Whether you’re on your way to a potluck or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after a long day, you find yourself at Trader Joe’s. Your mission: Find the perfect (or at least perfect-for-you) dessert on a tight budget. With only $5 in your wallet, you must emerge bearing a mouthwatering dessert.
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If you think there’s no way to find anything at Trader Joe’s for under $5 — let alone a decadent dessert — you’re in for a surprise. Browsing the aisles at your local Trader Joe’s, you might find delightful desserts that nobody will believe cost less than $5. Only you and the cashier will know.
Black Sesame Mochi: $4.99
Nothing looks — or tastes — quite like these elegant black sesame mochi. With a chic black-gray hue and a unique, nutty flavor, they’re perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in.
These frozen treats are made by infusing a base of milk, cream and cane sugar with roasted, finely ground black sesame seeds. Encased in a rice dough wrapper also flavored with sesame, they need only a few minutes to thaw before they’re ready to enjoy.
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Hazelnut & Cocoa Filled Crêpes: $3.99
Breakfast for dinner? Don’t mind if we do. These velvety-sweet hazelnut and cocoa-filled crêpes pair beautifully with a rich coffee and fresh fruit. Or, if you’re more traditional when it comes to dessert, enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a decaf coffee.
Since they come individually wrapped, they’re great for solo snacking — or for sharing, if you’re feeling generous.
All Butter Apricot Shortbread Cookies: $3.49
Pairing the brightness of apricot with the crumbly richness of shortbread, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser — even if the crowd is just you, dunking cookies in tea after dinner.
To maximize flavor, these cookies are made with freeze-dried apricots, apricot juice concentrate and plenty of butter.
Japanese Soufflé Cheesecakes: $3.49
Want to wow dinner guests with a dessert they likely haven’t seen before? Try these airy little cheesecakes, which blend a fluffy soufflé texture with the creamy density of traditional cheesecake.
Made in Japan, where single-serve cheesecakes are popular, these come in packs of two. At such a low price, you can easily stock up for your guests — and yourself.
Strawberry Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones: $3.99
Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven. These mini strawberry ice cream cones are lined with a chocolatey coating that protects the ice cream while adding extra sweetness. Made with a generous amount of strawberry purée, each bite delivers a burst of fruity decadence.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of Sept. 10, 2025. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Best Desserts To Buy at Trader Joe’s for Under $5
