My Favorite New Canned Pumpkin (and It’s Not the One You Think!)

If you’ve been baking for years like I have, you probably think Libby’s is the only canned pumpkin worth buying. I thought so too and I still love it, but I recently tried Aldi’s Baker’s Corner brand, and honestly, it changed my mind. It’s smooth, rich, and bakes up perfectly in everything from muffins to pies to savory pumpkin pasta. The best part? It’s super affordable at $1.29. I picked it up just to test it and now it’s become my go-to.

Before diving into the taste tests, I should mention my criteria. I used the canned pumpkin only for baking and I stuck to nationally available brands, the kinds you can find at most grocery stores across the U.S. There are some amazing regional store brands out there (especially from smaller chains), but I wanted this roundup to focus on the ones that most people can actually grab locally. So while this list doesn’t include every hidden gem out there, it’s a pretty good snapshot of the pumpkins you’ll find almost anywhere.

Aldi USA’s Baker’s Corner Brand

This is hands down my new favorite canned pumpkin. The texture is thick and velvety without being dry, the color is a deep orange that looks amazing in baked goods, and it has a clean pumpkin flavor that doesn’t taste watered down or overly “squashy.” I’ve used it in pies, muffins, and pumpkin bread and it performs beautifully every time. If you have an Aldi nearby, definitely stock up, this one disappears fast once fall baking kicks in.

Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin

Libby’s will always have a special place in my pantry. It’s the classic orange can we all grew up with and it’s still one of the most consistent, reliable options out there. The flavor is solid and the texture is dense and smooth, which makes it perfect for pie filling. My only issue these days is the price as it’s often the most expensive can on the shelf. So while it’s still a close second for me, I tend to grab it only when Aldi’s is out.

Dollar General’s Clover Valley Brand

Clover Valley was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be a decent, no-frills pumpkin that gets the job done. The texture is a little looser than Libby’s or Aldi’s, but the flavor is mild and neutral so great for quick breads or when you’re mixing it with a lot of spices. It’s inexpensive and easy to find, so it’s worth picking up if you’re in a pinch or just want a backup can on hand.

Walmart’s Great Value Brand

A solid fallback when your preferred brand is out. I found it to be occasionally less creamy, but it works. I didn’t find the flavor as deep as other brands but it’s easily accessible and priced right.

Whole Foods Market 365 Brands

The regular (or conventional) 365 canned pumpkin from Whole Foods actually isn’t bad. It’s thick, smooth, and bakes up nicely, with a mild flavor that’s somewhere between sweet and earthy. It’s a decent mid-tier option, especially if you like supporting the 365 line. That said, it doesn’t have the deep pumpkin flavor of Baker’s Corner or Libby’s and it’s a little too mild for my taste. But it’s consistent and good quality, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it in everyday baking but it’s on the more expensive side.

The organic version of 365 is hit or miss for me. Some people love it, and I’ve seen some great reviews. It has a lighter, brighter color and a slightly smoother texture but every time I’ve used it, the flavor has been too muted. It also tends to be a bit softer, which can throw off certain recipes that rely on thicker puree. Between the higher price and the inconsistency, I’d skip this one personally unless you’re specifically going for organic.

Trader Joe’s Organic

This one’s at the bottom of my list. I really wanted to like it as I love so many Trader Joe’s products, but their organic canned pumpkin just doesn’t compare for me. It’s watery, pale, and the flavor is very mild with almost no richness. Even in recipes loaded with spice, it didn’t deliver that strong pumpkin punch I wanted. It’s also usually one of the priciest cans on the shelf for what you get. I’ve tried it a few times and it’s always been disappointing to me, so this is one I’ll skip going forward but you might like it.

As with anything, these are my opinions but I like to think I have a good palate and I’ve been a vegan baker for over 30 years. Aldi’s Baker’s Corner still takes the top spot for me as it’s affordable, flavorful, and has the perfect texture for baking in my experience. Aldi stores aren’t everywhere, but they are nationwide. Libby’s remains my tried-and-true backup, but for everyday baking or big-batch cooking, I’m team Aldi all the way. Clover Valley surprised me as a solid budget pick, and Whole Foods 365 regular is fine in a pinch. As for Trader Joe’s Organic and 365 Organic, they just don’t deliver the flavor or texture I want.

If you’re planning your fall baking lineup, grab a few cans of Baker’s Corner as it’s the one I’ll be using all season long. Make sure to stock up early as once baking season hits full throttle, stores can often sell out and happy baking!