Canned Pumpkin vs. Canned Pumpkin Pie Mix: What's the Difference?

Read this pumpkin primer before you start baking for fall.

By Kelly Vaughan
Updated on September 09, 2024
Medically reviewed by
Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN
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Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN
Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor.
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From pies to quick breads, there are so many delicious sweet treats that use pumpkin. But before you grab canned pumpkin off the shelf without a closer look, it's important to know the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling. Using the wrong version may yield disappointing results. Also, when does it make sense to use all that fresh pumpkin you have leftover from carving?

What Is Canned Pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin (labeled as "100% pure pumpkin") is a purée of pumpkin that is sometimes mixed with other kinds of winter squash. It is unsweetened and does not contain any added spices. Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks. Unlike pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin does not have any spices, sugars, or other additives. In many cases, the only ingredient is pumpkin.

Canned vs. Fresh Pumpkin

There are upsides (and drawbacks) to using canned over fresh pumpkin. Here are a couple of things to consider:

  • Canned pumpkin is more convenient, helps save time, and isn't as messy as breaking down and de-seeding a large pumpkin.
  • Fresh pumpkin is more fresh-tasting. It can be less expensive (depending on how much pumpkin you're using) and definitely doesn't contain fillers. However, you have to get a specific type of pumpkin for cooking, so if you're planning to use leftovers from a jack-o'-lantern, maybe reconsider.

Canned Pumpkin Uses

In addition to flavor and bright orange color, canned pumpkin adds tons of moistness to baked and savory goods. Canned pumpkin can be used as an ingredient in all of the following:

Canned Pumpkin vs. Pumpkin Pie Mix
  Canned Pumpkin Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling
Ingredients Pureed pumpkin Pureed pumpkin, spices (usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, or other pumpkin pie spices), sugar
Flavor Neutral, squash-like flavor with no extras Sweet, spicy
Uses Can be used both in savory and sweet dishes for cooking or baking Generally used only for baking since it is pre-sweetened

What Is Canned Pumpkin Pie Mix?

Store-bought pumpkin pie mix (sometimes labeled "pumpkin pie filling") is a shortcut for making homemade pumpkin pie. It contains puréed pumpkin plus added spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

It also contains sugar and other chemical additives. While canned pumpkin pie mix is a great substitute for novice bakers or anyone who hasn't made pumpkin pie before, it tastes sweeter than homemade pumpkin pie.

Canned Pumpkin Pie Mix Uses

Pumpkin pie mix can be used as a substitute for pure canned pumpkin in some recipes. However, since it is already sweetened and flavored, you'll need to make some adjustments. In most dessert recipes, leave out the pumpkin pie spice and cut down on the sugar since the pumpkin pie mix includes it.

Also, keep in mind that although it's called "canned pumpkin pie filling," you can't simply put the pumpkin in your pie. You'll have to add other ingredients, such as eggs and evaporated milk, so the filling puffs up and has a custardy consistency. Most pumpkin pie filling cans have a recipe on them, or you can look on the company's website for recipes and guidance.

Here are some ideas for how to use it:

  • Pumpkin pie
  • Pumpkin bread
  • Pumpkin crumble
  • Pumpkin cheesecake
  • Pumpkin pie dip
  • Pumpkin hand-pies
  • Pumpkin fudge
  • Pumpkin martinis

Is Pumpkin Pie Mix Healthy?

Pumpkin pie mix generally contains approximately 120 calories and 19 grams of sugar per half cup (one can yields about 2 cups of mix total). Therefore, pumpkin pie made with a pre-made mix will most likely have more sugar than pumpkin pie made completely from scratch using pumpkin purée. For this reason, pumpkin pie mix is not as healthy as 100% pure pumpkin purée.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you make pumpkin purée?

    Making homemade pumpkin purée requires first cutting a pumpkin in half and removing the seeds before roasting it in a 300-degree oven until soft. Then, cool and scoop out the flesh before blending until puréed.

  • What is canned pumpkin good for?

    Canned pumpkin can be used in everything from baby food to desserts (or mix it into dog food for a special treat for your furry friends). You can also use canned pumpkin as a thickener for soups and stews.

  • Does it matter what brand of canned pumpkin you buy?

    When it comes to brands of canned pumpkin, it all comes down to personal preference. Be sure to read the label; the only ingredients should be "pumpkin." If there are additives, thickeners, or extra sugars or flavors, you might want to keep shopping. (Canned pumpkin pie mix, on the other hand, should contain added flavors, as it is most often used for sweet rather than savory recipes.)

We Know Pumpkin Tastes Great, But Is It Good for You?
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