Bakery bargains aren’t always easy to come by. But you don’t have to break the bank just to satisfy your sweet tooth or stock up on a savory selection of bread. We’ve got you covered with the best Trader Joe’s hacks for finding affordable options.
Are you looking for something beyond the standard chocolate chip muffin or cupcake? We scoured TJ’s bakery section for hidden gems you might not think to buy.
Our round-up includes everything from decadent sea salt-sprinkled brownie bites to hearty French onion focaccia. And bonus, this list features delicious deals that will fit into your monthly shopping budget.
Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Trader Joe’s Sea Salt Brownie Bites
Price: $2.99
You’ll get the best of both worlds in one little bite. The sweet and salty brownies are mouthwatering minis that are perfect as-is.
But if you want to dress them up, add a spritz of whipped cream, a dollop of TJ’s Greek yogurt with honey ($5.49), or a drizzle of Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce ($3.99).
Trader Joe’s Brookie
Price: $4.49
You’re craving a cookie — but also want a brownie. Now you don’t have to choose.
Trader Joe’s Brookie is a combo sweet treat featuring decadent, fudgy chocolate brownies smothered in a generous layer of chocolate chip cookies. You can snag an eight-pack for under $4.50. Whole Foods Market sells its store-brand Brookies for $7.99.
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake
Price: $4.99
The Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean Mini Sheet Cake (also $4.99) gets all the glory. Even though the vanilla version is a sought-after fan favorite, the dark chocolate ganache treat is just as sweet.
Trader Joe’s six-serving cake is perfect alone, but you can always add sprinkles, ice cream, or a flavored whipped topping.
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Trader Joe’s Half Moon Cookies
Price: $3.49
Get 10 half-dark fudge-half-white icing cookies for less than $3.50 right now. Target sells Entenmann’s 10-count of Black and Whites for over $2 more ($6.69).
Trader Joe’s French Onion Focaccia Bread
Price: $4.99
Sweet treats aren’t the only thing you’ll find in Trader Joe’s bakery section. This French onion focaccia is a savory side that you can serve with soup, a salad, seafood, or a roast.
Or, if you dare, slice the bread and use it to make the ultimate gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
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Trader Joe’s Chocolate Brooklyn Babka
Price: $5.99
Seinfeld fans know the lure of a classic New York-style chocolate babka. Don’t worry; you won’t have to take a trip to the Big Apple to snag one for yourself. Trader Joe’s Brooklyn Babka has the classic brioche taste and sweet chocolatey swirl you’d expect from this traditional treat.
Trader Joe’s Olive Fougasse
Price: $3.49
Fougasse? If this is new to you, you aren’t alone. But don’t wait to snag your four-pack. This French version of the focaccia is a light, crispy bread that Trader Joe’s shoppers adore. No-Understanding4968 posted on the TJ’s subreddit, “Don’t sleep on the Olive Fougasse…It’s got a lovely texture and just the right amount of olives. 10/10.”
Trader Joe’s Almond Danish Pastry
Price: $4.99
Shoppers rave about the Danish Princess Pastry ($4.99) and adore the almond croissants ($5.49) — but what about this combo? The round swirl of baked goodness makes the Almond Danish Pastry a top treat. Even though this brunch-ready bargain is more than mouthwatering, it often goes overlooked. Do yourself a favor and nab the under-$5 coffee cake-like sweet ASAP.
Trader Joe’s Glazed Chocolate Donut Holes
Price: $3.49
You don’t have to shop at a donut shop to get these sweet little spheres. And bonus, Trader Joe’s glazed chocolate covered treats are gluten and dairy-free.
Not only is this bakery bargain more affordable than what you could pay at a bakery, but it also costs less than brand-name buys. Save $0.50 over Katz’s gluten-free version at Target.
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Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Price: $4.99
No gluten? No problem? Trader Joe’s doesn’t only have traditional chocolate chunk cookies. The grocery retailer also sells a gluten-free option. Compare TJ’s $4.99 price tag for a 10.58-ounce box to $6.29 for a seven-ounce bag of Tate’s gluten-free chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods Market.
Trader Joe’s Hand-Braided Challah Bread
Price: $4.49
Whether you want this loaf for a holiday meal or just crave the buttery egg-based bread, this is a must-have bakery bargain. Make a savory sandwich, slather hummus on a slice, or toast it and dunk the challah into your favorite soup.
Trader Joe’s British Style Crumpets
Price: $2.99
You don’t have to jet across the Atlantic to pick up a pack of this British breakfast treat. Score an 11-ounce pack for under $3. Wolfermans charges $24.99 for a double-pack of its crumpets. That’s $9.50 more per package than Trader Joe’s price.
Trader Joe’s Mini Orange Cranberry Tea Scones
Price: $4.99
A delicate, sweetly citrus taste makes these lux scones a hidden gem you need to pick up.
If you’re wondering whether the lesser-known buy is worth almost $5, take it from Redditor madalli, “The best. Eating a whole bag now.”
Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread
Price: $4.49
Trader Joe’s turned the classic buttermilk breakfast favorite into a rich maple bread. Instead of spending the morning flipping flap-jacks, all you need to do is slice this loaf. Eat the bread warm, with syrup, or layer it under a fluffy egg white omelet.
Trader Joe’s Coconut Macaroons
Price: $3.79
This classic cookie is moist, decadent, and packed with sweet coconut. The 10-ounce pack is a budget-friendly bakery bargain for $3.79. Target sells the same size of its Favorite Day store-brand macaroons for over $1 more ($4.99).
Bottom line
Unlike bakery staples you can find at most grocery stores, our list features some not-so-obvious items (like babka and brookies) that deserve more love from customers. Whether you’re craving cookies or looking for something on the savory side, these Trader Joe’s finds are budget-friendly bargains.
Even though the hidden treasures of the bakery section are some of our top TJ’s choices, these aren’t the only deals we spotted. You can also save more on everyday essentials, frozen foods, and prepared meals right now.
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