I tasted pumpkin pies from Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Costco, and Kroger.

The winner happens to be the cheapest!

Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

Thanksgiving just isnt Thanksgiving withoutpumpkin pie.

Pumpkin pie on a glass serving platter, and a slice of pie on the plate next to it

Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

With local bakery options costing as much as $60 a pop (to feed just eight people!

), you may find yourself reaching for a pumpkin pie at your local grocerys bakery section.

But is it any good?

Costco pumpkin pie in a pie tin

Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

Will my friends and family mock me for this decision?

Id be proud to take this pie to any Thanksgiving gathering.

These pies were all from the bakery section of the store and ready to eat, not frozen.

Slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream

Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

I tasted each pie and had my husband and neighbors taste them as well.

We tried them plain with no toppings.

The winner was unanimous.

It was nicely browned, a bit salty, and crumbly in a good way.

It also costs $5.99.

You heard meyou can feed a dozen people dessert for six bucks.

Simple Tip!

Since youre not doing any baking, why not upgrade this store-bought pie a bit with cinnamon whipped cream?

Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture thickens.

Add the sugar 1/2 teaspoon at a time, beating well after each addition.

Alternatively, top individual slices with a dollop just before serving.