Kitchen

[peachesncream]

I like to bake with pumpkin this time of year – pumpkin muffins, pancakes, scones, pies.

I’m having a hard time finding canned pumpkin. Sometimes, a grocery store will show online that they have it, but when I get to the store it’s not there. I’ve checked every store around my town. 

There’s another issue, about brands. I’ve always used Libby’s. But online reviews for this brand have been negative lately. People complain of discolored pumpkin, and grittiness (tasting like sand is in the pumpkin). I can’t confirm that, because I can’t even find Libby’s pumpkin.

I looked up articles on “best canned pumpkin” (for other good brands). FYI, Libby’s usually wins the taste tests. But Whole Foods 365 Pumpkin Puree also gets good reviews. So I went to Whole Foods, but they are out of it. The manager didn't know when they'd get more. 

Have you looked for and found canned pumpkin, and if so, where – and how was the quality?

[Zernia Rose]

I, too, looked for pumpkin and local stores are out.  There is a pumpkin shortage.  One article I read indicated that growers/canners have or will start shipping in September and pumpkin should be on shelves soon in time for Thanksgiving.  What little cans available online are eye popping expensive.  I caved and bought four cans of organic pumpkin puree.

[ECBG]

Usually, when people think pumpkin is gritty, it's actually sugar that didn't dissolve.

I checked walmart for pumpkin, and all they have is the pumpkin with the spices already in it which I think isn't as good as the recipe on the can.

On amazon, a pack of 4 cans of Libby's Pumpkin  is $42.00!

[loriqvc]

I'm guessing availability may depend on your area; I, too, love baking and cooking with pumpkin and do so year round, and I just bought three cans of Libby's this week at my local grocery store (Kroger affiliate). A few months ago, I bought some online with some other items in a big order from Walmart. Hopefully the makers know it's pumpkin season and will stock stores with more product for you soon!

[homedecor1]

None to be found in our area☹️☹️☹️ figures just when I was having a pumpkin craving!

even our Publix hasn't had any pumpkin bakery items.  They usually have pumpkin everything by now.  The shelves state in the baking aisle "our apologies vendor shortage".

Although, I did see Pumpkin roll in WM but no pies as yet. I make pumpkin rolls or breads for friends but not until Thanksgiving.

Oh no hope this isn't the "new" shortage instead of "lysol"😉

[SharkE]

bought mine 2-3 wks ago . I stay a step ahead of what I know will be in short supply as it gets nearer to the holidays.

[rms1954]

Probably somewhere with the Mallowmars cookies. 

[Kachina624]

Good grief!  It's toilet paper all over again.  Didn't we go through this a year or two ago?  I have pumpkin but maybe should sell it rather than baking with it.

[rms1954]

Canning jars are in short supply and if you do find them, they are pricey.

[aroc3435]

@peachesncream    Several autumns back (maybe six years ago?) there was a year, due to weather conditions, that the pumpkin crop was meager and the canned puree, pie mix, and fresh pumpkins were scarce and prices soared.  And I think the bulk of the crop was snapped up by commercial buyers.

Since I love pumpkin--year round--in some favorite recipes, like bread and chile, I now make it a practice to have a small supply ahead.

This year with the pandemic and the wonky weather I resupplied earlier than usual, in May.

Be patient and keep checking in your store and online and eventually some will probably turn up for retail sale, but heaven knows what the prices will be.  

Early last winter I also super stocked up on my 18 count boxes of Bigelow Pumpkin Spice tea bags since they are seasonal and also sell out quickly.  I'm good in that respect until NEXT fall and got each box for $1.00 instead of the normal $5.99 or so each, or sometimes 2 for $5.00 on sale at the grocer's.

I'm going through my spices and condiments now in anticipation of baking and cooking ramping up for fall and winter and anticipating possible supply shortfalls in those categories.

Good luck in your search.

aroc3435

Washington, DC