We Taste-Tested 7 Brands of Canned Pumpkin Puree—This Was the Best One

Our Taste-Tested 7 Brands of Canned Pumpkin Puree—This Was the Best One

Pumpkin season is upon us, and with it, the countless possibilities for delicious treats and savory dishes. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply adding a pinch of autumnal flavor to your morning oatmeal, canned pumpkin puree is a staple ingredient. But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose? At EatingWell, we took the guesswork out of it by conducting a taste test of seven top brands of canned pumpkin puree. The results are in, and our top pick is Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin.

The Best Canned Pumpkin

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Our taste test pitted seven popular brands of canned pumpkin puree against each other, evaluating their visual appearance, scent, texture, and taste. From the get-go, Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin stood out. Its reddish-orange hue, reminiscent of a freshly baked pumpkin, was a match made in heaven. The aroma was earthy and mellow, a sign of high-quality ingredients. The texture was spot on, with just the right balance of smooth and chunky.

But it was the flavor that truly won us over. Libby’s puree was mild yet rich, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of acidity. None of the other brands compared, with many leaving an unpleasant aftertaste or an overpowering sweetness. Libby’s was a clear winner, making it perfect for using in a variety of recipes, from sweet treats like pie and muffins to savory dishes like soups and stews.

Our Taste Test

To put the seven brands of canned pumpkin puree to the test, we followed a simple but rigorous process. We evaluated each product based on its visual appearance, scent, texture, and taste. The results were surprising, with some brands exceling in certain areas but falling short in others. Here’s a breakdown of how each brand fared:

• Visual appearance: Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin stood out for its vibrant orange color, while other brands ranged from pale yellow to murky orange.
• Scent: Libby’s had a pleasant, earthy aroma, while others had a faint or unpleasant smell.
• Texture: Libby’s delivered the perfect balance of smooth and chunky, while others were either too thin or too thick.
• Taste: Libby’s was the clear winner, with a mild, rich, and slightly sweet flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin puree is mashed cooked pumpkin. The majority of canned pumpkin comes from Dickinson pumpkins, also known as Dickinson squash. A Dickinson pumpkin is tan with uniform, smooth skin, unlike the carving pumpkins you might be familiar with. If the label on your canned pumpkin says 100% pumpkin, it’s likely all pumpkin. However, some companies may use a mix of pumpkin and winter squash in their puree, as there is no strict definition between what the FDA considers a pumpkin and what it considers a squash.

What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

While pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling can be found in the same aisle, they have one key difference: seasoning. Pumpkin puree has no added flavorings or seasonings, whereas pumpkin pie filling typically contains sugar and pumpkin spice, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Pumpkin pie filling is convenient for baking, as it already includes ingredients you’d likely add anyway, but it’s not suitable for savory dishes like soups and stews.

Is canned pumpkin healthy?

Yes, canned pumpkin is healthy due to its numerous nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives it its vibrant orange color and helps reduce inflammation. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, which support eye health and immune function. Additionally, pumpkin is high in fiber and potassium, two essential nutrients that support digestive health and blood pressure, respectively.

Our Trusted Expertise

At EatingWell, we trust our food editor, Alex Loh, who has more than four years of experience with the brand. With a nose for sniffing out the best products, Alex has tested countless ingredients, kitchen tools, and cookware. For this article, our team of experts, including a registered dietitian, put their taste buds to the test to bring you the best of the best.