Does Costco's Bakery Make A Better Pumpkin Pie Than Sam's Club? We Tasted Both And Found The Clear Winner

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Nothing says fall like taking a bite of a smooth, silky pumpkin pie. It's a satisfying dessert filled with pumpkin puree and a mix of spices that offer a comforting warmth. Its pleasing texture and mild yet bold flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that's decadent enough to be at the center of many holiday dessert tables.

Of course, Costco and Sam's Club are just two of the grocery chains that have tried to put their own spin on the classic pie. Many shoppers have raved about Costco's famous pumpkin pie, and Sam's Club's version is considered one of its best fall treats. Each pie weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces, which means there's plenty to go around the table. 

Since both pies have such a large following, I've decided to put them to the test to see which one deserves a spot at the center of your holiday feast. In order to reach my conclusion, I created a list of criteria to judge the basic structure of each pie, its overall flavor, and whether the flavor profile would satisfy a large crowd.

Prices are as of the date of publication and may vary based on region.

I sampled each of these pies to better understand their structure, flavor, and texture. Pumpkin pies are supposed to offer a smooth texture, and the pumpkin puree should give each bite a satisfying weightiness. The subtle yet earthy pumpkin should be boosted by a mix of well-blended spice, but the seasonings should never overpower the puree.

Of course, the crust is as important as the filling, and I checked each crust to see if it had a flaky texture and buttery flavor. The crust should not overpower the filling, either. Instead, it should have a slight crunch, and the puree should cause the crust to melt in the mouth. I also tested the structure of each crust to see if it offered a rigid base or if it fell apart while transferring a slice from the pie pan to the plate.

While Costco keeps its pie in a refrigerated case, Sam's Club's pie is sold at room temperature. Many people enjoy pumpkin pie at room temperature, but placing it in the microwave for about 30 seconds can add extra depth to the spices in the filling. This is why I decided to try each pie both ways. The pies were also tasted after being pulled directly from the fridge so I could understand how the ingredients tasted when they were cold.

Sam's Club has plenty of rave-worthy desserts, and its pumpkin pie is another reliable offering, even though there's room for improvement. Sam's Club Member's Mark 12-Inch Pumpkin Pie offers a substantial yet reasonably-sized crust, and its pumpkin filling is traditional yet intriguing because of the emphasis on the spice mixture. Cutting and removing the first slice from the room-temperature pie was very easy because the crust was so firm, but its taste was somewhat disappointing. I instantly picked up on a floury flavor coupled with an extremely stiff texture that lacked flakiness. Its overall feel gave me the impression that the store never considered that this structural base could double as a flavor enhancer.

The pumpkin filling was equally stiff, but the creaminess of the milk prevented it from being chalky. The traditional taste was interrupted by an intriguing spice mix. The sharp flavor left me startled, yet curious. While the spice was unidentifiable, it was enjoyable, and it added some extra warmth in the midst of a bold brown sugar taste. 

Heating the slice in the microwave did not change the flavor, and I still had to thoroughly chew through the crust. I also put a slice in the fridge for one hour, and the flavor stayed the same even when eaten cold. Each test proves that this $5.98 pie offers consistency, even though the unique flavor choices may not please everyone. 

It was a struggle to transfer a slice of Costco's Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie from the pan to the plate, but the homemade flavor superseded its sloppy presentation. This was likely due to the floppy yet perfectly flaky crust. There was a slight floury taste, but the crust's texture and somewhat buttery flavor hid it well.

The pumpkin filling was creamy yet slightly loose, which made it feel light in my mouth. Although it wasn't dense and satisfying, I welcomed the squash-like texture, which gave the pie a rustic feel. The texture was smooth yet lumpy and complemented by starchy yet soft fibers usually found in squash puree. The spice mix was subtle, and it was more noticeable in the aftertaste, which offered a slight spiciness. The crust quickly melted into the filling as I bit down. However, the crust still had a slight crunch and noticeable thickness that made each bite feel weightier. 

The taste of the spice mix increased when I put the slice in the microwave. This also made the puree super sweet, which added to the dessert's overall decadence. I tried a slice at room temperature, and the added sugar remained at the forefront of each bite. This pie is priced at $6.80 at most locations. It's a rustic yet decadent dessert that proves Costco can turn out desserts that taste like they're homemade. 

Neither pie succeeded with every test I threw at them. However, Costco's Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie wins this battle because of its rustic, almost-homemade flavor, complementary earthy spice mixture, and melt-away crust. For the most part, Sam's Club's Member's Mark Pumpkin Pie tasted like an average store-bought pie made with canned pumpkin. Costco's approach included a filling that tasted like it was made with fresh puree, thanks to the pumpkin fibers I could feel in every bite. 

Sam's Club did a better job of showcasing its pie's sharp spice mix. While intriguing to some people, it may be off-putting to others who want more of a warmth to their pie rather than a sweet and spicy flavor. Costco's spice was very subtle, but it added enough earthiness to mesh with the pumpkin. 

Sam's Club's crust was a structurally very good, but it was flavorless and required a lot of chewing. The chalkiness of the crust also took away from the firm yet silky pie filling. Costco's crust was tough to cut, but its flakiness and subtle buttery flavor allowed it to swiftly melt into the filling. Despite the small inconsistencies, Costco's Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie is a more versatile dessert, and it offers a flavor that many other stores, including Sam's Club, can't match.