Costco’s Giant Pumpkin Pie Is Back for the Holidays, and It Still Costs Under $6
Every fall, Costco shoppers keep an eye on the bakery case for one thing. When the stacks of enormous Kirkland Signature pumpkin pies appear, many people consider it the true start of the holiday season. Some carts leave the warehouse with two or three of them at once.
The pie is famous for its size and its price. It is a 12-inch pie that weighs close to four pounds, and it has stayed at $5.99 in most warehouses for years, even as grocery prices have climbed. In 2026, that price has held once again.
With Thanksgiving falling on Nov. 26 this year, the pie is about to have its busiest weeks. Here is what to know about Costco’s pumpkin pie, why shoppers love it, and how to make the most of it this holiday season.
The Pie Arrived Earlier Than Ever
Shoppers started spotting the pie in Costco bakeries in late summer. The Takeout reported in August that the under-$6 pie was back, and that some customers thought it had arrived far too soon. Seeing pumpkin pie while it was still hot outside was a little strange for many people.
Others were thrilled. Fans of the pie are happy to eat it any time of year, and an early start means more weeks to enjoy it. It usually stays in the bakery case through Thanksgiving and into December.
Costco does not sell the pie year-round, which adds to its appeal. Its seasonal return has become an event that fans share on social media. Many people post photos of their first pie of the year.
How Big Is It, Really?
The pie measures about 12 inches across, much larger than a typical grocery store pumpkin pie. It weighs roughly 58 ounces, or close to four pounds. Cut into standard slices, it can easily serve a dozen people.
That size is what makes it such a good deal. Many supermarket pies are smaller and cost as much or more. For families hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner, one Costco pie can cover dessert for the whole table.
The pie comes in a clear plastic dome, so shoppers can see exactly what they are buying. It needs to be refrigerated, because pumpkin pie is a custard pie made with eggs and milk. Many people buy it a day or two before the holiday.
The Price Has Held Steady
The $5.99 price has been remarkably steady over the years. The Daily Meal listed the pie among its Costco pumpkin finds for fall 2026, noting its low warehouse price and that it can also be ordered online for a higher price. Prices can vary slightly by location.
In a year when many shoppers feel squeezed by grocery bills, that stable price is a welcome surprise. Costco has long used a few low-priced favorites, such as its hot dog combo and rotisserie chicken, to bring customers into the warehouse. The pumpkin pie plays a similar role during the holidays.
Keep in mind that you need a Costco membership to shop in the warehouse. For members, the pie is one of the best values in the store. For non-members, it may be worth asking a friend to pick one up.
What Shoppers Say About the Taste
Many fans say the pie tastes homemade, with a smooth, well-spiced filling and a soft crust. It is not overly sweet, which makes it easy to enjoy with whipped cream or ice cream. Some people say it is better than their own family recipe.
Not everyone agrees. Some shoppers find the crust a little soft or the filling a bit mild. Others prefer pies with a stronger spice flavor.
Still, the pie has a loyal following. For many families, it has replaced homemade pumpkin pie entirely. It saves hours of work on a busy holiday.
Tips for Buying and Storing
Thanksgiving week is the busiest time for the pie, and some warehouses run low. Many shoppers buy a few days early to avoid disappointment. Lines can be long, so going early in the day helps.
Store the pie in the refrigerator as soon as you get home. Food safety experts recommend refrigerating custard pies, and the USDA’s leftovers guidance suggests eating refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. If you will not finish it in time, slices can be wrapped and frozen.
Some people serve it straight from the refrigerator, while others let it sit for a short while to take the chill off. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon makes it look homemade. Few guests will ever know it came from a warehouse store.
How It Compares With Homemade
Making a pumpkin pie from scratch takes a can of pumpkin, eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, spices, and a crust, plus about an hour of baking. By the time all the ingredients are bought, a homemade pie can easily cost more than the Costco version. That is especially true for a pie of the same size.
Still, many families insist on homemade. Baking a pie from Grandma’s recipe is part of the holiday for them, and the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon in the oven is part of the tradition. Some families do both, baking one pie at home and picking up a Costco pie as a backup for all the extra guests.
Other Costco Holiday Desserts
Costco’s bakery also offers other seasonal treats. Many warehouses carry apple pie, pecan pie, and holiday cheesecakes. Pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin streusel muffins have also been popular in recent years.
These desserts make it easy to fill a holiday table without spending hours in the kitchen. Many hosts mix store-bought desserts with homemade dishes. It is a practical way to manage a big meal.
If you are hosting, a dessert from Costco can free up time and oven space. That leaves room for Thanksgiving side dishes that many people love even more than the turkey.
A Holiday Tradition for Many Families
For many families, the Costco pumpkin pie has become part of their Thanksgiving tradition. They buy it every year, along with other holiday supplies. It is a simple way to make the season feel special.
Whether you serve it on Thanksgiving or enjoy it with your morning coffee, it is hard to beat the value. It is one of the cheap hacks that satisfy a sweet tooth without breaking the bank. Will a Costco pumpkin pie be on your table this year, or does your family insist on making it from scratch?
