If you’ve recently strolled through your local grocery store, chances are you’ve been met with a towering display of pumpkin puree cans at the end of the baking aisle, ready to be added to your cart. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, bringing with it the beloved pumpkin pie season. Whether you’re hosting the big feast or simply a guest, no holiday is complete without the vibrant orange pie, pumpkin bread, muffins, or any other seasonal recipe featuring the iconic puree.
In the past, canned pumpkin puree options were limited, but that’s no longer the case. While you may be used to reaching for a specific brand, take a step back in the baking aisle to discover the array of choices available. From iconic brands to organic options and store-brand bargains, there’s a variety vying for your attention.
With numerous options on the market, is there really a difference among canned pumpkin purees? To find the best option, I embarked on a tasting journey through popular brands from various grocery stores and big box retailers. Tasting the pumpkin straight from the can and baked, I was surprised to find significant differences among the contenders. The best ones will guide you to the picture-perfect pumpkin dessert, while the worst may compromise the appearance, flavor, and texture of your creations.
Read on for the full details of my canned pumpkin tasting and baking test to help you make the best choice this holiday season.
Canned pumpkin puree is a creamy mixture made from roasted pumpkin or other winter squashes, serving as the base for seasonal staples like pumpkin pie, bread, and muffins. While commonly made with pumpkin, various types of winter squash can be used in the production of canned pumpkin puree, as the term “pumpkin” globally encompasses any hard squash variety.
When it comes to canned pumpkin, it’s important to distinguish between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling. While pumpkin puree consists solely of the raw vegetable, pumpkin pie filling includes added sugar, spices, and other ingredients for a quick pumpkin pie option. Using the wrong product can significantly impact the final dish, making it essential to choose the right one for your recipe.
As the holiday season approaches, the shelves are filled with various canned pumpkin options. From organic to store-brand varieties, each brand brings its unique flavor and characteristics to the table. To help you navigate the choices, here are 10 canned pumpkin purees ranked from worst to best based on taste, texture, and overall quality:
10. Farmer’s Market Organic Pumpkin Puree
9. Trader Joe’s Organic Pumpkin
8. Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin
7. Good & Gather 100% Pure Pumpkin
6. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Pumpkin Purée
5. 365 Whole Foods Market Pumpkin Purée
4. Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
3. Thrive Market Organic Pumpkin
2. Bowl & Basket 100% Pure Pumpkin
1. Stop & Shop 100% Pumpkin
In the midst of the array of canned pumpkin options, Stop & Shop’s store-brand 100% Pumpkin emerged as the top choice, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, pumpkin flavor, and creamy texture. Whether in its raw state or as a pie filling, this canned pumpkin exceeded expectations and delivered a superior baking experience.
As you prepare for the holiday season and decide on your canned pumpkin purchase, keep in mind the diverse options available and consider the qualities that matter most to your baking endeavors.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.