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Statesman food critic Matthew Odam cuts a slice of pumpkin pie in the Statesman newsroom, Nov. 20, 2025.<\/p>\n
Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Club ($5.98) and Central Market ($14.99).<\/p>\n
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Participants ranked the pies individually, and the results were finalized by restaurant critic Matthew\u00a0Odam<\/a>, who broke a tie among the top traditional pies.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n How the tasting worked<\/p>\n Pumpkin Pies from various stores, Nov. 20, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n Pumpkin Pies from various stores, Nov. 20, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n remained warm and was noted by some participants as an advantage.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Staffers completed individual rankings before\u00a0Odam conducted the tiebreak. The tasting served as the basis for the Statesman\u2019s first \u201cpie fight.\u201d<\/p>\n Central Market earns highest score<\/p>\n Central Market\u2019s chiffon-style pumpkin pie<\/a> was the clear favorite among most staffers.\u00a0Odam noted that its texture set it apart from the traditional pies in the lineup.\u00a0\u201cIt was kind of cheating,\u201d he said, comparing its lighter, meringue-like filling to a different category of dessert. \u201cBut it was the clear winner.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The pumpkin pie from HEB\u2019s Central Market, Nov. 20, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Several staffers independently identified Pie No. 5 as their top choice.<\/p>\n Meteorologist Mary\u00a0Wasson<\/a> said she liked the \u201ccream cheesy\u201d quality of the filling and described it as \u201csuper good.\u201d Deputy visuals editor Ricardo Brazziell<\/a> called it the standout of the tasting. Managing editor Andy Sevilla<\/a> said it had \u201ca good flavor\u201d and described the experience as \u201ca warm hug.\u201d<\/p>\n Reporter\u00a0Emiliano Tahui G\u00f3mez<\/a> said it would appeal to people hesitant about pumpkin pie because the cream softened the flavor. Reporter Claire\u00a0Osborn<\/a> said the pie offered \u201ca unique take\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Music reporter Mars\u00a0Salazar<\/a>, who preferred another pie, still described No. 5 as \u201creally good.\u201d<\/p>\n Whole Foods takes top traditional spot after tiebreak<\/p>\n When the chiffon pie was excluded, Whole Foods and\u00a0Costco tied in staff scoring. Odam conducted a blind tiebreak tasting and selected Whole Foods as the strongest traditional pumpkin pie<\/a>.\u00a0He cited its use of ginger and allspice and described it as \u201ccreamy\u201d with balanced flavor.<\/p>\n Several staffers listed Pie No. 1 as a top contender.\u00a0Brazziell\u00a0gave it an honorable mention behind his top pick. Sevilla praised its spice profile. Salazar called it a \u201csafe option\u201d suitable for family gatherings.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Costco lands in the middle<\/p>\n Costco\u2019s pie<\/a>\u00a0tied with Whole Foods before the tiebreaker. Staff reactions were generally positive but restrained. Sevilla described it as \u201cOK.\u201d Gomez said many pies in the lineup tasted similar, including No. 3.<\/p>\n Sam\u2019s Club divides tasters<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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