I wasn't going to write this review given the time of year. In fact, I'm shocked they picked now to release Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait. I mean we have one Pain Au Lait. Why would we possibly need a second variety right after New Year's?
Taste and review
My unofficial rule is: if it's a baked good from Trader Joe's and says, "Made in France," it's usually good.
To which this is. Very good.
I wasn't totally convinced it was going to be good.
If you've had the privilege of picking up the regular Pain Au Lait or the absolutely wonderful sliced French Brioche, then you know what you are getting into: light, airy bread.
It has the texture of a Martin's Potato Roll in a sense. But it is just a bit more complex in taste. Maybe a Martin's Potato Rolls is a closer analogy given the shape of these.
Now, the chocolate chips here are mini but mighty. They don't add much in terms of texture. There is no snappy crunchy chips here.
Nope. These are the melt in your mouth and almost make you feel like you are having a chocolate confection in the morning. Ok, definitely not one like the Chocolate Croissants. Not much can top that in my book (at least something that came out of my own freezer).
But these are lighter in calories, thus they are technically diet food, right? I mean, maybe just a little ;).
Even then, the chips aren't evenly distributed within the bread. But it doesn't matter. Each bite just tastes good and interesting.
If you are a toast in the morning and tired of the taste, then think about this as a tasty swap for your morning slice. And yes, I totally think this would be awesome heated up. I've polished off two so far. None of them seem to get as far as the toaster oven.
Frequently asked questions
The following are common questions about this product
This bread is terrific with coffee, tea, or a side of fruit.
Yes! They currently sell two varieties of pain au lait or milk bread: regular and chocolate.
Overall
For $2.99 for 8 French-made rolls, they are worth a try. And yes, this type of bread freezes well if you need help with portion control. Just sayin'.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait again. I prefer this variety over the plain, but both are solid choices.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The bag of Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait:
Calories
Ingredients
Out of the package you get:
And a view from the side:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait
Product Name: Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait
Product Description: Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait has the added bonus of mini chocolate chips.
Price: $2.99
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Chocolate Chip Pain Au Lait is the sequel to the popular Pain Au Lait.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- The chocolate chips do add a certain magic to each bite.
- Light airy bread
Cons
- Very easy to eat a few of these in a sitting
- Why do they release goodies like this time of year?
Alek says
French toast would be amazing with these! Or a light snack with fresh berries.
becomebetty says
Holy Cow! Awesome suggestion! Thanks so much for sharing!
Anne with a silent E says
Oh, I need these. Maybe need isn't the right word but it's been added to the list. I agree that the timing is odd but no complaints here either.
becomebetty says
Hey Anne! Totally not a need, but not a bad item to reach for. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Dag says
Omg...... I will have to get me a bag of these. I haven't been receiving notifications of your reviews lately. Has anybody else had problems?
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! Thanks for letting me know. I'll have to look into it to see what is going on with that. Thanks for the heads up!
Paige N. says
I just bought these yesterday (after reading your review!). Anything bread-like plus chocolate is a winner for me. These are delicious. Great with a cup of coffee. Although I agree that it's too easy to eat more than one in a sitting. Thanks as always for your reviews, I always look forward to reading them! 🙂
becomebetty says
Hey Paige! Glad you liked them. Glad I could help!
Dag says
I bought a package of these on my way home tonight and I couldn't wait to get home. I ripped off a piece as I was at a traffic light. Even cold with no warm beverage accompaniment they are so good. I am sort of imagining them either heated or toasted sliced in half with a thin layer Nutella. Yum! YUM! YUM! Brenda- I also noticed a new Indian bread in the frozen food section which I bought.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! Glad you cracked into them. If I didn't sit and take pictures for this blog I would totally be doing the exact same thing. And yes, great suggestion! And thanks for the tip, you made me hunt it down and find it. It was good.
MS says
Dag, your comment made me chuckle- on many occasion I have not waited to get home to try a product. Lol.
H M says
New product alert - TJ's Pancake Bread! "A twist on a buttermilk short stack, baked into a sweet, moist loaf."
becomebetty says
Hey H M! I picked that one up too. So many breads, so many carbs. I'm shocked they are going this direction so close to the New Year. Thanks for the heads up!
Anne with a silent E says
I remembered to come back & comment and share my rating after trying. Love these! Very dangerous but oh so good. And they do remind me of the freezer chocolate croissants which are one of my favorite things.
Related note - I didn't see them this morning and thought I might cry in Trader Joe's. Went around the corner and spotted them on display. So many emotions in such a short time. Almost bought two but I live alone - super impressed at my restraint.
becomebetty says
Hey Anne! Thanks for checking in again. Glad you loved them to and left feedback on them. Don't worry, I'm sure they will be back. And like most of TJs French bread, it will freeze well if you might need to stock up. Thanks again for stopping by!
Rachel says
Loved these! Ate most of the bag in one day and won’t be repurchasing because I have zero self control. They never even made it to the freezer!
becomebetty says
Hey Rachel! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on these. And by the way I haven't repurchased them for the exact same reason.
Geraldine says
In France we also put them in the oven or toaster - makes them crispy and melts the chocolate chips. Recommended 100%
becomebetty says
Great to hear from someone who knows the real deal. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!