaller portion because it allows them to indulge without going overboard. One option is to purchase different pies at smaller portions so guests can sample small bites.
Remember – It's all about the "slurry": When it comes to pie, it's all about filling – also known as the "slurry." To reduce your calorie intake, forgo the sides that go along with the pie, which include the crust, the whipped topping and the ice cream. This small sacrifice is worth the price of enjoying the gooey-goodness that makes a pie memorable.

If you are looking to try new recipes this Thanksgiving or opting for some diabetes-friendly alternatives, go to More for A Healthier You and search "Thanksgiving."

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel, home decor and pet departments, and garden centers. For more information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.