Target has established a reputation for offering popular products that capture the attention of shoppers, but does their pumpkin pie live up to the seasonal hype? After conducting a taste test comparable to a recent Trader Joe’s review, we embarked on our own mission to see if Target’s pumpkin pie is worth navigating the store’s busy aisles.
Initially, we faced a challenge locating the pie. At our local Target, the grocery section is relatively small, and the seasonal pumpkin pies were on a cart placed prominently at the aisle entrance. However, upon arrival, we discovered that the cart was nearly empty. Fortunately, a staff member was able to retrieve one pie from the back, a stroke of luck that allowed us to purchase it for $4.99—a price that reflects seasonal availability. The packaging also indicated that this year features a new recipe.
The ingredient list includes key components like pumpkin, wheat flour, and various preservatives. Notably, it mentions the inclusion of “bioengineered food ingredients,” which caught our eye. Curiously, the pie contained palm oil instead of traditional butter.
When we examined the pie’s appearance, the presentation was underwhelming. Encased in a standard brown cardboard box with a plastic insert, it didn’t stand out visually. Although it had a rich, dark color with a golden-brown crust, the pie’s surface appeared somewhat wet, possibly due to condensation from its packaging.
In terms of size, the pie weighs 1 pound 4 ounces, serving approximately five people—making it slightly smaller than many homemade alternatives. Cutting into the pie revealed a thick filling that maintained its shape, though the outer crust crumbled when we tried to cut pieces from the edge.
As for the taste, the initial bite showcased a remarkably dense filling, leaving us needing to chew extensively. Unfortunately, the flavor was dominated by a squash-like taste, far from the expected pumpkin profile and lacking in sweetness. Although there was a hint of cinnamon, it was not prominent, and the crust added unwanted saltiness rather than pleasant sweetness. The overall flavor felt chemically processed, leading us to believe that whipped cream would be essential for enhancing the dessert.
The texture of the pie was creamy, with the inner crust faring reasonably well compared to the crumbly and bland outer crust. Despite its firm structure, we concluded that the pie didn’t meet our expectations.
Ultimately, our verdict leaned towards not purchasing this pumpkin pie again. While its affordability and ability to serve multiple people are commendable, the flavor and texture did not impress us enough to include it in our Thanksgiving celebration.
The disappointment in Target’s offering marks a rare miss for a brand that frequently delivers quality products. As we look forward to future taste tests, including a comparison with their apple pie, it’s clear that this pumpkin pie may not be the highlight of the holiday season.