Pumpkin pie is no longer America's favorite Thanksgiving pie, study says (2024)

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Pumpkin pie is no longer America's favorite Thanksgiving pie, study says? ›

Sorry Pumpkin… Apple Pie Reigns Supreme 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.

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.

On Thanksgiving, the favorite pie of American consumers is pumpkin pie. In a 2022 survey, approximately 23 percent of U.S. consumers stated that pumpkin pie was the favorite pie they would like to see on the table for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin pie is no longer America's favorite Thanksgiving pie. Google trends data reveals that key lime pie is the most popular type of pie in the U.S. with it being the most Googled pie in eight different states.

The clear winner for the United States as a whole was (not surprisingly) apple pie with more than 27% of sales going to the traditional flavor.

"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

By the early 18th century, pumpkin pie earned its spot at the Thanksgiving table as the New England holiday grew in popularity. Thanksgiving as a holiday gave thanks for a bountiful autumn harvest with an annual feast. It became an important holiday in colonial New England – and pumpkin pie was a staple.

The very first Thanksgiving was held in New England between the Wampanoag Tribe and Plymouth Colonists. It was a way to celebrate the successful harvest. It's said that pumpkin was served at this celebratory dinner, but no one knows if it was a pie-like dessert or a pumpkin dish, but pumpkins were definitely involved!

What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert in America? ›

In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust.

On Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is a welcome sight for most Americans. In a 2022 survey, approximately 40 percent of respondents said that they would "Love it" to be served. Additionally, about 30 percent of respondents stated they like pumpkin pie to be served at a Thanksgiving meal.

The pumpkin and pumpkin pie are both a symbol of harvest time, and pumpkin pie is generally eaten during the fall and early winter. In the United States and Canada it is usually prepared for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other occasions when pumpkin is in season.

Key lime pie was invented in Key West, where Key limes are anything but scarce. Key limes are different from regular limes. Key limes are more aromatic, smaller, seedier and are more tart than regular limes. Key lime pie is the Sunshine State's official state pie.

Pumpkin rules the holiday season

Then come the Thanksgiving and Christmas, during which Americans sit down to enjoy pumpkin pie by a margin of almost double its nearest competitor.

In fact it has been estimated that more than 50-million pumpkin pies a year are consumed in the United States alone each and every Thanksgiving.

Apple pie is traditionally associated with American patriotism and national identity. During World War II, soldiers famously claimed they were fighting for “mom and apple pie.” Since then, apple pie has become a symbol of family and home for many Americans.