Dry Mouth-Approved Snacking: Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Is one of your favorite parts about fall the pumpkin pie? If you’re dealing with dry mouth, this will likely come as a letdown, but it’s often recommended that you stay away from dry, flaky desserts (and pie crust unfortunately fits that description!). Also, people with dry mouth are often told to avoid foods with a high sugar content, and sadly pumpkin pie crusts tend to often be loaded with the sweet stuff.

But that doesn’t mean you have to completely shun this fall favorite — especially because pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse. Not only is it a great source of fiber, iron, and potassium, but it’s also low in calories and packed with vitamin A.

So the best way for dry mouth-suffers to enjoy pumpkin pie is to have it without a traditional crust. To get some ideas, try these crustless pumpkin pie tips from Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area.

Crust-Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe Tips

 It’s All About the Spray

Before you go down the rabbit hole researching endless pumpkin pie recipes, know this: you can stick with a pumpkin pie recipe you like, and just make it without the crust. “Making crustless pumpkin pie is along the same lines as making a crustless quiche — just go for it, and don’t overthink it too much!” said Gorin. “Most baked recipes can be altered to forgo the crust — just make sure to spray the pie dish with nonstick cooking spray!” she added.

 Keep It Low in Sugar

Next time you’re making a crustless pie, be sure to choose the ingredients wisely. “When it comes to baking a healthier pumpkin pie, my number one tip is always to use 100 percent pure pumpkin pie and not pumpkin pie mix, which comes with unnecessary added sugar,” said Gorin. “If you want a pie with less added sugar, you can also skip the whipped cream and simply top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.” Yum!

 Skip the Pie and Do a Dip

If you love pumpkin pie, but want to mix things up, try opting for a dip version. This dietitian-approved pumpkin pie dip is made with lots of good-for-you ingredients like Greek yogurt and a can of roasted pumpkin with no added sugar. Here’s a pro tip: rather than pair the dip with a highly processed and sugary snack (like cookies), opt instead for slices of fruit, such as apples or pears (other fall favorites!).

If your mouth is still feeling dry (even when enjoying a pumpkin pie sans-crust), consider Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse — it’s from the No. 1 dentist recommended dry mouth brand.^* Plus, Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse is clinically proven to moisturize, soothe, freshen breath, work fast and last.^**

So go on and enjoy the best treat this season has to offer; a dry mouth shouldn’t hold you back — especially when you have Biotene to help!

^* IQVIA, data through 6/30/19
^** Clinically proven to provide up to four hours dry mouth relief (as measured in a 28-day clinical study)