Understanding How Many Calories in a No Sugar Added Blueberry Pie

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one study, many consumers assume that "no added sugars" automatically means a lower calorie product. However, the truth is more nuanced, which is why many are asking: how many calories in a no sugar added blueberry pie? A single slice typically ranges from 280 to 330 calories, with factors like crust ingredients and serving size causing variations.

Quick Summary

A single slice of no-sugar-added blueberry pie contains approximately 280-330 calories, primarily from the crust and flour-based thickeners, not just sugar substitutes. This article provides a comprehensive look at the calorie sources, compares it to a regular pie, and discusses the role of different ingredients.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A slice of no-sugar-added blueberry pie typically contains between 280 and 330 calories, which can be similar to a regular pie.
Main Calorie Source: The majority of calories come from the fat in the pie crust and the carbohydrates in thickeners, not from the fruit or sweeteners.
Sugar Substitutes: Many commercial options use sugar alcohols like maltitol, which contain calories and can cause digestive issues in large amounts.
Mindful Consumption: A no-sugar-added pie should not be treated as a low-calorie food; portion control is still important for a balanced diet.
Homemade Advantage: Making your own pie allows for full control over ingredients, enabling you to use zero-calorie sweeteners and healthier crust options.
Health Benefits: The main benefit is the absence of refined, added sugars, making it a better option for managing blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes.

Why Calorie Count Varies in 'No Sugar Added' Pies

While the elimination of table sugar significantly reduces the sugar content in a blueberry pie, it doesn't make it a zero-calorie dessert. Several other ingredients contribute to the final calorie count. The primary sources of calories in a no-sugar-added pie are the crust and the fat content. Pie crusts are typically made from flour and a source of fat, such as palm oil, butter, or shortening. Even without sugar, these ingredients are calorie-dense. The pie filling, though sweetened with substitutes, also adds calories from the fruit itself and thickeners like cornstarch or maltodextrin.

The Role of Sugar Substitutes and Macronutrients

Not all sugar substitutes are calorie-free. Sugar alcohols like maltitol, frequently used in commercially prepared no-sugar-added pies, contain about half the calories of regular sugar. While non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose have virtually no calories, they are often combined with other carbohydrates to provide bulk and texture. This mix of ingredients can lead to a surprisingly high carbohydrate count, even without added sugar.

Common Sugar Substitutes:
- Maltitol: A sugar alcohol that adds sweetness and texture but contributes calories.
- Sucralose (Splenda): A high-intensity sweetener often bulked up with dextrose and maltodextrin, which add carbohydrates.
- Erythritol & Stevia: Naturally derived sweeteners that offer minimal to no calories, common in homemade keto-friendly recipes.

Breaking Down the Calorie Sources

To better understand the nutritional impact, it's helpful to break down the calorie sources of a no-sugar-added blueberry pie. The crust is a major contributor, often containing a significant amount of fat. The fat content can be as high as 14-18 grams per slice, translating to over 100 calories just from fat. The filling adds additional calories from the natural sugars in the blueberries and any starch-based thickeners. A detailed look at the ingredients list can reveal the specific caloric impact of the alternatives used.

No Sugar Added vs. Regular Blueberry Pie: A Nutritional Comparison

For those seeking a healthier dessert option, understanding the differences between a no-sugar-added pie and a regular pie is key. The table below compares the typical nutritional profile based on various commercial products and recipes.


Nutritional Aspect	No Sugar Added Blueberry Pie (per slice)	Regular Blueberry Pie (per slice)
Calories	280–330 kcal	270–360 kcal
Total Fat	8–18g	12–17g
Saturated Fat	3–9g	2–4g
Total Carbohydrate	38–49g	41–49g
Sugar	2–6g (naturally occurring)	12–29g (added and natural)

As the table shows, a no-sugar-added pie's calorie count is comparable to, and sometimes even higher than, a regular pie. This is due to the high fat content of the crust and the caloric impact of the carbohydrate-based sugar alternatives. The significant difference lies in the added sugar content, which is drastically lower in the modified version.

Health Implications of Low-Sugar Desserts

While the calorie reduction may be less than expected, opting for a no-sugar-added pie can still be a healthier choice for individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. The absence of refined sugar helps prevent sharp spikes in blood glucose. However, it is essential to consider the total carbohydrates and the type of sugar substitute used. Sugar alcohols like maltitol can have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities, leading to digestive discomfort. For those on a keto or low-carb diet, it is crucial to review the total carbohydrate and sugar alcohol content, as these can impact ketosis.

Making Your Own No Sugar Added Pie

For maximum control over ingredients and calories, making a homemade no-sugar-added pie is the best option. You can customize the crust to reduce fat by using healthier alternatives or adjusting the recipe. For the filling, you can use naturally sourced, non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, along with a thickener like xanthan gum or cornstarch, to keep the calories and net carbs low. Be mindful that homemade recipes vary greatly in caloric and nutritional content.

Conclusion

While a no-sugar-added blueberry pie is a sensible option for reducing refined sugar intake, it is not a low-calorie food. The calories from the pie crust's fat and the carbohydrates from thickeners and some sugar substitutes contribute significantly to its energy content. Comparing the nutritional profiles of both no-sugar-added and regular versions shows that while the sugar is much lower, the total calories can be surprisingly similar. For a truly diet-friendly dessert, portion control and careful ingredient selection—especially in homemade versions—are essential. Being a mindful consumer and reading nutritional labels is crucial for making informed dietary choices. For more information on calorie reduction strategies in baked goods, you can consult studies like this one on ResearchGate(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389278327_Disconnection_between_sugars_reduction_and_calorie_reduction_in_baked_goods_and_breakfast_cereals_with_sugars-related_nutrient_content_claims_in_the_Canadian_marketplace).

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'no sugar added' pie still has calories from other ingredients. The primary sources are the fat and flour in the pie crust and the carbohydrates from the fruit and thickening agents like cornstarch or modified tapioca starch.

No, not all sugar substitutes are calorie-free. Sugar alcohols like maltitol contain calories, though fewer than regular sugar. Other non-nutritive sweeteners, such as sucralose and stevia, have virtually no calories but may be blended with other calorie-containing ingredients for texture.

A homemade pie can be healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients, including the type of fat and sweeteners used. Store-bought versions can contain high-fat crusts and other additives.

Not necessarily. While the added sugar is removed, the pie can still contain significant amounts of total carbohydrates from the flour in the crust and the naturally occurring sugars in the fruit. The calorie count from carbohydrates might not be substantially lower.

'No sugar added' means no sugar was added during processing, but the product may still contain naturally occurring sugars (from fruit, for example). 'Sugar-free' means the product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugars per serving, including naturally occurring sugars.

It depends. Many commercial no-sugar-added pies use flour, which is not keto-friendly. However, some homemade recipes use keto-compliant flours and sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit. Check the nutrition facts and ingredients list carefully for total carbs and sugar alcohols.

Common sugar substitutes include sugar alcohols like maltitol and non-nutritive sweeteners such as sucralose, stevia, or erythritol. Some recipes also use fruit juice concentrate for sweetness.