Trader Joe’s is known for its wide range of baked goods, and their Pain Au Lait is one of the most versatile options in the lineup. These soft, slightly sweet milk rolls are perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a snack, offering a delicate flavor and fluffy texture that makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them plain, toasted with butter, or filled with your favorite sandwich ingredients, Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait brings a little French bakery charm to your table.
At $3.49 for an eight-pack, these rolls are not only delicious but also reasonably priced, making them an easy addition to any grocery haul.
Product Description
Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait is a French-style milk bread, known for its light and fluffy texture with a slight sweetness. These rolls are soft and golden on the outside, with a pillowy crumb on the inside. The subtle sweetness makes them ideal for both savory and sweet applications, offering flexibility in how you use them. They are pre-sliced, making them convenient for sandwiches or quick toasting.
Perfect for a wide range of uses, these rolls can be enjoyed as part of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they also make a fantastic snack.
Honest Review of Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait
Flavor: The flavor of these rolls is mild, with just a hint of sweetness that makes them perfect for pairing with a variety of flavors. The milk gives the bread a slight richness, but it’s not overpowering. Whether you’re spreading on some jam for breakfast or using it as a base for a ham and cheese sandwich, the subtle sweetness complements both sweet and savory toppings.
Texture: The texture is where Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait really shines. The rolls are soft and light, with a slight chewiness that gives them a satisfying bite. The outside has a gentle golden crust, but it’s not too firm, keeping the whole experience soft and fluffy. These rolls also toast well, developing a nice crisp exterior while maintaining their soft interior.
Overall: These rolls perform beautifully in a range of situations. They’re soft enough for sandwiches and burgers but hold up well to toasting. Whether you’re making a breakfast sandwich, a slider, or just enjoying them with butter, they offer a lot of versatility. They also freeze well, so you can stock up without worrying about them going stale too quickly.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Wheat Flour: The base of the rolls, provides structure and a light, airy texture.
- Milk: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the bread.
- Butter: Contributes to the soft, pillowy texture and adds flavor.
- Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
How to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait
- Toast for Breakfast: Toast the rolls and serve with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey for a simple yet satisfying breakfast.
- Make Sliders or Mini Sandwiches: Use these soft rolls for sliders or mini sandwiches, whether savory with deli meats or sweet with Nutella and banana.
- French Toast: Turn the rolls into French toast for a luxurious breakfast. Their soft texture soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.
Recipe Suggestions
- Breakfast Slider: Fill the rolls with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a delicious breakfast slider.
- Mini French Toast: Slice the rolls and soak them in an egg mixture for mini French toast bites. Top with syrup and berries.
- Ham and Brie Sandwich: Spread the inside of the roll with mustard, add slices of ham and brie, and grill for a warm, melty sandwich.
FAQs on Trader Joe's Pain au Lait
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No, this product contains wheat and is not gluten-free.
Yes, these rolls can be frozen and reheated later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to preserve freshness.
Once opened, the rolls should be consumed within 3–4 days for optimal freshness. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
The rolls have a mild sweetness, but they aren’t overly sugary. They’re balanced enough to be used with both sweet and savory toppings.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait is a delightful and versatile addition to your breakfast or snack lineup. With its soft, buttery texture and mild sweetness, it’s perfect for a range of uses, from simple toast with jam to more indulgent dishes like French toast or bread pudding. The rolls are pre-baked and ready to eat, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or quick snacks. At $3.49 for eight rolls, they’re affordable and offer a little taste of France right at home. While they’re not gluten-free, their tender crumb and light flavor make them a hit for anyone looking for a delicious bread option. If you love this you should also consider checking out their chocolate chip pain au lait as well.
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Trader Joe's Pain au Lait
Product Name: Trader Joe's Pain au Lait
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait is a soft, buttery French milk bread that’s perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe’s Pain Au Lait is a soft, buttery French milk bread that’s perfect for breakfast or snacks.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Light, Fluffy Texture: The rolls are soft, tender, and melt in your mouth.
- Mild Sweetness: The slight sweetness makes them versatile for sweet or savory applications.
- Convenient: Pre-baked and ready to eat, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
- Affordable: At $3.49 for eight rolls, they’re budget-friendly.
Cons
- Not Gluten-Free: Unfortunately, this product contains wheat and isn’t suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Limited Shelf Life: The rolls are best enjoyed within a few days of opening or freezing.
Jeannie says
I’m convinced and I think I am going to pick up a bag. I’m not sure how I came across your blog, but I am really happy I did. Thank you for your daily posts and detailed photos. Among the many TJ blogs, I’ve read, I like yours the best for those reasons. Your tempting photo of the brioche toast also convinced me to get a loaf…TJ should thank you for my patronage ?
becomebetty says
Hey Jeannie! Thanks for stopping by. Your comment made my day. Thanks again.
Lila says
Do you think these rolls would be too sweet to use for hot dog buns? I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a Mitsuwa (Japanese grocery store), but they have a bakery and sell these AMAZING mini hot dogs inside of these sweet buns. They’re so freaking good and these rolls look really similar.
becomebetty says
Hey Lila,
I do actually think they would work as hot dog buns. They are the perfect shape, but because of their soft nature and the fact they aren't precut it might be a bit difficult. The flavor (and texture for that matter) is actually sort of close to a King's Hawaiian Roll if that answers your question. I would also consider putting pulled pork on these rolls as well. Thanks for stopping by!