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Trader Joe’s is a dependable source of low-cost, high-quality treats, and during Valentine’s Day season they pull out all of the stops. Here are some of my favorite V-Day-worthy sweets that are perfect for enjoying with family, gifting to friends and co-workers, or sending with kids to share at school—all under $5!
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Trader Joe's
1. Dark Chocolate Caramel Hearts
These adorable, individually-sized packages of chocolate hearts look like nostalgic Valentine’s cards. Their sheer cuteness makes them an ideal gift for a friend or child for V-day—plus, they’re delicious!
2. For the Love of Chocolate Mousse Cake
This adorable heart-shaped mini chocolate cake is layered with mousse and coated in dark chocolate. It’s cute as a button, just under $5, and feeds three to four people. If you take it out of the package and put it on a plate, everyone will think you spent a pretty penny at a bakery! Your secret is safe with me.
3. Hot Cocoa Heart Melts
Not only are these chocolates shaped like a heart, but they’re also filled with salted caramel and studded with marshmallows. Add them to a hot mug of milk or non-dairy milk and watched them melt into a rich cup of hot chocolate.
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Trader Joe's
4. Cocoa Truffles
Trader Joe’s used to carry these chocolate treats seasonally, but now they’re a permanent fixture in the candy aisle. The bright red box makes these truffles ultra-sophisticated, and they taste far better than their $3.49 price tag lets on.
5. Gummy X’s and O’s
You might recognize these festive gummies from Valentine’s Day last year. The fan-favorite candies are delicious, festive, and vegan. They’re especially fun for kids since you can play actual tic-tac-toe. Everyone wins when you can eat the playing pieces!
6. Belgian Chocolate Hearts
For a quick and easy sweet treat, pick up a package of these milk chocolate hearts with praline filling. They ring up for about the same price as a candy bar but feel far more decadent. They’re the perfect size for a small gift for a co-worker, classmate, and more.
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Trader Joe's
7. Raspberry Mousse Cakes
For a non-chocolate treat that is almost too cute to eat, pick up these mini mousse cakes. A pink white chocolate shell covers vanilla cake and raspberry mousse. Plate these with fresh raspberries and consider serving with champagne for a sophisticated-but-affordable dessert.
8. Mini Chocolate Heart Cookies
If you’re a fan of TJ’s mini star cookies, you’ll love these chocolate-covered heart cookies. They’re the exact same thing, sprinkles and all, but in an adorable heart shape. Kids will love sharing them with friends.
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Trader Joe's
9. Jelly Bean Hearts
At 99 cents, these little packs of pink, red, and white heart-shaped jelly beans are irresistible. Chances are you’ll find them near the cash register. The packaging resembles a paper Valentine, so they’re a fun little sweet treat to hand out to anyone and everyone.
10. Heart-Shaped Macarons
I cheated on this one—priced at $5.49—but they’re too cute not to include. You’ll find Trader Joe’s macarons in the freezer section. The bright pink and white heart-shaped macarons are vanilla, raspberry, and strawberry flavor.