What Frozen Pumpkin Pie Is The Best?

Finding the ultimate store-bought pumpkin pie turned out to be a more delightful challenge than anticipated.

A truly remarkable pumpkin pie boasts a delicate, buttery crust coupled with a pumpkin or gourd-infused filling that’s exquisitely spiced—avoiding any overpowering craft store vibes—and perfectly sweet.

Not to mention, the filling should hold its form and resist transforming into a puddle the moment you slice into it.

Surprisingly, many pumpkin pies failed to meet these criteria, but fear not, as a select few did, sparing you from the need to wield a rolling pin. Yes, the perfect store-bought pumpkin pie does indeed exist.

The Best Store-Bought Frozen Pumpkin Pies Ranked

Pumpkin pie holds a special place in my heart; it’s the one dessert I am genuinely passionate about. Each year, I eagerly anticipate indulging in a generous serving of pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving.

Oddly enough, I seem to be the lone enthusiast in my circle, but that doesn’t deter my excitement. What does, however, is the thought of making the pie from scratch. And let’s be real, you have enough on your plate already.

So, skip the hassle and peruse our ranking of the best grocery store pumpkin pies, encompassing frozen options and even a surprisingly delicious sugar-free variant.

Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or asserting your boss-like attitude by enjoying a slice at your desk, we’ve got you covered.

When it comes to choosing the best frozen pumpkin pie, there are a few standout options that consistently receive praise for their taste and quality.

1. Bakery Fresh Goodness Sugar Free

Guess what? The best pumpkin pie from the store is actually sugar-free! I was expecting it to be super sweet since “sugar-free” usually means it’s loaded with artificial sweeteners.

But the sugar-free pumpkin pie from Ralphs (a Kroger store) tastes more like a homemade one than any other store-bought pie. It’s really heavy on the pumpkin flavor, and the crust is soft and chewy.

It’s perfect with some canned whipped cream or a scoop of pumpkin ice cream. If you have a Kroger or Kroger-owned store nearby, this is hands down the best grocery store pumpkin pie.

2. Sara Lee Pumpkin Pie

If your taste buds lean towards a sweeter pumpkin pie, Sara Lee’s frozen version emerges as the top pick in the pumpkin pie aisle.

This delectable treat maintains its pumpkin essence but cranks up the sweetness with an extra dose of sugar and a generous splash of vanilla.

What sets it apart is its impressive firmness, standing sturdy even when compared to Marie Callender’s frozen pumpkin pie. Slicing through a freshly baked piece reveals a pie that holds its form remarkably well.

The crust, boasting a delightful combination of crumbliness, butteriness, and sweetness, brings a symphony of flavors without a hint of noticeable saltiness.

3. Marie Callender’s Pumpkin Pie

When it comes to frozen pumpkin pies, Marie Callender’s and Sara Lee both shine, catering to different taste preferences. Marie Callender’s offers a distinct profile—rich in squashy flavor and not overly sweet.

The pumpkin pie spice, especially the nutmeg, takes center stage. The buttery crust is a standout, featuring a delightful salty note that complements the filling perfectly.

While it leans towards a looser consistency, a quick stint in the fridge post-baking is my recommended trick to ensure those slices maintain their shape without any mishaps.

4. Mrs. Smith’s

Mrs. Smith’s Pumpkin Pie earns kudos for steering clear of high fructose corn syrup and steering clear of artificial dyes and sweeteners.

A commenter enthusiastically gave it a “10/10 for the spice,” highlighting its flavorful profile. However, opinions diverged when it came to consistency and sweetness.

While some appreciated the perfect balance, others found the filling a tad watery, giving off a subtle “baby food vibe.” Yet, don’t dismiss it just yet; there’s a silver lining for the nostalgically inclined.

One tester affectionately dubbed it the “pie of my childhood,” so if you’re seeking a taste that harkens back to days gone by, Mrs. Smith’s might just be the comforting slice you’re looking for.

5. The Maine Pie Co.

This pumpkin pie garnered the highest praise for its delectable filling, with testers raving about its well-balanced, creamy, and authentic pumpkin pie flavor.

However, it lands in the second spot due to some reservations about its crust, which happens to be gluten-free.

The Maine Pie Co., renowned for its gluten-free crusts, may require a bit of acclimation if you’re accustomed to the extra flakiness of a traditional crust.

While the filling shines, the crust might be an acquired taste for those seeking a more conventional pastry experience.

6. The Village PieMaker

Meet The Village PieMaker, where your guests might easily mistake their pies for your homemade creations. Operating on the motto of “No canned stuff,” this small one-person operation has expanded into a thriving nationwide business.

Among their offerings, the pumpkin pie stands out with its exceptional crust, hailed by testers as buttery and flaky.

While a few noted a slightly mushy or “mousse-like” texture, the majority found delight in the pie’s mild flavor and well-balanced spice levels.

An additional plus is the absence of artificial preservatives, making it a wholesome choice for your dessert spread.

7. Sara Lee

Sara Lee’s Pumpkin Pie didn’t quite win over our testers due to its flavor and mushy texture. However, if your sweet tooth takes the lead in pie preferences, this one might still find a place on your dessert table.

It’s worth highlighting that Sara Lee’s offering is free from artificial flavors or colors and steers clear of high fructose corn syrup.

Conclusion

Alright, so here’s the scoop on the frozen pumpkin pies. I basically rated them on three things: how much they cost, how easy they were to make, and if they tasted good (both the crust and the filling).

I also checked the ingredients to make sure there wasn’t anything weird and thought about whether I could finish a whole slice.

Then, I imagined bringing each pie to a holiday party and how people might react. After munching on seven slices, one pie clearly took the crown—it tasted like homemade goodness.

Two others also stood out in their own way. Just trying to break down the frozen pumpkin pie scene in a way that makes sense for everyone!