Is 100% Pure Pumpkin Different Than Pumpkin Puree?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, canned products labeled 'pumpkin' can also contain various golden-fleshed winter squashes. However, the real question for home cooks isn't the varietal, but whether '100% pure pumpkin' is different than 'pumpkin puree.' The answer might surprise you.

Quick Summary

The terms '100% pure pumpkin' and 'pumpkin puree' are often used interchangeably on canned labels, referring to the same product: cooked, mashed winter squash with no added spices or sugar. The key distinction to watch for is 'pumpkin pie filling,' which contains added ingredients and is not a substitute for the pure product.

Key Points

Same Product, Different Name: Cans labeled "100% pure pumpkin" and "pumpkin puree" contain the same unseasoned, unsweetened cooked and mashed pumpkin/squash.
Avoid Pumpkin Pie Filling: The main difference to watch for in the canned goods aisle is "pumpkin pie filling," which is pre-sweetened and spiced and is not a substitute for pure pumpkin in most recipes.
Read the Ingredients: The simplest way to know you have the right product is to check the ingredient list. Pure pumpkin will have one ingredient, while pie filling will list sugar and spices.
Homemade vs. Canned: Homemade pumpkin puree often has a higher moisture content and more variable flavor than the consistently-produced canned version, which is typically a blend of winter squashes.
Know Your Recipe: Use pure pumpkin for versatile sweet and savory applications, and only use pre-made pumpkin pie filling when you're making a spiced dessert and want to save time.
Good for You: Pure pumpkin is a nutrient-dense ingredient, packed with Vitamin A, fiber, and potassium.

What is in a Can of "100% Pure Pumpkin"?

At the most basic level, a can labeled "100% pure pumpkin" contains nothing more than the cooked and pureed flesh of pumpkin or related winter squash. The reason canned goods can contain other squashes, like butternut or Dickinson, is a USDA regulation that broadly classifies certain winter squashes as interchangeable for labeling purposes. This process ensures a consistent flavor, texture, and color profile for mass-produced products, unlike the potential variation found in fresh, homemade pumpkin puree.

The raw ingredients are cooked, mashed, and then strained to remove excess moisture before being canned. The end result is a smooth, thick, and consistent product that forms the base of countless recipes.

What is in a Can of "Pumpkin Puree"?

For canned goods, "pumpkin puree" is the exact same product as "100% pure pumpkin". The terms are used interchangeably on labels and mean the same thing: pure, unsweetened, unspiced pumpkin mash. The potential for confusion arises from how these products are placed on grocery store shelves, often next to the very different pumpkin pie filling.

The Critical Difference: Pure Pumpkin vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling

The most common mistake in seasonal baking is grabbing the wrong can. It's crucial to understand the difference between pure pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is a sweetened and spiced product, not a raw ingredient. It contains added sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes thickeners, making it ready-to-use for pies and other sweet desserts. Using this in a savory dish or a recipe that calls for pure pumpkin will ruin the final flavor.

Homemade vs. Canned Pumpkin Puree

While the commercial canned products are consistent, making your own fresh pumpkin puree is an option for those who prefer a more hands-on approach. The flavor of homemade puree can vary depending on the specific pumpkin used. For cooking and baking, smaller "sugar pie" or "baking" pumpkins are recommended, as they have sweeter, less watery flesh than the large pumpkins used for jack-o'-lanterns.

To make homemade puree, you roast the pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and then blend it until smooth. A key difference is that homemade puree often has a higher moisture content, which may need to be adjusted (strained) for specific recipes, especially baked goods where consistency is critical. Many seasoned home bakers find the convenience and reliable results of canned pure pumpkin outweigh the effort of making their own, with some even reporting minimal taste difference in blind tests.

Comparison Table: 100% Pure Pumpkin vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling


Feature	100% Pure Pumpkin (Pumpkin Puree)	Pumpkin Pie Filling (Pumpkin Pie Mix)
Ingredients	Cooked and mashed pumpkin/winter squash. No added ingredients.	Cooked pumpkin/squash with added sugar, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.), and sometimes thickeners.
Flavor Profile	Earthy and mildly sweet, with a natural pumpkin flavor.	Sweet, pre-seasoned with classic pumpkin pie spices.
Applications	Highly versatile for both sweet and savory dishes (pies, muffins, soups, curries, ravioli).	Limited to sweet dessert applications, primarily pumpkin pie.
Texture	Smooth and consistent, ready to be incorporated into recipes.	Thicker, more custard-like consistency due to added ingredients.
Labeling	Labeled as "100% Pure Pumpkin," "Pumpkin Puree," or "Solid Pack Pumpkin."	Clearly marked as "Pumpkin Pie Filling" or "Pumpkin Pie Mix."

How to Choose the Right Product

The process of choosing the right product for your recipe is straightforward once you know the terminology:

For Versatile Cooking: When a recipe calls for pumpkin puree, canned pumpkin, or pure pumpkin, reach for the unadulterated product with no spices or sugar. This gives you complete control over the flavor profile of your dish, whether sweet or savory.
For Quick Baking: If you are specifically making a classic pumpkin pie and want a convenient shortcut, you can use pumpkin pie filling. Just be aware that you will need to adjust or omit the spices and sugar the recipe calls for, as they are already pre-mixed in the can.

Conclusion: No Difference, But Be Careful with the Label

In summary, the terms "100% pure pumpkin" and "pumpkin puree" on a can refer to the identical product: a plain, unseasoned purée of pumpkin or winter squash. The real source of confusion lies in differentiating this product from the pre-sweetened and spiced "pumpkin pie filling." By simply reading the ingredient list on the can, you can confidently select the correct product for your next culinary creation, saving your savory recipes from an unexpected dose of sugar and spice.

For further reading on pumpkin varieties and nutritional details, check out this guide from Healthline.(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin)

Practical Ingredient Alternatives

Butternut squash: For a similar color, flavor, and texture, pureed butternut squash is an excellent substitute for pure pumpkin.
Other winter squashes: Acorn squash and Hubbard squash can also be roasted and pureed for a comparable alternative.
Sweet potato: In some recipes, especially baked goods, pureed sweet potato can be a functional and delicious alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for all practical purposes, 'canned pumpkin,' 'pure pumpkin,' '100% pure pumpkin,' and 'solid-pack pumpkin' all refer to the same product: unsweetened, unspiced, cooked winter squash puree.

The USDA allows for golden-fleshed winter squashes, such as butternut or Dickinson, to be labeled as pumpkin. Manufacturers use these varieties to ensure consistent flavor and texture, so what you taste is likely a blend of pumpkin and similar squashes.

You should not use pumpkin pie filling as a substitute for pure pumpkin in most recipes because it contains added sugar and spices. Using it in a savory dish would produce an undesirable sweet flavor. If making a dessert, you would need to adjust the other ingredients significantly.

This depends on your preference. Canned pumpkin offers superior convenience and consistent results. Homemade puree can have a fresher taste but a more variable texture and flavor depending on the squash variety and moisture content.

The most reliable method is to read the label. Pure pumpkin will list only one ingredient: pumpkin (or squash). Pie filling will explicitly state "pie filling" or "pie mix" and list additional ingredients like sugar and spices.

Pure pumpkin puree is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. This includes pies, muffins, breads, soups, stews, chili, curries, and even pastas.

If you accidentally buy pie filling, you can still use it for pies or other sweet dishes that call for those flavors. However, you would need to adjust the recipe by omitting the added sugar and spices.