by Bentonville, Arkansas – As Thanksgiving shoppers crowd grocery aisles nationwide, one seasonal staple is drawing a surprising amount of criticism. In Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Walmart’s headquarters, the retailer’s popular bakery pumpkin pie is being singled out by reviewers who strongly warn buyers to steer clear.
With holiday dessert tables soon to be filled with classics, many shoppers may want to think twice before adding this particular pie to their cart.
A recent tasting by food review outlet Chowhound ranked six store-bought pumpkin pies — and Walmart’s version landed firmly at the bottom. What was expected to be an affordable, reliable Thanksgiving dessert was instead labeled one of the least appealing options on the market.
Chowhound’s Panel Calls Walmart’s Pie “Unpleasant”
In the tasting recap, writer and food reviewer Samuel W. Allenton described a series of concerning first impressions.
“I was in for an unpleasant surprise upon unboxing this particular pumpkin pie,” Allenton wrote.
According to his review, the pie’s aluminum tin was “slick and oily”, and the pie itself had split down the center, raising questions about freshness and texture. Allenton added that the dessert did not hold its shape well, calling the presentation disappointing.
What made the poor experience more notable was Allenton’s previous appreciation for Walmart bakery foods. He specifically mentioned enjoying the retailer’s Great Value Hearty Beef Pot Roast Soup, which led him into the tasting with relatively high expectations.
Unfortunately, the pie did not deliver.
Allenton said the 8-inch, $5 pumpkin pie carried a “strangely sour aftertaste,”
adding, “That’s not what I want from a dessert.”
He ultimately included the pie in his personal list of Walmart products to avoid — a notable verdict as shoppers hunt for affordable holiday staples.
Customer Feedback Mirrors the Expert Criticism
Walmart’s pumpkin pie has also drawn a wave of negative reactions on YouTube reviews and the product’s online comment section. Many everyday shoppers reported similar issues with texture, flavor and overall quality.
One disappointed reviewer wrote:
“I have been craving pumpkin pie. BUT not this pumpkin pie. The texture is nasty — mushy and dry and pumpkin flavor tastes just off.”
Others echoed that the pie lacked the signature warm pumpkin flavor associated with the holiday. Several reviewers commented that although the pie had sweetness and spice, the actual pumpkin essence was missing.
Another customer summed up the general sentiment:
“If pumpkin pie tasted like this, it would not be a seasonal favorite.”
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For shoppers expecting a nostalgic, classic Thanksgiving dessert, the reviews offer a clear warning.
Comparisons to Other Store-Bought Options
Critics noted that Walmart does offer other successful bakery items — many praised the Marketside Iced Lemon Loaf Cake, which continues to be a top pick for customers. This contrast makes the pumpkin pie reviews stand out even more, as it’s unusual for such a well-established retailer to miss the mark on one of the most iconic Thanksgiving desserts.
Other supermarkets, including Costco, Target, and regional grocery chains, generally fared better in seasonal pie rankings. Many reviewers pointed out that while not all store pies are perfect, most at least meet basic expectations for flavor and texture — something Walmart’s version reportedly struggled with.
Should Shoppers Skip Walmart’s Pumpkin Pie This Year?
For budget-focused shoppers, a $5 pumpkin pie may sound like the perfect deal during an expensive holiday season. Yet with such consistent negative feedback across multiple platforms, many might find it worthwhile to explore other options.
Whether it’s picking up a different store brand or baking one at home, reviewers strongly suggest that this particular pumpkin pie may not be worth the savings.
Those determined to stick with Walmart for their holiday shopping might consider swapping the pumpkin pie for other bakery offerings that have stronger reputations and better customer satisfaction.
Stay Informed and Join the Conversation
Holiday shopping can be overwhelming — especially when reviews surface warning buyers about products that may not live up to expectations. For more stories, discussions and community-driven updates, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com.
