Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Sunday, February 16th
Mackenzie Limited has been in the gourmet food business since 1988, originally offering fine foods from the British Isles and Scotland. Today, they provide over 400 specialty items, including a selection of about a dozen pies and tarts. While pies aren't their flagship product - that title belongs to their Scottish Smoked Salmon - you'll still find a competitive selection of baked goods to choose from here.
About a dozen pie and tart flavors to consider
During our most recent visit to the Mackenzie Limited online store, these were the pies (and related desserts) on offer:
Be prepared for ever-increasing shipping costs
One thing to keep in mind when ordering pies from Mackenzie Limited is the cost of delivery. Standard shipping starts at $18.95, expedited at $27.90, and overnight at $43.90 - and that's for orders up to $80. If your order exceeds $250, shipping charges increase to 16% of your total. This can significantly add to your overall cost, so it's worth calculating beforehand.
Glitchy when picking shipping dates in the future
We also had trouble with the "ship at a later date” function during checkout. "Ship as soon as possible” was no problem, but every time we tried to click on the calendar to pick a different window, it would flash on the screen and then disappear. If it's important to you to send your pie at a later time, maybe for a holiday or special occasion, you may have a few extra hoops to jump through when ordering from Mackenzie Limited.
Limited satisfaction guarantee
Mackenzie Limited's satisfaction policy doesn't cover shipping refunds. If your pie arrives damaged or doesn't meet your expectations, customer service may work with you to resolve the issue - but a refund for the shipping fees is off the table. This makes their shipping cost even more important when deciding whether to place an order.
Mixed customer feedback
While Mackenzie Limited has a "B” rating from the Better Business Bureau, it's not entirely reassuring. The company has received 17 complaints in three years and an average rating of just 1.98 stars from over 50 customer reviews. During our research, we discovered that Mackenzie Limited operates as a dropshipper under Chesapeake Fine Food Group LLC, meaning they don't have their own bakery. As one representative explained to a disgruntled customer, their pies might also be available from other vendors or common grocery outlets. Not exactly an "exclusive” feel here... That also means that the way your pie is packed and shipped may vary: one source may use dry ice and ship the pie fresh, while another might send your pie frozen but ready-to-bake.
Some pies are well-loved
Despite the mixed reputation, Mackenzie Limited has a dedicated following, especially for gifting purposes. While not every pie has ratings, some have glowing reviews - like the Caramel Apple Pie, with 4.46 stars from more than 125 customers. Many repeat buyers don't seem bothered by the lack of in-house production, focusing more on the taste and quality of the pies they receive. On the other hand, we were a little disturbed by a reviewer on one of the berry pies that said they had actually broken a tooth on the pits that they found in their dessert. Buyer beware!
A decent option in a pinch
Overall, Mackenzie Limited falls short compared to our top-rated pie retailers, but they still have a long history and some highly rated products. If other pie shops don't have what you're looking for, Mackenzie Limited might be worth considering as a backup option.
Let's talk about convenience. Ordering pies online has made it easier than ever to enjoy a fresh-baked treat without stepping foot in the kitchen. Whether you're planning a celebration, gifting a pie to a loved one, or just satisfying a personal craving, online bakeries offer the ideal solution.
Many vendors ship pies nationwide, carefully packing them so that they arrive fresh and ready to enjoy. You'll find specialty pies from artisan bakeries, classic favorites from heritage brands, and even customizable add-ons to make your order truly unique.
Pies hold a special place in culinary history, dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians are credited with the earliest pie-like recipes, typically made with oats, honey, and dates. (Bake like an Egyptian?) The concept evolved as it traveled through Greece and Rome, where meat-filled pies became a staple.
By the time pies reached medieval Europe, they had transformed into a versatile dish with sweet and savory options wrapped in sturdy crusts. Today, pies are a beloved dessert and comfort food in many cultures, with flavors that range from classic to cutting-edge.
Speaking of flavors, traditional favorites like apple, pumpkin, and pecan remain at the top of the list, especially during the holidays. But adventurous bakers have introduced novel creations to delight the foodie in all of us. Imagine a tangy-sweet key lime pie infused with coconut, a decadent chocolate-bourbon pecan pie, or a savory dinnertime pie like tomato-basil ricotta. Pies continue to adapt to modern tastes, making them a perennial crowd-pleaser.
Ready to order pies online? We are too! As you browse all of your options, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a website:
Ordering pies online is a deliciously easy way to enjoy this timeless treat, and the pie fans at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular pie purveyors (say THAT ten times fast). With so many options at your fingertips, you're sure to find the perfect slice for any occasion - and have it conveniently delivered right to your doorstep!
Select any 2 Pie Delivery to compare them head to head