Some snacks vanish from the pantry faster than anyone expects. A small purple box from Trader Joe’s is a perfect example, and a shopper on Reddit says they ate the entire box in a single day.
Trader Joe’s Chewy Thai Coconut Cakes cost $3.79 for a package of nine. They were named one of the top picks in Tasting Table’s ranking of 2026 grocery store bakery items.
The review was published October 28 by Tasting Table.
Nine Petite Cakes In A Purple Hue
The cakes are small and purple. The ingredients include coconut milk, tapioca starch, wheat flour, sugar, purple sweet potato and ube.
Tasting Table also gave the cakes the top spot in its ranking of Trader Joe’s cakes. That is high praise for a $3.79 treat.
Chewy, Bouncy And Not Too Sweet
The reviewer described the texture as chewy and bouncy, with a soft, mochi-like quality that the tapioca starch helps create.
The coconut flavor is gentle and not overpowering. The ube and purple sweet potato add earthy, floral notes and the purple color.
Sweetness is balanced, not overly sugary, with enough complexity to be especially enjoyable.
The Complaint Is That They Disappear Too Fast
The main complaint is a happy one. According to the review, the nine cakes “were devoured all too quickly.”
On the Trader Joe’s subreddit, shoppers shared the same experience. One said these are so good they will be devastated when they are gone, and another said they ate the whole box in one day.
Fans Compare Them To Treats From Home
Some commenters said the taste resembles traditional Thai coconut cakes. Another said they reminded them of ube mochi from Hawaii.
Not everyone agreed. One Redditor called them flavorless, and others said the coconut flavor was not strong enough.
It shows how personal taste can be. What one person finds subtle, another might find bland.
Heat Them For The Best Texture
Most tasters recommended heating the cakes in an air fryer or toaster oven. That gives a lightly crisp exterior and keeps the center soft and chewy.
Try them for about a few minutes, watching closely so they do not dry out. Let them cool for a minute before eating, because the centers hold heat.
Know That Ube Is A Seasonal Star
Trader Joe’s ube products are usually limited-time offerings during ube season, which typically runs from late spring to early summer. That makes a purple coconut cake in the fall a bit of a surprise.
If you spot a product you love, it is worth stocking up. Limited items at Trader Joe’s can disappear without notice.
Ways To Enjoy Them Beyond The Box
These cakes make a fun addition to a dessert plate. Serve them warm with fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea.
- Pair with mango slices for a tropical flavor.
- Serve alongside coffee or jasmine tea after dinner.
- Pack one or two in a lunchbox for a sweet surprise.
- Share the box with friends, or hide a few for yourself.
Why Small Treats Make A Big Difference
A $3.79 box will not change your life, but a small pleasure can brighten a week. Trying something new from a grocery shelf is an easy way to add a little joy to your routine.
Next time you walk through the bakery aisle, take a look at the less familiar items. The most surprising discoveries often sit right next to the cookies and muffins you already know.
Just do not be surprised if the box is empty before the weekend.
How To Make A Treat Last Longer
If you want your box to survive the weekend, portion it out. Set aside one or two cakes per day in a small container so you are not tempted to eat them all at once.
Store them in a sealed bag at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. For longer storage, ask the package for advice and keep them cool and dry.
Some people share a box with a friend, which is also a good way to sample a product before deciding whether to buy more.
A Quick Guide To Trying New Grocery Items
Trader Joe’s is known for rotating products, and a new item can be gone in a few weeks. If a label catches your eye, grab it.
Talk to the crew members. They often know what is selling fast and what is coming next.
Keep a short list on your phone of favorites you want to buy again. When the same product returns next season, you will know exactly what to look for.
Finally, trust your own taste. Reviews are helpful, but the only opinion that matters at your dinner table is yours.
One more idea is to keep a box on hand for the day guests drop by unannounced. A warm dessert from the air fryer in five minutes makes any visitor feel welcome, and it costs less than a dollar a piece.
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