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Costco has added a new bakery item inspired by one of the most recognizable pastries of the last decade, giving members a lower-cost alternative to the viral Cronut.
The retailer is now selling Mini Croissant Donuts in select warehouses. Each box contains 20 pastries for $9.99, featuring both glazed and cinnamon sugar varieties. The pastries are produced by Canadian bakery CT Bakery, though availability appears to vary by location.
The launch has quickly gained attention online, with shoppers sharing photos and reviews after spotting the new bakery item in stores.
Many have compared the pastries to the original Cronut, the croissant and doughnut hybrid created by Dominique Ansel that became a viral food trend following its 2013 debut.
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Costco shoppers share mixed reactions to new bakery item
The original Cronut drew long lines outside Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City after it launched, with the bakery producing a limited number each day because of its lengthy preparation process.
Costco’s version takes a different approach, offering miniature croissant doughnuts in a large pack for less than the price of two original Cronuts.
Early reactions from shoppers have been mixed. Some praised the pastries after finding them in stores.
“These look so good! Can’t wait to try,” one shopper wrote.
Another added: “Definitely adding this to my cart!”
Others were less impressed with the product, with one customer describing them as “extremely stale,” while another said the cinnamon sugar variety became “very dry.”
Costco has not announced how long the Mini Croissant Donuts will remain in stores, and availability appears to vary by warehouse.
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The retailer has continued to expand its bakery lineup with limited-time items that regularly gain traction on social media.
Earlier this year, Costco shoppers also rushed to try the chain’s new strawberry tres leches bar cake, which quickly became another viral bakery release.
Costco shoppers have been quick to jump on new and returning bakery items in recent months.
Back in June, members rushed to stock up after the retailer brought back popular international snacks, including Australian Tim Tams and taro-flavored Lay’s chips, with many buying extras before they disappeared from shelves again.
