While pizza brands are slicing deals for Pi Day, March 14, pies are the preferred dessert for the celebration. Whether that scrumptious treat is cut into perfectly equal slices or someone gets a slightly larger wedge, the reality is that some pie flavors are preferred over others. Which pie flavor gets everyone asking for seconds and which one has people taking a pass on dessert?
Pie can be tricky. While people might joke about a soggy bottom, the combination of a flakey, butter crust and a luscious center takes a deft hand. Unlike savory cooking, there is no smidge of this and sprinkle of that. Precision, thoughtfulness, and experience are required for a well-executed dessert.
For Pi Day, Instacart compiled its data to determine a baker’s dozen worth of pie facts to ponder while enjoying that dessert. From favorite to least favorite flavors, everyone is ready to slice a piece of pie.
While Pi Day is celebrated in March, Instacart’s Pie Data shows that people tend to buy more pies closer to Thanksgiving. The day before Thanksgiving sees a surge in purchases. For the person who has never rolled the dough, phoning a friend to pinch hit with that store bought pie saves the celebration.
Since some of the 2024 pie purchasing data is driven by the holiday spike, it makes sense that traditional pie flavors are the most popular orders. Apple, pumpkin and pecan are the top three sellers. Whether served with that turkey, ham, or roast, these options pair well.
Given that Pi Day is celebrated in the spring, it seems less likely that pumpkin will make its way onto the table. While anyone can make that flavor throughout the year, it is doubtful to see it sitting in the store bakery for March 14.
While the popular pies fell into the more obvious category, the less popular options, raspberry and vanilla cream, rarely are part of the conversation. It is surprising that these flavors even made the list. But, there were enough orders that the flavors made the list.
Whether that favorite pie is key lime, cherry, or the classic apple, Pi Day is the perfect reason to enjoy a slice or two. But, one question was left unanswered in all the data. What is the best topping for tasty dessert? Maybe that food debate will be solved next year.