Fresh pumpkin vs. Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin: Pumpkin pie is the definitive Thanksgiving dessert. Sure, there may be apple pies, cookies and brownies, but no one would blink if the latter were missing. The pumpkin pie, however, has a reserved spot on the dessert table.

 

The question is, which is better — fresh pumpkin that you roasted and pureed yourself or plain pumpkin with nothing added from the can? Low in fat, sodium and calories while high in fiber, plain canned pumpkin (different from pumpkin pie filling) and fresh pumpkin are close nutritionally. As far as NuVal is concerned, this one is a draw. Fresh pumpkin and Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin in the can score a 94.

 

If you’re looking for a shortcut, using canned pumpkin in your pumpkin pie (and pumpkin cookies, pumpkin soup and pumpkin bread), is a way to save time without shorting your family on nutrition.