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Trader Joe's Coins of the World Review: Gelt Your Hands on These

Trader Joe's Coins of the World are one of those items that quietly show up each holiday season and instantly feel nostalgic. If you grew up with chocolate gelt around Hanukkah, these are the Trader Joe's version of that childhood classic, complete with shiny foil wrappers and chocolate coins stamped with designs from around the globe. They are fun, festive, and at $2.49, an easy way to add a little holiday spirit to your cart. Are they life-changing chocolate? No. But are they charming, snackable, and perfect for gifting or holiday tables? Absolutely.

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Coins of the World on a pink surface.

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Review

Trader Joe's Coins of the World are milk chocolate coins wrapped in colorful foils featuring currency designs from different countries. Each package includes an assortment of sizes and wrapper styles, all priced at $2.49. They look festive and make a great addition to gift baskets, place settings, or holiday celebrations.

If you go into Trader Joe's Coins of the World expecting premium chocolate, you will be disappointed. But if you expect classic holiday chocolate coins with a fun international spin, these deliver exactly that.

The milk chocolate is sweet and simple, very much in line with traditional gelt. It melts quickly, tastes familiar, and scratches that holiday chocolate itch. The real charm here is in the presentation. The coins look bright and fun, and the international currency designs are a cute update to the classic gold foil look.

Flavor wise, they are not on the level of Trader Joe's higher end chocolate bars. These are a nostalgic treat rather than a gourmet one. They are fun to have, fun to gift, and fun to pull out for a holiday spread, but not something you need to rush out and buy multiple bags of.

Overall, I would call Trader Joe's Coins of the World a festive extra rather than an essential holiday buy.

A Brief History of Gelt

Chocolate gelt has been around for just over a century, but the idea behind it is much older. The word gelt literally means money in Yiddish. Historically, real coins were given to children during Hanukkah as early as the seventeenth century. They were rewards for studying and gifts from elders. Over time, teachers were included too, receiving coins from students during the holiday.

The chocolate version began in the early twentieth century when European chocolatiers started wrapping chocolate disks in gold foil to mimic real coins. By the mid twentieth century, chocolate gelt became a widely embraced part of Hanukkah celebrations. Even though chocolate gelt is not a religious requirement, it became a beloved cultural tradition. Families use it for games of dreidel, stocking stuffers, table settings, or simply as a festive treat.

Trader Joe's Coins of the World follow that same tradition, but with an international twist.

Nutritional facts and ingredients in Trader Joe's Coins of the World.

How to Use or Serve

Add to Hanukkah or holiday dessert boards
Use as stocking stuffers or gift toppers
Pair with dreidel games for a fun, traditional activity
Scatter on a holiday table as edible decor
Include in classroom or workplace treat bags

FAQs about Trader Joe's Coins of the World

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

Are Trader Joe's Coins of the World the same as chocolate gelt?

They are very similar, just with international designs instead of traditional foil.

Are they good quality chocolate?

They are more fun than fancy. Think holiday gelt style chocolate.

What do they taste like?

Classic milk chocolate. Sweet, simple, and nostalgic.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Coins of the World are a playful, nostalgic holiday treat. The chocolate is simple and sweet, the presentation is charming, and the price is great. While they are not a gourmet chocolate moment, they bring holiday cheer and make an easy addition to any seasonal setup.

If you want a fun twist on classic gelt or you need something small and festive for gifting or decorating, Trader Joe's Coins of the World fit the bill. Not a must buy, but absolutely a fun to have.

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Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas Review: Not Exactly a Flavor Voyage

Every now and then Trader Joe's releases something that sounds whimsical enough to make you toss it into your cart without thinking. Enter Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas. The name alone made me picture some kind of mini garlic bread boat ready to whisk me away to Carb-landia. And while the idea is cute: a split loaf filled with garlic sauce and cheese, the execution doesn't quite live up to the fantasy.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas.

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Review

Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas come as a pack of two small, boat-shaped breads that have been hollowed out slightly and filled with a garlic cheese spread. They crisp up nicely in the oven, and they're meant to serve as a snack, appetizer, or a vehicle for toppings.

In theory, they're like garlic bread meets a sandwich pocket. In practice… they lean more novelty than necessity. Especially when you consider they already sell Ready to Bake Garlic Bread.

These start out promising. Warm them up, and the exterior gets beautifully crisp: exactly what you want from a garlicky carb. But once you bite in, the flavor starts to fall apart a little.

Yes, they're garlicky, but somehow not garlicky enough. The cheese helps add richness, but the filling doesn't have the punch I was hoping for. The bread itself is fine, but it feels like it's waiting for someone else to bring the excitement.

Size-wise, they're also smaller than I expected. They're barely sandwich-sized, and the well in the center doesn't leave much room for fillings. So if you were dreaming of loading these up with meatballs, chicken, or veggies, the space isn't there for a truly hearty sandwich.

They're not bad, they're perfectly edible, but they're not as fun or flavorful as they look. I might repurchase them once in a blue moon, but if I'm craving something garlicky from Trader Joe's, their classic garlic bread still wins without question.

Nutritional facts, ingredients and details about Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas.

How to Serve

These can be prepared in the oven at 425°F. Heat for 10-12 minutes. They can be eaten after they cool.

If you're giving these a try, here are a few easy ways to make them work:

Fill with warm marinara for a pizza-bread moment
Stuff with scrambled eggs and a sprinkle of cheese for a breakfast upgrade
Serve with soup, especially tomato or minestrone
Top with sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add some depth
Use as a dipper for spinach-artichoke dip, queso, or creamy tomato sauce

A fully cooked Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas on a dark place next to the original box.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

What do Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas taste like?

They're lightly garlicky with a creamy cheese filling, but the flavor is milder than expected.

How many come in a package?

You get two gondolas per box.

Are they crispy or soft?

They crisp up nicely in the oven, especially around the edges.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas are a fun idea that doesn't quite hit full flavor potential. They look cute, they crisp up well, and they're easy to prepare. But the garlic flavor is more muted than I hoped for, the bread is just average, and the size makes them hard to customize. If you spot them and are curious, they're worth trying once. But if you're choosing between these and the classic garlic bread, the garlic bread wins by a mile.

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Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs Review: A Flair for Eclair

Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs is one of those products that grabs you before you even open the box. The photo on the front is flawless, bakery chic, dessert tray ready. So naturally, I braced myself for a pastry glow-up. But when I opened my box at home, the presentation was more… let's say "interpretive." Some of my eclairs looked like they had a rough commute. A few looked like they needed a union break. One looked like someone gave up halfway through piping. Still, looks are only half the story. The real test is taste, and flavor is where Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs start to shine.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs.

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Review

Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs come frozen and include six distinct flavors:

Lemon
Raspberry
Vanilla with sprinkles
Salted caramel
Dark chocolate
Coffee

These are classic choux pastries filled with flavored pastry creams and topped with frosting or decorative elements. They are thaw and serve, which makes them a great option for entertaining or a quick dessert plate. With the flavor options, these are different from the eclairs they used to offer.

Let's get the truth out of the way. Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs do not always look like the box. Some will, some won't, and some will truly surprise you with how chaotic they appear. But once you get past appearance, the pastry and fillings really do deliver.

Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs out of the box and next to the original package.

Lemon

My lemon éclair looked like someone quit their job mid swirl, but the flavor was bright, citrusy, and refreshing. The filling was surprisingly zesty and well balanced.

Raspberry

A prettier one in my box, but the real victory was the flavor. Sweet with the right amount of tart. The freeze dried raspberry on top didn't add much texture, but it did look cute.

Vanilla with Sprinkles

This one tasted the most traditional. Vanilla pastry cream with a generous amount of sprinkles that added a nice crunch. It felt nostalgic in the best way.

Salted Caramel

A little under frosted and not as bold as I wanted, but still enjoyable. Sweet, creamy, and just enough caramel to keep you going back for another bite.

Dark Chocolate

Probably the best decorated of my batch and absolutely delicious. Deep chocolate flavor that walked the line between semisweet and rich. A standout.

Coffee

A very fun finish. More latte than espresso, but still smooth and flavorful. Mine came with a tiny decorative coffee bean that had completely given up staying attached, but that was more cute than concerning.

Overall Thoughts

Despite the questionable frosting application, the pastry itself is light as air, holds a generous amount of filling, and tastes like something you might find in a bakery display case. Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs are impressive in flavor and texture.

If you want a dessert that tastes homemade and looks mostly homemade, these are it. Just do not expect them to look exactly like the box unless your store received the overachiever batch.

Nutritional facts and ingredients in Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs.

How to Serve

Here are a few fun serving ideas:

Use as part of a brunch dessert board
Dust with powdered sugar for a quick bakery makeover
Add fresh berries to dress up a dessert platter
Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel

Variety in Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

Do Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs need to be baked?

No, just thaw and serve.

How sweet are they?

Sweet but balanced, with tart, rich, or creamy notes depending on the flavor.

Would I buy them again?

Absolutely. They are great for parties and easy desserts.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs may not be winning any beauty pageants right out of the box, but they absolutely win on flavor. The pastry is airy, the fillings are generous, and the variety keeps things interesting. They taste impressive even if their frosting occasionally has a mind of its own.

If you want a crowd-pleasing dessert with no effort, or something that feels fancy without the baking, Trader Joe's Assorted Mini Eclairs are a solid yes. I would definitely buy them again.

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Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants Review: A Flaky, Chocolatey Win

Some Trader Joe's products don't just "come back," they return with fanfare. Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants fall squarely into that category. These aren't new, but they've officially reached cult-status territory. Every time they reappear in the freezer section, people react the same way: with excitement, urgency, and maybe a backup box or two. And honestly? I get it. Trader Joe's croissants have a reputation for delivering bakery-level results at home, and these are no exception.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants.

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Review

Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants come frozen, unproofed, and filled with a generous amount of chocolate. They need to rest and rise overnight - the same process as the classic chocolate croissants and then bake into large, glossy pastries with flaky layers and a gooey center. You get four croissants per box. They're part pastry, part dessert, and every bit as indulgent as they sound.

If you've tried Trader Joe's frozen croissants before, you already know the drill: proof them overnight, pop them in the oven, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a French bakery. The Double Chocolate Croissants take that experience and dial it up a notch.

Once baked, they puff dramatically and develop those signature flaky, buttery layers that make TJ's croissants so beloved. I highly recommend brushing them with a quick egg wash, even though the box doesn't call for it: it gives them that professional, glossy finish that looks straight out of a pastry case.

The exterior gets beautifully crisp, while the inside stays soft and tender. The real star, though, is the chocolate-on-chocolate moment. You get a chocolatey dough on the outside and a pain au chocolat-style interior with melty chocolate running down the center. Just keep in mind you need to allow these to cool unless you want to burn your mouth. It's rich, decadent, and exactly what you want on a weekend morning or as an evening treat.

My only complaint? They're seasonal. These could easily be a year-round freezer staple for me. Every time I spot them, I grab a box because I know they won't be around long. If they were more consistently stocked, I'd be buying them without hesitation.

Nutritional facts and ingredients in Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants.

How to Serve

These croissants are perfect on their own with their chocolate flavor, but here are some fun ways to elevate them:

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar
Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy breakfast
Slice in half and fill with fresh berries and whipped cream
Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top for extra decadence

Instructions

Based on the directions on the box or heat in an air fryer.

Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants on a baking sheet next to the original box.

Step 1: Place Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants on a baking sheet and allow to proof overnight.

Risen Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants on a cookie sheet.

Step 2: They should double in size like so.

Fully baked Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants.

Step 3: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Optional: Before baking, add an egg wash. You can see the difference it makes it appearance. It has no bearing on the final taste.

The difference in the oven vs air fryer.

Air Fryer Users: Proof overnight and place proofed Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants in the air fryer at 320°F for 5-7 minutes. Yes, both of these have an egg wash on them.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

How many croissants come in a box?

You get four croissants per box.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can, but a quick egg wash gives them a bakery-style shine and deeper color.

Are they seasonal?

Unfortunately, yes. So if you try them and love them you might want to pick up an extra box or two.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissants are everything fans love about the TJ's croissant line: flaky, buttery, deeply chocolatey, and absolutely worth the wait. If you're already a fan of their regular chocolate croissants, these are a guaranteed hit. The only downside is how hard they can be to find. When they pop back onto shelves, I always grab them because they disappear fast. These are an easy "yes" from me, and I wish Trader Joe's would make them a permanent item.

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Holiday Spread: Is the Price of Trader Joe's Thanksgiving Worth the Premium Over Lidl or ALDI?

Thanksgiving is creeping up and if you're hosting, you've probably started eyeballing turkey, sides and pie with one eye on the bill. On a recent trip I noticed that a full spread at Trader Joe's looked significantly more expensive than what rival chains are offering. So I decided to dig in: how do Trader Joe's, ALDI and Lidl stack up when it comes to Thanksgiving pricing, selection and value? Spoiler: if budget is your goal, the difference is glaring.

Trader Joe's Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast with Gravy on a white plate with cranberry and the box in back

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Snapshot of Each Retailer

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's leans into unique, seasonal items with flair: think interesting sides, limited-edition snacks, and curated holiday dishes. They do a great job at novelty and flavor but that often comes with a premium price. A note: their "Thanksgiving" landing page highlights "our take on the best-quality Thanksgiving essentials and exclusive-to-us goodies." While I found pricing data scarce for a full "meal for 10" bundle, individual items tend to sit higher than the basic value chains.

ALDI

ALDI has staked out the value-host territory this season. Their "Host Thanksgiving for 10 for just $40" promotion is hard to ignore. The bundle includes everything from turkey to sides, so the per-person cost lands at about $4. If you're aiming to feed a group without the sticker shock, ALDI is making the case.

Lidl

Not be be outdone, Lidl said, "hold my beer" and raised the bar and lowered the price of Thanksgiving for 10 to just $36.

And Amazon? Just $25, but for 5 people.

In a time when there are people struggling, I was hoping Trader Joe's would throw their customers a bone. Nope. Trader Joe's chose to be the splurge option.

So how much will a Trader Joe's Thanksgiving cost you for roughly comparable items? A Lidl location just opened up near me, and it was an eye-opening experience to see the difference.

Item	Lidl	Trader Joe's
Turkey	$0.25 per pound 13lb turkey $3.25	$2.49-$3.99 per pound 13lb turkey $32.37-$51.87
Canned Pumpkin	$1.19	$2.49
3 lbs. Yellow Onions	$1.65	$3.99 (organic)
5 lbs. Russet Potatoes	$2.99	$3.49
Celery	$0.95	$2.49
Chicken Broth	$1.00	$1.99
2x Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup	$1.00	$4.98
Cut Green Beans	$1.00	$2.49 (fresh)
Evaporated Milk	$0.99	Not sold at TJs
3 lbs Sweet Potatoes	$2.07	$2.79
Fried Onions	$3.49	$3.49
Whipped Topping	$0.99	$2.99 (canned whipped cream)
Brown Gravy	$0.39	$1.69
2x Jelly Cranberry	$2.98	$6.58 ($3.29 each)
Mini Marshmallows	$0.89	$2.99
Pie Crust Dough	$2.29	$4.49
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls	$1.79	$3.49
Poultry Seasoning	$0.95	$2.99 (Everything but the Stuffing Seasoning)
2x Stuffing Mix	$1.58	$4.99
2x Baby Carrots	$1.78	$1.99 (1.5 lb bag)
2x Boxes Mac and Cheese	$1.12	$1.98
Grand Total (assuming a 13 lb turkey)	$34.33	$94.75-$114.25

A fully heated through Trader Joe's Brined Bone In Half Turkey Breast

My Take

When I walked through Trader Joe's this year I loved seeing the holiday spreads and unique items. But I also winced a little at the total because it felt like the price per person was easily double (or more) what I could get at Aldi or Lidl for a comparable meal. If I were feeding a big group and cost was important, I'd likely lean toward ALDI or Lidl for the bulk of the meal, then pick one or two Trader Joe's 'fun' items to make it special. If flavor adventure & novelty is my goal and budget is less of a concern, then sure: I'd go full Trader Joe's. But for most everyday hosts, I feel the premium is hard to justify.

Value vs Experience: What You Get for the Extra Cost

If you're paying more at Trader Joe's, what are you really getting?

Flavor/novelty: Trader Joe's often has the interesting twists - special packaging, curated snacks, unique holiday flavors.
Pre-prepared convenience: Some items may be easier (less work) than starting fully from scratch.
Premium ingredients or branding: You're paying for the "Trader Joe's experience" as much as the food.

Versus the budget chains where:

The focus is on cost-efficiency, less on novelty.
You may need to do more cooking from basic ingredients.
The flavor profiles may be more standard.

So the question becomes: is the premium worth it for you? If your goal is "feed many, cost low," → budget chains win. If your goal is "make this holiday meal memorable/flavor-forward" and budget is less of a barrier → Trader Joe's could make sense.

Final Thoughts

If your top priority is cost per person and feeding 10+ people on a budget → ALDI and Lidl clearly win.
If your top priority is flavor adventure, unique items and less "ordinary" sides → Trader Joe's delivers, but you'll pay up for it.
A hybrid strategy might be the sweet spot: pick up the core at ALDI or Lidl, and throw in one or two Trader Joe's items for flair.
Bottom line: yes, Trader Joe's is more expensive for Thanksgiving when compared head-to-head with budget chains and that's ok, but you should go in with your expectations and budget aligned.
If you are wondering about Trader Joe's Picks from Prep to Pie, check out my post on my favorites.

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