Costco Pumpkin Pie: Calories & Nutrition Facts To Know
Among the benefits that Costco shoppers enjoy, many of the bulk retailer's fans consider its bakery's vast array of seasonal desserts a huge plus. Next to the popular croissants and layer cakes are the wholesaler's pies, which measure 12 inches across. While Costco makes an effort to change the flavor of its bakery selections depending on the time of year, if you happen to be shopping anytime between September and December, pumpkin pie will most likely be one of the featured confections.
Homemade pumpkin pie is always a delicious treat, but for those who are after a cost-effective alternative, Costco has its members covered with its crowd-pleasing variety. The brand sells approximately 6 million pumpkin pies during the fall season. Yet, what makes this in-house version so popular? For starters, Costco's pumpkin pies are made with Dickinson pumpkins, an heirloom variety with a subdued, buttery gourd flavor. The store-bought confections are also covered with a thin layer of Apricot jelly for added shine.
Whether you love the taste or the fact that you can get a large party-ready dessert for under $10, you may be curious to know the nutritional information behind this cult-favorite seasonal dessert. Let's unpack the specific details surrounding what exactly is in Costco's pumpkin pie.
How many calories are in Costco's pumpkin pie?
An entire pumpkin pie from Costco contains 3,840 calories. Based on the calculated serving size, which in this case is one of 12 pieces, a single slice of Costco pumpkin pie has 320 calories. According to the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults over 21 should consume between 1600 and 3000 calories per day. Therefore, calorie-wise, a serving of Costco pumpkin pie accounts for between 10% and 20% of the average daily recommended intake.
Serving size also plays an important role in how calories are defined. While the measured serving size is 1/12, there's no reason why you can't cut smaller slices, especially if you're planning to serve a large group of family or friends. Based on one Reddit thread, a few Costco customers claim this seasonal treat can easily feed up to 16 people. Smaller slices should have under 300 calories. But besides this information, how else does Costco's pumpkin pie hold up nutritionally?
The fat and sugar content of Costco's pumpkin pie
In terms of fat, one slice of Costco pumpkin pie has 13 grams per slice. Costco's pumpkin pie slice only has 2.6 grams of saturated fat, which is just 13% of the recommended daily allowance, according to the USDA's 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
One nutritional aspect of this seasonal treat that may be a little excessive is the sugar content. The American Heart Association claims men and women should aim to consume no more than 25 to 36 grams of added sugar per day. One slice of Costco pumpkin pie contains 25 grams of sugar. However, remember these "slices" are 1/12 of a 12-inch pie and can be easily cut down to reduced portions. On the plus side, pumpkin is loaded with various vitamins and minerals, and one slice of this popular treat still nets you over 5 grams of protein. Nutrition aside, as far as ranking Costco's bakery items goes, these popular bakery-style pies seem to be a tried and true crowd-pleaser.