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Canned vs. Fresh Pumpkin: Big Cost Savings

©By Deborah S. Tukua

www.hollycreekbooks.com

Think it’s cost-effective to prepare fresh pumpkin instead of buying it in a can? You bet. You can purchase a few books, or a sweater, with the savings.

The most economical time to purchase a pumpkin for baking is November 1, just after Halloween, when the prices are reduced.

Regardless of when you buy a pumpkin, it still remains cheaper to process your own. Here is the math:

Cost Comparison

The price of a whole pumpkin is $5.99. Although the yield varies based on pumpkin size, the average yield is 320 oz. per pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin, like Libby brand, contains only 15 oz. of pumpkin and costs $1.39 per each can. Store brand pumpkin, meanwhile, retails for $.89 per 15 oz. can.

In order to generate the 320 oz. of pumpkin, you’ll need to purchase 22 cans.

22 cans at $1.39 = $30.58 (Libby brand)

22 cans at $ .89 + $19.58 (store brand)

Results: The savings are great when you prepare your own pumpkin.

$30.58 cans - $5.99 fresh = $24.59 savings instead of buying Libby, buy fresh!

$19.58 cans - $5.99 fresh = $13.59 savings instead of buying store brand, buy fresh!

If you haven’t purchased a pumpkin yet this year, it’s still a great bargain.

Source: Thanks to Veronica at the Southern Family Market in Florence, AL for current pricing information used in this article.