Trader Joe’s has quietly launched a new frozen pastry – the “Morning Bun” – that shoppers are already hailing as a major win for convenience and taste. The product, which sells for $4.99 for a pack of four, delivers a bakery-quality experience at a fraction of the cost.
The New Arrival
The buns began appearing in Trader Joe’s freezer aisles in January and are now available nationwide. According to the store, they’re made using the same dough as their popular chocolate and almond croissants. The buns feature a cinnamon and brown sugar filling, brightened with orange zest.
The Catch: Proofing Required
Like other Trader Joe’s frozen pastries, these require proofing for seven to nine hours (or overnight) before baking. This step isn’t a drawback, though; the proofing process results in a significantly enhanced texture. The package recommends baking at 375°F for 16 minutes.
Taste Test: Flaky, Buttery, and Delicious
The resulting pastry is described as exceptionally flaky, with a buttery interior and a prominent orange zest flavor. The cinnamon-sugar filling is generous, and caramelized brown sugar pools at the bottom of the bun during baking, eliminating the need for icing. One reviewer stated they preferred this pastry over both croissants and cinnamon rolls.
Why This Matters
Trader Joe’s is known for its high-quality, affordable private-label products. The Morning Bun fits that profile perfectly: it provides a premium breakfast experience at a budget-friendly price point. As inflation continues to impact food costs, products like this will likely become even more appealing to consumers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
The success of this launch demonstrates how frozen baked goods can compete directly with fresh options, especially when leveraging convenience and affordability.
Trader Joe’s Morning Buns offer a simple, affordable way to enjoy a high-quality pastry at home. The proofing requirement may seem like a hurdle, but the taste justifies the extra step.
