How much fat is in a Big Ben pie?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single 170g Mince & Cheese Big Ben pie contains 25.2 grams of total fat, which accounts for 36% of an average adult's recommended daily intake. This makes understanding the specific fat content crucial for those monitoring their dietary intake, especially given the popularity of this iconic New Zealand snack. A closer look reveals a significant portion of this is saturated fat, with other variations also packing a substantial fat punch.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at the fat content across various Big Ben pie flavors, detailing total and saturated fat. Learn how these numbers compare to daily dietary guidelines and examine a comparative table featuring other popular pies. Understand the health implications and discover low-fat alternatives for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Fat Content Varies: The amount of fat differs substantially between Big Ben pie flavors, with Mince & Cheese containing 25.2g total fat and Steak & Double Cheese containing 31.3g total fat.
High Saturated Fat: Meat and cheese pies are particularly high in saturated fat, with the Mince & Cheese variant contributing 55% of the average daily saturated fat intake per pie.
Pastry and Filling Contribute: The fat in the pies comes from a combination of the meat filling, dairy products like cheese, and the margarine-based pastry.
Health Impact: Consuming high amounts of saturated fat can increase 'bad' LDL cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease.
Lower-Fat Alternatives Exist: Options like the Apple Pie or homemade vegetable-based pies offer a significantly lower fat content for those seeking a healthier choice.
Informed Choice is Key: Knowing the nutritional breakdown allows for conscious consumption, either as an occasional indulgence or by choosing lower-fat alternatives.

Breakdown of Fat in Popular Big Ben Pie Flavors

While the Mince & Cheese pie is a classic, the specific fat content varies significantly across the Big Ben pie range. The total and saturated fat amounts are important for consumers to note, particularly those managing cardiovascular health, as excessive saturated fat intake can raise 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.

Classic Mince & Cheese

One standard 170g Mince & Cheese Big Ben pie contains approximately 25.2g of total fat and 13.1g of saturated fat. This equates to 36% of the daily intake for total fat and a substantial 55% for saturated fat, based on an average adult diet. The fat comes from both the beef mince filling and the margarine used in the flaky pastry, a combination that enhances flavor but adds significant dietary fat.

Steak & Double Cheese

For those who prefer a richer flavor, the Steak & Double Cheese pie packs an even higher fat count. A single 210g pie has around 31.3g of total fat, with 16.4g being saturated fat. The addition of extra cheese and a larger serving size drives up the fat content considerably, with the saturated fat alone accounting for a significant portion of the daily recommended limit.

Classic Bacon & Egg

The Bacon & Egg variant also has a high-fat profile. A 160g pie delivers 24.2g of total fat, of which 13.3g is saturated fat. The combination of bacon, scrambled egg, and cheese makes this a particularly indulgent choice, contributing a high percentage towards daily fat intake.

Apple Pie (A Lighter Option)

For those craving a Big Ben pie with lower fat, the Apple Pie stands out. A single 170g Apple Pie contains a much lower 10.5g of fat. This shows that not all Big Ben products have the same high-fat profile, offering a different option for those monitoring their intake. The fat here comes primarily from the pastry crust, as the fruit filling is naturally low in fat.

Comparison of Big Ben Pie Fat Content

To put the figures into perspective, here is a comparison of the total and saturated fat content across several popular Big Ben pie flavors, based on information from nutritional databases:


Pie Flavor	Serving Size	Total Fat	Saturated Fat
Mince & Cheese	170g	25.2g	13.1g
Steak & Double Cheese	210g	31.3g	16.4g
Classic Bacon & Egg	160g	24.2g	13.3g
Apple Pie	170g	10.5g	Not specified, but lower
Creamy Butter Chicken	210g	22.3g	Not specified, but high

This table highlights the variation in fat content, with savory meat and cheese pies having a significantly higher fat load than the fruit-based options.

Health Implications of High-Fat Pie Consumption

While a Big Ben pie can be a satisfying meal, its high fat and especially high saturated fat content should be considered within a broader dietary context. A diet with excessive saturated fat can increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke. The National Institutes of Health provides comprehensive guidance on managing fat intake, stressing that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated alternatives is beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Low-Fat Alternatives to Traditional Pies

For those looking to reduce their fat intake, several alternatives exist. Homemade pies can be made with lean mince, vegetables, and low-fat pastry, or a potato top can replace a traditional pastry lid. Many bakeries now offer healthier options, such as pies with leaner protein fillings or vegetarian alternatives that can lower the fat content considerably. Recipe websites also provide options for low-fat pie fillings and crusts.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Pie

The fat content in a Big Ben pie, especially the total and saturated fat, is significant and should be considered as part of a balanced diet. While a classic Mince & Cheese pie packs over 25 grams of fat per serving, other flavors like the Steak & Double Cheese are even higher. Understanding the nutritional facts empowers consumers to make informed choices, whether that means enjoying a Big Ben pie as an occasional treat, opting for a lower-fat variety, or seeking out healthier alternatives altogether. For those prioritizing heart health, replacing high-fat foods with lower-fat options and unsaturated fats is recommended to manage cholesterol levels effectively.

For additional nutritional details and tips, visit the official Big Ben Pies website to check the latest product specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on available nutritional data, the Steak & Double Cheese pie has the most fat, with 31.3g of total fat per 210g serving.

Yes, a significant portion of the fat in the meat and cheese varieties of Big Ben pies is saturated. For instance, a Mince & Cheese pie contains 13.1g of saturated fat out of 25.2g of total fat.

The fat originates from multiple ingredients, including the beef mince, cheese, and the margarine used to create the flaky pastry crust.

Meat pies are generally high in fat due to their pastry and meat fillings. The fat content in a Big Ben pie is comparable to other processed snack foods but can be higher than homemade or healthier alternatives.

Yes, the Apple Pie is a notably lower-fat option, containing only 10.5g of fat per serving compared to the meat and cheese versions.

Regular, frequent consumption of high-fat foods like Big Ben pies, especially those high in saturated fat, can increase LDL cholesterol and potentially raise the risk of heart disease.

Government guidelines typically recommend cutting down on all fats, particularly saturated fat. For example, the AHA recommends aiming for less than 6% of total calories from saturated fat, but specific recommendations vary by region.