Which Pie Has the Least Sugar? A Sweetener's Guide

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a commercially prepared peach pie contains significantly less sugar per slice than many other classic varieties. While many dessert pies are packed with sweeteners, some offer a less sugary option, especially when made with naturally sweet fruits or a modified recipe. This guide explores the pies with the lowest sugar content and provides tips for reducing sugar in your favorite baked goods.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes popular pie types to determine which has the lowest sugar content. It compares pumpkin, apple, and various fruit pies based on standard recipes, offering tips on how to bake healthier versions at home. The guide also provides a comparative table to assist in making more informed dessert choices.

Key Points

Peach and Sweet Potato Pies: These often have the lowest sugar content among traditional pies, typically containing around 9g to 13g of sugar per slice.
Naturally Sweetened Fruit: Using ripe, naturally sweet fruit like peaches and berries minimizes the need for added sugar in your recipes.
Modify Your Crust: Choosing a single crust or a crumb topping over a double crust can significantly reduce the overall sugar content.
Baking from Scratch: Making your own pie provides total control over ingredients, allowing you to reduce sugar and use healthier alternatives.
Enhance Flavor with Spices: Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract can enhance the perception of sweetness without adding extra sugar.
Custard Pies are Lower in Calories: Single-crust custard pies, like pumpkin, tend to have fewer calories and sometimes less sugar than double-crust fruit or syrup-based pies.

Low-Sugar Pie Champions: The Surprising Winners

While dessert is often synonymous with high sugar, some pies stand out for their relatively lower sugar levels. The natural sweetness of the main ingredient and the overall recipe are key factors. Based on analyses of commercially prepared pies and standard recipes, certain pies consistently rank as the lowest in sugar.

Fruit Pies with Natural Sweetness

Fruit pies can be great candidates for lower sugar content, as the sweetness from the fruit can reduce the need for added sweeteners. A standard peach pie, for example, is often cited as having one of the lowest sugar counts among common pies, especially compared to nut or custard-based options. Blueberry pie can also be a less sugary alternative to apple pie, especially if made with tart berries. The key is often to use fruits at peak ripeness and adjust the recipe to rely on that natural sweetness.

The Surprising Case of Pumpkin Pie

Though many people perceive pumpkin pie as a sweet, sugary dessert, its sugar content is often lower than that of other traditional pies. This is largely due to its custard-like filling and single-crust construction. Pecan pie, on the other hand, is a well-known sugar offender due to its high corn syrup content. However, it's important to note that recipes vary widely. When choosing pumpkin pie, look for recipes that don't overload on added brown sugar.

How to Reduce Sugar in Your Pie Recipes

Baking your own pie from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, especially the amount of sugar. Here are some strategies for a lower-sugar pie:

Use naturally sweet fruit: Opt for ripe, flavorful fruits that require less added sugar. For instance, using very ripe peaches or sweet berries can reduce the amount of granulated sugar needed.
Swap sweeteners: Replace some or all of the granulated sugar with natural alternatives. Stevia, maple syrup, or honey can be used, but adjust quantities carefully as they have different sweetness levels and can affect texture.
Enhance with spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract can create the illusion of sweetness without adding sugar. A sprinkle of cinnamon in apple pie filling, for example, can reduce the need for extra sweetener.
Choose a single crust: A pie with a single bottom crust, like a pumpkin or custard pie, has less crust (and therefore less sugar) than a double-crust fruit pie.
Use a crumb topping: Instead of a full top crust, a low-sugar crumb topping made with whole-wheat flour, oats, and a small amount of sweetener can significantly cut down on the total sugar and calories.

Comparison of Common Pie Varieties

To give you a clearer picture, here's a comparison of the typical sugar content of different standard pie slices. Sugar content can vary based on recipe and preparation, but this table offers a general guideline.


Pie Type (Typical Slice)	Estimated Sugar Content	Key Factors
Peach Pie	Approx. 9g	Naturally sweet fruit, simple filling, single crust.
Sweet Potato Pie	Approx. 13g	Naturally sweet vegetable, often less sugar than pumpkin pie.
Blueberry Pie	Approx. 15g	Tart berries can reduce need for added sugar, often a double crust.
Pumpkin Pie	Approx. 15g-29g	Single crust, but added sugar can vary significantly by recipe.
Apple Pie	Approx. 18g-23g	Can vary widely, especially with double crusts and added sugar.
Pecan Pie	Approx. 29g+	High sugar content from corn syrup and other sweeteners.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Slice Wisely

While peach pie generally has the least sugar, the best choice ultimately depends on your preferences and what you're able to modify. If you're buying a pie, a classic peach or sweet potato version is likely your lowest-sugar option. For homemade pies, your control is absolute. By choosing naturally sweet fruits, using less refined sugar, and experimenting with natural sweeteners and spices, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without the sugar overload. This approach makes mindful eating easier while still satisfying your sweet tooth. For more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking for insights on reducing sugar in pie recipes.

Making Healthy Pie Choices and Modifications

Making smart choices about your pie doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. It's about being informed and creative in the kitchen. For example, a no-sugar-added apple pie can be sweetened naturally with raisins and unsweetened apple juice. Similarly, a diabetic-friendly blueberry pie can be crafted with stevia and cornstarch to control sweetness and texture. The possibilities for healthy modifications are endless.

The Importance of Crust

Remember that the crust also contributes to a pie's overall sugar and fat content. A traditional double-crust pie will naturally contain more of both than a single-crust variety. Opting for a graham cracker crumb crust, or a simple bottom crust, can be another effective strategy for reducing your dessert's overall sugar.

Beyond the Basic Pie

For those seeking even more adventurous, low-sugar dessert options, consider tarts with almond flour crusts or creamy yogurt-based fillings sweetened with honey. These alternatives can provide a satisfying, lower-sugar dessert experience that goes beyond the traditional pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard peach pie often has less than 10 grams of sugar per slice, whereas a typical apple pie can have double that amount, depending on the recipe and whether it has a double crust.

Yes, pumpkin pie is generally lower in sugar and calories than pecan pie. Pecan pie is notoriously high in sugar due to the corn syrup used in its filling.

Yes, many recipes exist for no-sugar-added pies, which use the natural sweetness of fruit, or natural sweeteners like stevia, maple syrup, or dates.

To reduce sugar, use ripe fruit, try half the amount of sugar called for, or replace some of the sugar with a natural alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Yes, a double-crust pie contains more crust (and therefore more sugar and fat) than a single-crust pie. A crumb topping can also be a lower-sugar alternative.

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract can create the perception of a sweeter flavor, allowing you to reduce the amount of sugar in a recipe.

Not always, but most commercially prepared pies are higher in added sugar than homemade versions where you control the ingredients. Checking the nutrition label is key.