Additional Coverage:
- We Hired a Dessert Expert to Taste-Test Grocery Store Thanksgiving Pies: These Were Her Favorites (financebuzz.com)
Pie-oneering the Thanksgiving Table: A Local Journalist’s Guide to Store-Bought Sweetness
Thanksgiving is almost here, and while the turkey takes center stage and the football plays on, we all know what truly brings the meal to a glorious close: pie! But for those of us who aren’t bakers, the annual quest for the perfect store-bought pie can be a daunting one. Fear not, fellow pie enthusiasts, because we’ve got the inside scoop on which supermarket slices truly hit the mark.
FinanceBuzz, ever the friend to the budget-conscious shopper, recently embarked on a nationwide search for a “Chief Pie Correspondent.” Their mission? To find an expert who could navigate the bakery aisles and declare once and for all which grocery store pies reign supreme.
Meet Our Pie Maestro: JQ Louise
After sifting through thousands of applications (we can only imagine the delicious interviews!), they found their 2025 Pie Correspondent: JQ Louise. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, JQ is a celebrated food writer, photographer, and lifestyle guru.
She’s penned “Boston Food Crawls” and explored everything from high-end dining to comforting classics. But what truly makes her the perfect pie-spert?
Her deep, personal love for Thanksgiving and its flavors, rooted in a childhood spent on a family cranberry bog. For JQ, pie isn’t just dessert; it’s a vehicle for memory, nostalgia, and comfort.
JQ graciously shared her official pie rankings and some invaluable advice for us all.
The Pie Scoring System
JQ dove headfirst into the world of store-bought pies, sampling offerings from four major retailers: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Market Basket, and Target. Her tasting proved that a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee a better flavor. Each pie was meticulously evaluated on:
- Crust
- Filling
- Sweetness and spice balance
- Texture
- Appearance
- Value
The results were genuinely surprising, with some “premium” brands falling short and some budget-friendly options shining bright. One retailer, in particular, dominated several categories. Let’s dig in!
Apple Pies: The All-American Benchmark
If a store can’t nail an apple pie, can you really trust their other offerings? JQ started here, with high expectations.
- Market Basket Apple Pie: 9/10
The Verdict: A true standout!
JQ raved about the warm, balanced filling with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg. It tasted homemade, like “something someone’s grandmother made.”
The crust was simple and satisfying, and at under seven dollars, it offered phenomenal value and nostalgic flavor.
- Whole Foods Apple Pie: 8/10
* **The Verdict:** Visually distinct with a refined, buttery crust. The filling tasted natural, like freshly cooked apples.
While delicious, it lacked the “cozy warmth” of the Market Basket pie, but still secured a strong second place.
- Trader Joe’s Apple Tart Style Pie: 6/10
* **The Verdict:** A creative, tart-like approach. Noticeably sweeter and thinner, with sugar overpowering the fruit and spice.
Good for those with a serious sweet tooth, but not a classic pie experience.
- Target Mini Apple Pie: 5/10
* **The Verdict:** More of a portable snack than a holiday dessert. The cinnamon was strong, but the overall experience felt processed.
Think road trip or gas station pie – fun in a pinch, but not Thanksgiving-worthy.
Pumpkin Pies: The Essence of Thanksgiving
Pumpkin pie evokes emotion for JQ, who gravitates towards it after the main course. Texture, spice blend, and smoothness are key here.
- Whole Foods Pumpkin Pie: 9/10
The Verdict: Immediately delicious!
Layered with complex warm spices, a sturdy, flavorful crust, and a silky, seasonal filling that wasn’t overly sweet. “Familiar but elevated,” it was the clear winner and JQ’s pick for her own Thanksgiving table.
- Market Basket Pumpkin Pie: 7/10
The Verdict: Tasted exactly like a standard homemade pumpkin pie – reliable and familiar.
Even earned extra points for tasting good cold.
- Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie: 5/10
* **The Verdict:** While visually appealing, the flavor disappointed. The filling was dense and felt slightly frozen, lacking balance and smoothness.
A surprising letdown for a typical TJ’s fan.
- Target Mini Pumpkin Pie: 5/10
* **The Verdict:** Similar to its apple counterpart - sweet, processed, and cute, but not special. A fair option for a budget or on-the-go snack.
Pecan Pies: Sweet, Caramelized, and Southern-Inspired
Pecan pie demands balance: a crisp top, gooey center, and just the right amount of sweetness. (Note: Target did not sell a pecan pie for review.)
- Whole Foods Pecan Pie: 10/10
The Verdict: Perfect!
A stunning caramelized top, abundant pecans, and a buttery, balanced filling that was rich without being cloyingly sweet. JQ declared it could “stand up to any bougie bakery.”
- Trader Joe’s Pecan Pie: 8/10
The Verdict: Reliable, traditional, and satisfying, but pricier than Market Basket, which is a factor when considering the overall Thanksgiving budget.
- Market Basket Pecan Pie: 8/10
The Verdict: Impressive appearance with a classic, satisfying flavor.
A tasty option, especially for under $10, making it a family-friendly budget choice.
Cherry Pies: A Sweet and Tart Tango
Cherry pie requires a perfect dance between acidity and sweetness. Too much of either can ruin it. (Note: Trader Joe’s did not sell a cherry pie for review.)
- Whole Foods Cherry Pie: 10/10
The Verdict: The shocking winner of the entire tasting!
Flawless balance, a refined, flaky crust, and a bright, tart, fresh-tasting filling. “Premium and perfectly executed,” it even converted JQ into a cherry pie fan!
- Market Basket Cherry Pie: 8/10
The Verdict: Beautiful and homemade in feel.
The only critique was that it leaned a little too sweet; a touch more tartness would have made it incredible.
- Target Mini Cherry Pie: 5/10
* **The Verdict:** Sweet, processed, portable, and fun. Not holiday-worthy, but perhaps suitable for a holiday road trip snack in a pinch.
The Grand Champions: Whole Foods and Market Basket
Whole Foods emerged as the consistent victor, delivering impressive pies with high-quality crusts, balanced fillings, and thoughtful flavors. However, the biggest surprise was Market Basket, which offered incredible flavor and value at an unbeatable price point.
So, whether your budget is lean or lavish, you now know where to go for your Thanksgiving pie needs! Whole Foods and Market Basket are your safest bets for classic holiday pies this season. Trader Joe’s proved disappointing in the pie department, and while Target’s mini pies are cute, they’re best left for a quick snack on the way home, not the main event.
Thanksgiving is all about comfort, tradition, and togetherness, and your pie should absolutely reflect that. With this expert guide, you’re officially equipped to achieve pie perfection, no matter your favorite flavor!