Lighter Mince Pies: Enjoy Festive Flavors with No Added Sugar, Low Calories & Vegan Goodness

Savor the festive season with these delightful lighter mince pies! Designed for those looking to cut down on sweets, these treats boast no added sugar, are lower in calories, and are completely vegan. This post is proudly sponsored by Splenda.

The festive season, for many, is synonymous with indulgence, and among the myriad of seasonal delights, mince pies hold a special place in my heart. They are, without a doubt, one of my absolute favourite Christmas foods. I confess, I typically consume quite a few throughout the holiday period – in fact, I had my very first mince pie of the year back in July at a “Christmas in July” event! For me, Christmas simply wouldn’t be complete without the comforting aroma and delicious taste of a freshly baked mince pie.

However, traditional mince pies, while undeniably delicious, are often packed with high amounts of sugar and fat, leading to a significant calorie count. This can be a challenge for those of us trying to maintain a balanced diet or reduce our sugar intake during the holidays. That’s precisely why I set out to create this lighter, healthier version. My goal was to significantly cut down on the sugar and fat content, without compromising on that unmistakable festive flavour we all crave. The result? A guilt-free mince pie that’s just as delicious, but much kinder to your waistline.

The Secret Behind Guilt-Free Indulgence: Smart Ingredient Swaps

Achieving a significant reduction in sugar and calories for these lighter mince pies was made possible thanks to a few clever ingredient substitutions, primarily with the help of Splenda. I incorporated Splenda granulated sweetener into both the rich, fruity mincemeat filling and the delicate sweet shortcrust pastry. By swapping out conventional sugar for Splenda, we immediately remove a substantial amount of empty calories and added sugars.

Beyond the sugar substitute, I implemented several other strategic changes to further lighten up this classic treat. To increase the volume and nutritional value of the mincemeat without adding excessive calories, I bulked it out with finely diced apple. The traditional suet, known for its high fat content, was replaced with a reduced-fat vegetable suet, making a considerable difference. While I appreciate the festive spirit that a touch of alcohol brings to mincemeat, I slightly reduced the amount used – but rest assured, it’s not entirely omitted, ensuring the flavour remains authentic and delightful! Lastly, the butter in the pastry, a significant source of fat, was substituted with a lower-fat vegan spread. This particular choice of vegan spread, combined with the vegetable suet in the mincemeat, serendipitously makes these lighter mince pies entirely vegan, adding another fantastic bonus for those following a plant-based diet or catering to diverse dietary needs.

Diving Deeper into Sugar: What I Learned with Splenda and Nutritionist Helen Bond

My journey to creating these lighter mince pies was greatly informed by a fascinating workshop I attended last week with nutritionist Helen Bond and Splenda, where we delved deep into the complexities of sugar. One of the most striking facts I learned was that sweetness is the only flavour we are born craving. This inherent biological predisposition means that fighting sugar cravings isn’t just a matter of willpower; you are literally battling against your own biology, which truly highlights the challenge of reducing sugar intake.

During the workshop, we explored the crucial distinction between ‘natural’ and ‘free’ sugars. Natural sugars are those intrinsically part of a food’s structure, like the sugars found in an apple. They occur naturally, and the apple wouldn’t be what it is without them, often accompanied by fibre and other nutrients. ‘Free’ sugars, on the other hand, are sugars added to foods and drinks, or those naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. Think of the sugar in a piece of cake or a can of fizzy drink – these are classic examples of free sugars. These lighter mince pies embody this distinction beautifully: they contain natural sugars from the dried fruits in the mincemeat, but crucially, they have no free or added sugar (with the exception of an optional dusting of icing sugar I used for photographic purposes – a purely aesthetic touch that can easily be skipped!).

The Impact of Excessive Sugar Consumption and Why Smart Choices Matter

The implications of excessive free sugar consumption are far-reaching. The daily recommended allowance for free sugar is a mere 30g, equivalent to about 7 teaspoons. Shockingly, only 13% of adults manage to meet this recommendation, with the average British adult consuming double that amount – a staggering 60g of free sugar every single day. The problem with an excess of sugar isn’t solely its high calorie content, which directly contributes to weight gain. It’s also a major culprit in tooth decay and significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Given these health risks, actively cutting down on your sugar intake is unequivocally a smart and proactive step towards better health and well-being.

I want to be clear that I am not advocating for an extreme, all-or-nothing approach to diet, nor am I the type of person to completely eliminate all sugars. However, making small, sensible reductions can yield significant benefits without feeling deprived. This is where low-calorie sweeteners like Splenda become incredibly valuable. Swapping out traditional sugar for Splenda makes it remarkably easy to reduce your overall sugar intake while still allowing you to enjoy your favourite sweet treats. The granulated version of Splenda is particularly versatile for baking, as it is heat stable up to 232°C. This means you can confidently use it in place of sugar in countless recipes, including these mince pies, allowing you to indulge in your beloved baked goods while making a healthier choice. It’s about balance, enjoyment, and making informed decisions that support your health without sacrificing festive traditions.

Baking, Serving, and Savoring Your Lighter Mince Pies

Once you’ve assembled these lighter mince pies, the baking process is straightforward, yielding beautifully golden and fragrant treats. The aroma alone will transport you straight into the heart of the holiday season! After baking, allow them to cool slightly in the tin before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These pies are wonderfully versatile – delicious served warm with a light dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of dairy-free cream for an extra touch of indulgence, or equally delightful when enjoyed at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee.

For storage, these mince pies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or you can refrigerate them to extend their freshness. They can also be frozen, unbaked or baked, allowing you to prepare them in advance and have a stash of festive goodness ready to go whenever a craving strikes. This recipe makes 12 perfect mince pies, ideal for sharing with family and friends, or for ensuring you have enough to last through the bustling holiday period.

Embracing a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing the joyous traditions that make the holidays so special. With these lighter, no-added-sugar, low-calorie, and vegan mince pies, you can fully participate in the festive spirit without compromise. They are a testament to the fact that with thoughtful ingredient choices and smart baking techniques, you can truly have your cake (or in this case, your mince pie!) and eat it too. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful taste of a healthier holiday season.

This post is sponsored by Splenda. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to continue doing what I love – playing with food and making a mess of my kitchen.