Via iStockphoto / @hokage_stiz TikTok
A woman felt bamboozled because the mini pumpkin pie she bought from Starbucks had a striking resemblance to the Trader Joe’s mini pies.
Fall is upon us, and Halloween is just around the corner. That means pumpkins—pumpkin spice, carved pumpkins, wreath-bearing pumpkins, and pumpkin pies. This year, two juggernauts added mini pumpkin pies to their fall food line ups: Trader Joe’s and Starbucks.
While pumpkins have been a standing staple for the season, the clash of the pumpkin pies has not. Typically, the duel is between the sweet potato pie crew and the pumpkin pie clique.
In a TikTok, @hokage_stiz says she felt bamboozled because the mini pumpkin pie she bought from Starbucks had a striking resemblance to the mini pies also sold at Trader Joe’s.
Audibly dismayed, she consistently reiterates, “This is the same pie from Starbucks that I had this morning. Why is it the same pie?”
She’s holding up the Trader Joe’s four-pack of pies.
The only difference she could see is the shape of the pastry leaf atop.
“Starbucks got some [explaining] to do,” she added in the caption.
Viewers Weigh In
Viewers who have tried both pies shared their thoughts, with one implying they are different.
“[The Trader Joe’s] one tastes more pumpkiny,” one commenter said.
“Wait until you find out to different companies can use the same supplier,” another wrote.
“I been duped,” a third wrote.
Are The Trader Joes And Starbucks Pumpkin Pies The Same?
In a Reddit post about the Trader Joe’s “Teeny Tiny Pumpkin Pies,” commenters remarked about how similar these are to the new Starbucks pies and asked if they taste the same.
“These look exactly like the ones from Starbucks lol,” one said.
“I just purchased these today .. 10/10 tastes just like Starbucks, 10/10 recommend. I wish I would have purchased a second box,” another wrote.
“Wanted to say they look suspiciously similar to the Starbucks one,” a third wrote.
Both Starbucks’ and Trader Joe’s pies are made by a Canadian supplier. It is speculative if the suppliers are the same. While there is no consensus on which pie is better, the Starbucks pies have more virality, as more people have posted video reviews of them.
Starbucks Pumpkin Pie Vs. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie: The Price Difference
Trader Joe’s Teenie Tiny Pumpkin Pies are a way better bang for one’s buck, which is why @hokage_stiz felt so bamboozled. They are sold four per box and cost between $5 and $5.49.
Sold individually, Starbucks’ pie price ranges from $2.49 to $3.45, depending on locality. But customers can purchase the pies as a trio beginning at $6.95. This season, Starbucks customers also have two additional mini pies they can choose from: apple crumble and pecan.
Both franchises will have their mini pies available through the season, or while supplies last.
BroBible reached out to Starbucks and Trader Joe’s via email. @hokage_stiz could not be reached for comment.