American As Apple Pie... Or Should It Be Pumpkin? (2024)



When it comes to their Thanksgiving pies, Americans are staunch traditionalists, according to the annual Delta Dental Thanksgiving pie survey. The survey has been tracking this key facet of America’s sweet tooth for the last three years.

The number one spot should be no surprise. Pumpkin pie reigns supreme once again, with 36 percent of American adults saying it’s their favorite (beating out the next pie in line—pecan—by more than double).

American As Apple Pie... Or Should It Be Pumpkin? (1)Pumpkin pie finds heaviest favoritism among Baby Boomers (41 percent) and, while it’s still tops with the group, finds the lowest support among Gen-Xers (28 percent).

Regionally, pumpkin pie sees the most popularity in the West (44 percent) and the least in the South (31 percent). Its preference percentage rating has varied only slightly since Delta Dental began tracking Thanksgiving pie favorability (2016: 36 percent and 2015: 37 percent). Nonparents (37 percent) report liking the pie a full five percentage points higher than parents (32 percent).

Other survey findings:

  • Pecan pie (17 percent), which again garnered the number two spot, finds waning support from just one group, Millennials (10 percent).
  • The widest favoritism gap between the sexes belongs to apple pie, which snagged the number three spot, with 17 percent of men saying it’s their top pie compared to 11 percent of women.
  • Consistently scraping the bottom of the barrel with all age groups, regions and sexes, is strawberry pie.

Happy Thanksgiving!

American As Apple Pie... Or Should It Be Pumpkin? (2024)

FAQs

Do Americans prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie? ›

Thanksgiving pies are a traditional part of Americans' modern-day feast, with harvest flavors dominating the country's favorite pies. Pumpkin pie is Americans' top choice for a Thanksgiving pie — with pecan pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pie right behind it.

What is the American saying with apple pie? ›

very typical and normal in America: He defended his driving, saying "fast cars are as American as apple pie."

Why do people say American as apple pie? ›

The phrase was first used in the early 1800s but didn't become widely known until World War II, when it became common for soldiers to say "for mom and apple pie" when speaking to journalists about why they had enlisted. From then on, the phrase "as American as apple pie" has been used for anything deemed patriotic.

Would you rather eat pumpkin pie or apple pie? ›

Apple pie provides an entirely different sensation. The filling is more crisp and juicy compared to the creaminess of pumpkin pie. The buttery crunch and warmth of apple pie pairs perfectly with ice cream whereas pumpkin pie goes best with whipped cream.

What kind of pie do Americans prefer? ›

Apple. When you think about quintessential America, you can't help but imagine a warm, crumbly apple pie accompanied by a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream. If apples and pie are a great combo, then apple pie and ice cream are even better, as nothing can defeat that incredible flavor.

What is the least popular pie in the United States? ›

The least popular types of pies were salted caramel, gooseberry, blueberry and peach, all being the most popular in only one state each.

Is apple pie originally American? ›

According to Food52, apple pie originated in England. It arose from culinary influences from France, the Netherlands, and the Ottoman Empire as early as 1390—centuries before the Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock. Eventually, apple pie was brought to the colonies by European settlers, where the dish quickly caught on.

What is America's national dish? ›

The United States does not officially have a designated national dish, but hamburgers and Apple Pie are unofficial national dishes of USA due to their popularity and widespread consumption across the country. Hamburger is the most popular dish in America due to its popularity.

What is America's national dessert? ›

The Delicacy Apple Pie - is the Official “National dessert of the United States of America” respectively. American Apple Pies are also sometimes considered the national dishes of the US.

Which is healthier, apple pie or pumpkin pie? ›

"Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. It's also lower in calories and fat compared to apple pie. Pumpkin pie contains more dietary fiber than apple pie, thanks to the pumpkin puree.

Why do Americans love pumpkin pie? ›

This orange-golden-crusted pie is more than just a staple of the Thanksgiving table. Pumpkin pie, which has been growing in the Americas for centuries now, symbolizes the gratitude and appreciation our ancestors once experienced each harvest season.

Which pie is healthier, pumpkin or sweet potato? ›

Pumpkin Pies

Using the right ingredients, you can make a mouthwatering pumpkin pie. Additionally, they contain less sugar and calories than sweet potato pie. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are looking for a low-calorie option.

What percent of Americans like apple pie? ›

As the “most popular pie in America,” nearly 30% of Americans say that apple pie is their favorite type of pie.

What percentage of people like pumpkin pie? ›

Pumpkin pie reigns supreme once again, with 36 percent of American adults saying it's their favorite (beating out the next pie in line—pecan—by more than double).

What is the most popular pie eaten on Thanksgiving? ›

While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the majority of American households, sweet potato pie is still the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in the South. According to one theory, it was Henry VIII's love of sweet potato desserts that kicked off the popularity of yams in a pie.

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