Last Updated: Apr 19, 2023 @ 10:22 am.

What is the best pumpkin pie spice? To find out, we did blind taste tests of several top brands, making batches of pumpkin muffins and sprinkling it in coffee. Which had the best flavor? Here are the ones we recommend.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. We don't take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported!

The Best Pumpkin Pie Spice: Our Tests (and a Recipe!)

Let’s talk pumpkin pie spice.

Beyond the obvious baked goods, this spice is a favorite for folks who like it to sprinkle it into coffee—it adds flavor without the sugar you see in pumpkin pie syrups.

Here is a healthy treat idea for this flavorful spice: spiced pumpkin seeds!

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE PUMPKIN SEEDS (10 servings)

Recipe for pumpkin pie spice pumpkin seeds

15m PREP TIME

1hr 15m COOK TIME

189 CALORIES

4 INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg white

1 tablespoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a greased foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the pumpkin seeds are dry.

Mix sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. Set aside. Beat the egg white in large bowl until it’s foamy. Add dried pumpkin seeds; toss to coat. Gradually add the sugar mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Spread the seeds in a single layer on the same baking sheet.

Bake 1 hour, stirring the seeds after 30 minutes. Cool slightly then break the seeds apart. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

(Credit for recipe and photo: McCormick).

Our Top Picks

Yes, we did blind taste tests of several brands before deciding these were the best bets, based on overall flavor and taste. Here are the winners.

Need a beverage to go with your pumpkin dessert? We review Pumpkin Spice K Cups for coffee fans too!

Buy Now
Buy Now

Best Budget-Friendly

Adds lots of flavor to hot drinks, with no sugar
Loved this spice in coffee and on oatmeal. Nice blend of flavors with pronounced notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. Critics, however, say the coriander seed in here strikes the wrong note.
$4.19 ($1.40 / Ounce)

Check on Amazon

Buy Now
Buy Now

Best Organic

Great for baking
This spice was a favorite in baked goods—the nutmeg and ginger stand out. Also great for turkey brines. Critics note it is very strong . . . a little goes a long way!

Check on Amazon

Buy Now
Buy Now

Best Bulk Quantity

Wonderful in pancakes
If you've got a lot of baking to do, this nine ounce bottle should do the trick. We liked the allspice and cinnamon notes in this tried and true brand. Allergy alert: critics note the "sulfiting agents" ingredients (which are added to retain color).
$6.16 ($0.68 / Ounce)

Check on Amazon

Buy Now
Buy Now

Best for Chai Tea

Full flavor yet pricey
Loved this spice in beverages, especially chai tea. The nutmeg and allspice balance the clove forward taste notes. The inclusion of mace (a sister spice to nutmeg) is an interesting choice.
$9.19 ($4.60 / Ounce)

Check on Amazon

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!