A Look at Standard Great Value Cherry Pie Filling
When you pick up a can of standard Great Value Cherry Pie Filling & Topping, the ingredients list is quite straightforward. The primary components are real cherries, water, and sugar to provide the classic sweet flavor. However, several other ingredients play important roles in achieving the desired texture, color, and shelf-stability.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the standard version's ingredients:
- Cherries: The star of the show, providing the main flavor and fruit component.
- Water: Used as a liquid base for the filling's saucy consistency.
- Sugar: The main sweetener, giving the filling its classic sweet taste.
- Food Starch-Modified (Corn): This thickening agent is critical for creating the thick, viscous texture of the filling, preventing it from being too runny. It's a common ingredient in many canned pie fillings and sauces.
- Natural Flavors: These are added to enhance and round out the cherry taste.
- Ascorbic Acid (to Maintain Color): Also known as Vitamin C, this preservative helps prevent the cherries from browning and maintains their vibrant red color.
- Citric Acid: Provides a tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar and also acts as a preservative.
- Red 40: A synthetic food coloring added to give the filling a consistent and appealing red hue.
Great Value No Sugar Added Cherry Pie Filling: What's Different?
For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, Great Value offers a "No Sugar Added" version. This product contains a slightly different list of ingredients, most notably replacing the sugar with an artificial sweetener.
The ingredient list for the no-sugar-added version typically includes:
- Cherries: As with the regular version, these are the primary fruit.
- Water: The liquid base for the filling.
- Food Starch-Modified (Corn): Functions as the thickening agent, just like in the standard filling.
- Citric Acid: Used for balancing flavor and as a preservative.
- Sucralose (a Non-Nutritive Sweetener): This is the key difference. Sucralose provides the sweetness without the added calories of sugar.
- Ascorbic Acid (to Maintain Color): Preserves the cherry color and freshness.
- Red 40 Color: Added for visual appeal.
Comparison of Regular vs. No Sugar Added Versions
| Ingredient | Regular Version | No Sugar Added Version |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Sugar | Sucralose (Non-Nutritive) |
| Flavoring | Natural Flavors | No added flavoring listed |
| Thickener | Food Starch-Modified (Corn) | Food Starch-Modified (Corn) |
| Acidity Regulator | Citric Acid | Citric Acid |
| Color Preservative | Ascorbic Acid | Ascorbic Acid |
| Coloring | Red 40 | Red 40 Color |
| Taste Profile | Classic sweet flavor | Lower-calorie, sweet taste |
Understanding the Purpose of Food Additives
Many consumers are curious about why processed foods contain additives like modified food starch or artificial colors. These ingredients serve specific purposes related to the product's quality, safety, and visual appeal.
Common ingredients in store-bought vs. homemade fillings:
- Stabilizers: In store-bought fillings, modified food starch or other thickeners ensure the filling maintains its consistency, even when heated. A homemade version might use cornstarch, but the industrial-grade version ensures a more reliable result.
- Preservatives: Ascorbic acid and citric acid are used to extend the shelf life of the canned filling, preventing spoilage and maintaining color. Homemade fillings lack these preservatives and have a shorter shelf life.
- Coloring: The addition of Red 40 guarantees a consistent, bright red color that people associate with cherry pie filling. Homemade fillings will have a color that naturally varies depending on the type and ripeness of the cherries.
- Flavoring: Natural flavors in the regular filling help standardize the taste, ensuring every can tastes consistent. A homemade filling's flavor relies solely on the natural cherries used.
In conclusion, understanding what are the ingredients in Great Value cherry pie filling, for both the regular and no-sugar-added varieties, provides valuable insight for consumers. The main difference lies in the choice of sweetener, with both versions relying on a blend of thickeners, preservatives, and coloring agents to achieve their final, consistent product. Whether you prefer the classic sugar-sweetened version or the lower-calorie option with sucralose, knowing the ingredients can help you make an informed choice for your next dessert creation. For detailed nutritional information, it is always recommended to check the specific product label or a reliable source like the Walmart website.
[Authoritative Link]: For further information on the specific product, you can often find details on the manufacturer's official website. For instance, the Walmart website provides detailed product information for their Great Value items, including nutrition and ingredients, which can be found in the product description section.
Conclusion
Great Value cherry pie filling, both the standard and no-sugar-added versions, relies on a combination of cherries, water, and various additives to achieve its characteristic flavor and texture. The regular version uses sugar for sweetness, while the no-sugar-added option utilizes sucralose. Key functional ingredients like modified corn starch, citric acid, and Red 40 ensure the filling's consistency, tartness, and vibrant color, differentiating it from a simpler homemade recipe. This composition makes it a convenient, shelf-stable option for quick and easy desserts.
