Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/6/2006

Question
Does pumpkin pie have to be refrigerated?  I've heard conflicting answers.  Thank you for clarifying.

Answer
Hi Dana,

Sorry for taking so long to answer.  I had your question up to answer when our email at work went down so had to wait until I got home this evening to finish answering!!!

Ah yes --- the question about how to store pumpkin pie.  Pumpkin pie is made with potentially hazardous foods -- eggs, milk and a cooked carbohydrate (pumpkin) all capable of supporting the growth of bacteria. Because it has a pH that supports the growth of bacteria, we recommend that it be refrigerated for storage.

Commercially, some pumpkin pies have been formulated to have a lower pH and thus can be stored at room temperature.  This is why you often see unrefrigerated pies in the grocery store. However, we do not have recipes at home to assure this lower pH so we recommend refrigeration to keep down any possible growth.

I hope this has answered your question. If you should have addtional questions, please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension