Texas woman goes to buy viral Sweet Karoline pie at H-E-B. It’s in stock—there’s just one problem: ‘This is Walmart behavior’

Pie remains a top favorite dessert in the United States. Since there’s various designs and flavors, it usually caters to multiple palates. But there’s one in particular sending Texans still rushing to their nearest H-E-B: the Sweet Karoline pie.

What Is The H-E-B Sweet Karoline Pie?

Sweet Karoline (or its full name Sweet Karoline & Key Lime Cold Pie) is a limited-time spring dessert, located in the H-E-B bakery section. A sweeter version of its Key Lime pie cousin, this nine-inch treat contains a rich, tart key lime filling with a hint of sweet honey. Its topped in blackberries, whipped cream, donut sugar, and French sponge cake crumbles. 

This signature appearance and flavor captured consumers’ taste buds last year thanks to popular food vloggers, and made a comeback this spring, according to My San Antonio. Although it’s summertime, this hasn’t stopped people from scavenging their local H-E-B bakery. And some will do anything to get their hands on the confection.

What Did This Woman Do At H-E-B?

“I know you see that [expletive] pie right there,” TikTok creator Elyiahhh (@elyiahhh512) says, referring to the viral sensation behind the refrigerated display case at an H-E-B bakery in Austin. “I’ve been wanting it for about a month, and there’s nobody back here.”

To prove it, she pans the camera behind the counter, where the lights are on but there’s not a soul in sight. However, she refuses to wait any longer for it.

Her patience wearing thin, she decides to take matters into her own hands by walking into the kitchen and rummaging through their rack until the content creator grabs a plastic-domed pie container.

“We’re getting the pie. [Expletive] the bull[expetive],” Elyiahhh says, heading back to the display case. “We got the pie bickers ready, and now we get the pie.”

Then, she crouches, opens the glass door, retrieves the pie, and places it in the container.

“I don’t know if this is legal or not. Sorry, H-E-B, y’all need to have pie people here 25/8,” she says, securing the lid. “We got it sold,” she says, handing the pie to her daughter.

Viewers Are Appalled

Elyiahhh’s video garnered over 51,000 views. Her antics sparked heated criticism among many.

“This is Walmart behavior. NOT HEB behavior,” one viewer condemned.

“Ma’am.. this is not the flex you think it is,” another remarked.

“That is rude. Ask for help jeeze!” a third criticized.

Even alleged H-E-B workers blood boiled.

“As an heb employee, never do some [expletive] like this again,” one commenter stated.

“Sending this to my manager cause wtf. literally don’t do this,” a second said.

In the comments section, Eliyahhh revealed, “One’s ever at the bakery and I just needed that pie lol. yes it was actually delicious. I paid for it.”

Is This Illegal?

By definition, taking anything without intent to pay is theft. Under Texas law, stealing items below $100 is a Class C misdemeanor. So, Eliyahhh didn’t commit a crime at H-E-B if she allegedly paid for it. However, it doesn’t free her from possible other consequences. Other alleged workers discussed situations in a r/HEB subreddit.

A worker shared how a male customer “decided to walk past it and get our (meat cutters) attention by walking over and turning the lights off to the cutting room while we are operating saws.”

Consequently, he was informed, “if he ever did that again, he would be banned from the store.” Another one recalled another customer snatching a cake from behind the counter. When the customer attempted to buy it, “the bakery manager wouldn’t allow him to place it on my belt unless he acknowledged her existence and her offer to tag it for him.”

@elyiahhh512

I finally got my hands on the sweet Karoline blackberry and key lime cold pie y'all

♬ original sound – Elyiahhh

The Mary Sue reached out to Eliyahhh via TikTok comment and direct message as well as H-E-B via press email.

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