What Does Pumpkin Pie Taste Like?

There’s no denying it – pumpkin pie is the undisputed champion of holiday indulgence. Universally anticipated and rarely contested, this iconic dessert carries the weight of an entire season on its flaky crust.

Few items hold such sway over the collective palate, practically launching a culinary movement dedicated solely to its glory.

Whether you’re surrounded by family and friends or opting for a solo holiday binge-watch session, a slice of pumpkin pie is non-negotiable – homemade or otherwise.

For those who find themselves outsourcing their pumpkin pie fix, navigating the plethora of options can be a daunting task.

Fear not, for I’ve embarked on the noble quest of taste-testing seven nationally available pies to bring you the ultimate fall fame and glory rankings. Let me tell you everything about how pumpkin pie tastes like.

I Tasted 7 Grocery Store Bakery Pumpkin Pies

In the grand pie-al battle, I discovered a truth about myself – I’m a bit of a pumpkin pie snob. It’s a revelation I had suspected but never truly embraced until now (pun intended).

 Yet, this revelation only solidifies my role as the designated pie connoisseur. Even if my judgments seem harsh, rest assured that the true winner emerged victorious.

Picture this: the perfect pumpkin pie boasts a flaky crust, a sturdy yet yielding base with a golden edge.

While it might be a tall order for a store-bought contender, the filling should, at the very least, maintain its integrity, allowing you to extract a slice without turning it into a crumbly mess.

The pumpkin flavor should reign supreme, accompanied by the comforting spices that define the season. The texture? A delicately set, creamy custard that steers clear of curdled, grainy, jelly-like, or pudding-like pitfalls.

So, who earned the crown in this epic pie showdown? Brace yourselves, for the answer is surprisingly singular – just one pie managed to rise above the rest and claim its spot in the pumpkin pie hall of fame.

1. Costco

You’ve probably heard about the famous Costco pumpkin pie that’s been making waves online and through word-of-mouth.

It’s a massive pie, nearly 4 pounds heavy, and comes in at just under 12 inches (although it looks more like 16 inches).

It’s not only the biggest but also the most budget-friendly option out there. If the size doesn’t intimidate you, it’s definitely a solid choice.

I decided to give it a taste, and I have to admit, it was pretty impressive. For a moment, I even wondered if I could tell the difference between this and a homemade pumpkin pie (turns out I could, but it was close).

The texture was just right, and the crust held up well – no soggy mess here. The color of the filling looked spot-on, not too light or too dark. The pumpkin flavor was the star, with the spices playing a supporting role.

Here’s the scoop: Costco uses Dickinson pumpkins for their pie. These pumpkins are known for their tender texture and sweet, squash-like flavor.

They’re the same ones that fill 95% of the world’s canned pumpkin, including the familiar Libby’s can. Costco keeps their ingredient sources under wraps, but it’s a good guess that they’re using Dickinson pumpkins.

Whether the other pies on the list have this secret weapon, who knows, but it definitely gives Costco a leg up.

In the battle of store-bought pumpkin pies, Costco’s offering stands out. It’s the only one out of the seven that had me eagerly cutting myself a full slice.

So, if you’re short on time or can’t find Libby’s on the shelves, grabbing one of these from Costco is a reliable and tasty solution.

2. Whole Foods

It’s worth noting that Whole Foods stood out as the only pie, apart from the champion, that emerged fresh from the fridge – a reassuring detail.

The crust, sporting a pleasing blonde hue that suggested minimal baking time, was surprisingly resilient.

The aroma and appearance were quintessentially pie-worthy, though the filling did exhibit a few cracks.

Instead of marking it as a negative, I found myself embracing the cracks, as they stirred up a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of many pies from my youth.

Whole Foods’ pumpkin pie boasts a well-set consistency that slices effortlessly. The flavor leans heavily on the pumpkin, with a hint of spice – maybe a tad too subtle for some, but it struck a balance that I found enjoyable.

In fact, I could easily devour a whole slice of this one without any hesitation. It’s a chilled delight that manages to capture the essence of pumpkin pie with a touch of comforting nostalgia.

3. Trader Joe’s

Now, let’s dive into the world of high expectations! Imagine the excitement as I brought home this pumpkin pie, triggering cheerful remarks like, “Pumpkin pie again?!” from my colleagues.

Paired with my ongoing fondness for Trader Joe’s offerings (I can’t resist!), it set the bar pretty high.

Upon unwrapping, the golden-brown crust and the seemingly perfect filling evoked anticipation. The slicing part? Flawless.

However, the taste test took an unexpected turn. The spices? A bit askew. And the sweetness? A tad overwhelming. My sincere apologies, Joe, but this pie didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

4. Walmart

Let’s shift our attention to Walmart’s Bakery pie – a creation with a familiar, factory-made crust akin to Aldi’s, but with a touch of more vibrancy.

However, the joy was short-lived as I discovered an unfortunate soggy bottom situation (cue The Great British Baking Show enthusiasts cringing).

Attempting to cut into it, I encountered unexpected resistance; the pie was a bit too firm for comfort.

Now, onto the flavor journey – an upfront experience reminiscent of scooping pumpkin purée straight from the can, swiftly followed by a whirlwind of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The filling, the palest among the pies sampled, took on a pudding-like consistency in the mouth. Picture a generously spiced pumpkin Snack Pack encased in a crust, and voila, you have this peculiar pie.

5. Target

Among the various pies I tried, the charming bakery box containing Target’s offering stood out as the sole one where pumpkin wasn’t the primary ingredient; instead, it was sweetened with cane sugar.

Tasting the pie brought this distinction to light. It was excessively sweet, with the crust resembling a sugary cookie, and the filling induced a puckering sensation, akin to solidified spiced maple syrup. Opting to savor the crust on its own might be a more enjoyable dessert experience.

This particular pie was adept at being sliced, adhering closely to the desired outcome. The texture closely aligned with my expectations, with each bite cleanly separating and the slice maintaining its form. Progress was evident in the quest for the perfect pie.

6. Aldi

Aldi’s pie brought a unique challenge to the table, especially in the crust department. It seemed to have rolled off the assembly line, and its pale appearance left me wondering if it ever met the warmth of an oven.

The taste test confirmed my suspicions, delivering an unfortunate punch of raw flour. As I caught a whiff of the pie, a bit of worry set in – the spices seemed like they might overpower the whole experience.

True enough, my taste buds confirmed this concern, encountering a gel-like texture that made each bite an unexpected adventure.

Aldi’s pie managed to snag the lead over Kroger, thanks to the fact that I could actually get through a bite. However, the idea of going back for seconds didn’t exactly fill me with culinary delight.

7. Kroger

Opting for a pie from Kroger’s bakery section seemed like a sure bet, but even before cracking open the container, my hopes for satisfaction began to dwindle.

The filling had distanced itself from the crust, akin to how one might lean away from an overly affectionate aunt or uncle – not exactly a promising sign.

Upon slicing into it, the crust revealed itself to be crumbly and moist, possessing an almost spongy texture reminiscent of angel food cake.

Strangely malleable, it could be gathered up, rolled, and effortlessly transformed into a cake pop with minimal exertion.

Not the pie crust experience one anticipates. Extracting a slice proved to be an arduous task, as the crust struggled to hold itself together, akin to a valiant effort doomed to fail.

The filling emitted a slightly stale aroma, though there were no doubts about its shelf life.

When cut and tasted, it resembled more of a pumpkin jelly, with a watered-down flavor that left me questioning if this could genuinely be classified as pie. All in all, a disappointing culinary venture.

So, What Is Pumpkin Pie Supposed To Taste Like?

When you bite into a slice of pumpkin pie, it’s like savoring baked hard squash infused with a medley of spices.

Cinnamon and nutmeg take center stage, emerging as the major flavor profiles that dance on your taste buds. Meanwhile, a hint of ginger or cloves brings a sharp undertone to the mix.

If your taste buds picked up on notes resembling baked cinnamon apples, you’re on the right track. Cinnamon tends to be the star of the show, standing out as the primary spice and a key player in defining the overall flavor.

The supporting cast includes nutmeg and ginger, with cloves or allspice adding that distinctive pumpkin pie tang.

It’s a flavorful symphony where each spice plays a unique role in creating the delicious harmony of a classic pumpkin pie.