Erin Elizabeth
Nothing beats the taste of fresh, warm bread or a decadent pastry straight from the oven when it comes to baked goods.
While you might think that the only way to get these treats is to visit a fancy bakery, you’ll be surprised to know that many grocery stores have bakeries that offer high-quality products at affordable prices.
I’ve visited groceries stores both far and wide to find the best grocery store bakeries across the country and explore what makes them so unique.
Whether you like a classic chocolate chip cookie or a specialty cake, these bakeries will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods is well known as one of the highest-quality grocery stores in the US.
You can always find high-quality goods, including organic, free trade, and locally grown items.
Their bakery section is just as impressive, offering freshly-baked bread, cakes, and cookies made with the freshest ingredients.
You can find everything from classic chocolate chip cookies and croissants to gluten-free, vegan options.
The bakery also offers customized cakes for special occasions, like birthdays and weddings.
Costco
At Costco, you can buy everything in bulk. I always enjoy visiting this grocery because of the free samples, and I almost always get something more than I bargained for.
Their bakery is no exception! You can find cakes, pies, cupcakes, and more in the bakery section.
If you’re looking for a quick snack on the go, they have pre-made cookies and brownies that are perfect for grabbing and going.
If you’re looking for something more unique, they have beautifully decorated cakes that will make any celebration even more memorable.
Kroger
Kroger is a family favorite grocery store, and I grew up visiting one near my childhood home.
I remember walking past the bakery each morning and following my nose to the freshly baked bread and cookies.
They have extensive baked goods, from classic pies and cakes to creative cupcakes.
Kroger’s wide selection of artisan bread, like sourdough and focaccia, makes it stand out.
I also love that they have gluten-free options, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
Publix
If you’re looking for a classic bakery experience, Publix is the place to go.
They have all traditional favorites like cakes, pies, cupcakes, and cookies.
Their selection is made from scratch daily, so you always know you are getting the highest quality.
In addition to their baked goods, the bakery has ready-made meals and sandwiches so you can pick up a quick lunch or dinner.
They also have freshly squeezed lemonade and other drinks.
Safeway
Safeway is the kind of castle when it comes to the best grocery store bakeries.
They have all the usual suspects, like cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. But they take it to the next level with specialty items like bread pudding, turnovers, scones, and even gluten-free options.
One of the things that set Safeway apart is its commitment to freshness.
Their cakes and pies are made from scratch daily, and many stores will update a clock that indicates when the most recent batch of pies came out of the oven.
Safeway’s best grocery store bakery is the freshly baked bread you can use on their homemade sandwiches.
The sandwiches are piled high with freshly sliced deli meat, cheese, and veggies.
I recommend that you buy an extra sandwich to go so you can bring it to lunch tomorrow.
Wegman’s
Wegman’s is a hidden gem for the best grocery store bakeries. They have all the classic favorites like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
But they also have an expansive selection of European-style pastries like croissants and danishes made fresh daily.
You can also get fancy desserts like cheesecakes, dipped strawberries, shortcakes, and eclairs.
I love the eclairs and cheesecakes. They taste like something you would get at a fancy bakery.
Most people need to learn that Wegman’s Bakery offers high-quality baked goods. What makes Wegman’s stand out is the ability to customize your order.
You can choose what type of cake you want, the icing, and the design. So if you’re looking for something special, this is the place to order it.
Meijer
If you want to find something extraordinary, Meijer is your place.
Not only do they have a wide selection of classic baked goods, but they also have unique offerings like macarons and Belgian waffles.
Their desserts are top-notch. I love their Belgian waffles. They are so light and flakey.
Their cakes are awe-inspiring, and you can get custom-decorated creations that will wow your guests. The only downside is that their selection of bread can be limited.
Head to Meijer if you are interested in delicious pastries, but you may want to stop somewhere else for some artisanal bread.
Despite the limited bread selection, Meijer is easily one of the best grocery store bakeries.
Albertsons
Albertsons has a classic bakery like the other grocery stores on this list.
Unfortunately, the selection is not as great as places like Safeway or Wegman’s. However, you can still buy the essentials like fresh bread, cupcakes, and pies.
The assortment of pastries at Albertsons needs to be improved compared to other stores.
Additionally, the quality of the pastries is not up to par with those from other establishments.
Unlike at other stores, custom cakes and pies are unavailable at Albertsons.
Target
Target is breaking into the grocery store scene. Many Targets do not offer a wide selection of groceries; some have even started having bakeries.
While not as expansive as the traditional bakeries, Target still offers a wide selection of freshly-baked goods. You can buy classic cookies, freshly baked bread, and some pastries.
Target’s bakery is also unique because they offer some items that are hard to find in other stores.
For example, Target carries a great selection of vegan and gluten-free items. So if you have dietary restrictions, Target can be a great option.
Make sure you double-check if your nearest Target has a bakery. Not all of them do.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has a great selection of goodies. They offer all the classic baked goods in any grocery store bakery.
Trader Joe’s has some specialty items like freshly baked pretzels, fruit scones, and many different flavors of muffins.
Trader Joe’s has unique flavor combinations, like pumpkin-spice muffins and churro cupcakes. The churro cupcakes are a personal favorite.
Their seasonal menu is the best of any grocery store on this list. It is constantly rotating, and the options are always new and exciting.
You can check out their website if you want to know what the latest items are.
Walmart
Walmart is the most accessible store on this list. They have bakeries in nearly every one of their stores, so you will never have to travel too far for some freshly-baked goods.
Walmart has a wide selection of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and bread.
However, the quality of the baked goods is lower than the other grocery stores on this list.
Walmart’s selection of pies is also lacking, so if you are looking for something special, head somewhere else.
Walmart is great for everyday baked goods, but to impress your party guests, visit one of the other stores on this list.