I compared pumpkin pies from Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Costco.
As a professional baker, I know how to make a solid pumpkin pie at home — but sometimes grabbing one from a local grocery store is the best option.
To find the best store-bought pumpkin pie, I put four desserts — from Costco, Safeway, Kroger, and Walmart — to the test.
There are plenty of pies on display at most grocery stores in the fall, so I didn’t call ahead at any of the places I went to and just walked in and grabbed the seasonal treat.
Because pumpkin pies are typically made with a custard filling, which contains milk and eggs, the USDA recommends keeping them refrigerated. At the Costco and Safeway, I went to, the pumpkin pies were kept in a refrigerated area.
At Walmart and Kroger, they were on display at room temperature, which means they likely contain preservatives or artificial ingredients to make them shelf-stable.
With all of these factors in mind, I judged each one for flavor and texture.
