Statesman food critic Matthew Odam cuts a slice of pumpkin pie in the Statesman newsroom, Nov. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Ahead of Thanksgiving, American-Statesman staffers conducted a blind taste test of five pumpkin pies from major grocers, evaluating each for flavor, texture and overall appeal. The pies were labeled Nos. 1 through 5 to avoid brand bias and were purchased from Whole Foods ($13.99), H-E-B ($9.98), Costco ($5.99), Sam’s Club ($5.98) and Central Market ($14.99).
Participants ranked the pies individually, and the results were finalized by restaurant critic Matthew Odam, who broke a tie among the top traditional pies.
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How the tasting worked
Pumpkin Pies from various stores, Nov. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Each pie was purchased the same day, labeled to conceal the brand and served to staffers at room temperature, except for the Central Market pie, which
Pumpkin Pies from various stores, Nov. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
remained warm and was noted by some participants as an advantage.
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Staffers completed individual rankings before Odam conducted the tiebreak. The tasting served as the basis for the Statesman’s first “pie fight.”
Central Market earns highest score
Central Market’s chiffon-style pumpkin pie was the clear favorite among most staffers. Odam noted that its texture set it apart from the traditional pies in the lineup. “It was kind of cheating,” he said, comparing its lighter, meringue-like filling to a different category of dessert. “But it was the clear winner.”
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The pumpkin pie from HEB’s Central Market, Nov. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Several staffers independently identified Pie No. 5 as their top choice.
Meteorologist Mary Wasson said she liked the “cream cheesy” quality of the filling and described it as “super good.” Deputy visuals editor Ricardo Brazziell called it the standout of the tasting. Managing editor Andy Sevilla said it had “a good flavor” and described the experience as “a warm hug.”
Reporter Emiliano Tahui Gómez said it would appeal to people hesitant about pumpkin pie because the cream softened the flavor. Reporter Claire Osborn said the pie offered “a unique take” that combined cream cheese with pumpkin. Event manager Christopher Thibert, a self-described cheesecake fan, said the pie had an advantage because it was served warm.
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Music reporter Mars Salazar, who preferred another pie, still described No. 5 as “really good.”
Whole Foods takes top traditional spot after tiebreak
When the chiffon pie was excluded, Whole Foods and Costco tied in staff scoring. Odam conducted a blind tiebreak tasting and selected Whole Foods as the strongest traditional pumpkin pie. He cited its use of ginger and allspice and described it as “creamy” with balanced flavor.
Several staffers listed Pie No. 1 as a top contender. Brazziell gave it an honorable mention behind his top pick. Sevilla praised its spice profile. Salazar called it a “safe option” suitable for family gatherings.
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Costco lands in the middle
Costco’s pie tied with Whole Foods before the tiebreaker. Staff reactions were generally positive but restrained. Sevilla described it as “OK.” Gomez said many pies in the lineup tasted similar, including No. 3.
Sam’s Club divides tasters
Sam’s Club’s version drew the widest range of reactions. Several staffers objected to its strong spice profile, while others preferred it for the same reason.
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Gomez described it as “extremely spiced… almost didn’t taste like pie.” Salazar called it “the worst pie I’ve ever had,” criticizing its dense texture. Thibert, however, ranked it first, saying the spice level matched his expectations for a pumpkin pie. Osborn said it “tasted like I think pumpkin pie should taste” and praised its ingredient-forward flavor.
H-E-B ranks last
The pumpkin pie from H-E-B was the lowest-rated entry, with tasters citing issues with texture and crust thickness.
Wasson said she disliked its heavy crust. Brazziell offered the strongest criticism, saying he found it “not good at all.” Sevilla also ranked it last, citing texture concerns.
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Final Ranking
Central Market – Overall winner
Whole Foods – Top traditional-style pie
Costco
Sam’s Club
H-E-B