This Fan-Favorite Fall Pastry Has Arrived at ALDI—and It's Cheaper Than Trader Joe’s

From pumpkin pasta sauces to apple cider donuts, all kinds of fall flavors have become a staple for many—but there's a particular seasonal bakery item that's garnered a loyal following at Trader Joe’s for years. Now, the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle is on shelves at ALDI. And the best part? It’s more affordable than the TJ's version.

Shoppers have already started spotting Pumpkin Caramel Kringles in the weekly ALDI Finds section for $7, compared to the $10 price tag at Trader Joe’s, making this indulgent treat even more tempting to grab on your next grocery run. As with most ALDI Finds, however, these pastries won’t be sticking around forever. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Pumpkin Caramel Kringle

How the Kringle Got a Dedicated Fanbase

If you’re new to the world of Kringles, they’re oval-shaped Danish pastries with a flaky, buttery crust and sweet filling. Popular flavors include almond, raspberry, apple, and pecan, but the pumpkin caramel variety has become a seasonal sensation.

Fans on Reddit’s r/TraderJoes community have raved about the pastry for years. One commenter called it “one of the best ways you can spend $10,” while another admitted, “This was so hard for me to walk away from once I opened it. It’s addicting!” Many praised its versatility, saying it’s delicious straight from the package, slightly chilled, warmed in the oven, or even toasted in an air fryer.

For anyone who missed out at Trader Joe’s when stores placed purchase limits due to high demand, ALDI’s rollout is welcome news. And at a lower price point, it’s hard to find a reason not to pick up an extra to stash in the freezer.

Wisconsin Specialty

There’s another fun factor: both ALDI and Trader Joe’s source their Kringles from bakeries in Racine, Wisconsin, a city known as the “Kringle Capital of America.” ALDI’s version originates from Racine Danish Kringles, a third-generation bakery specializing in traditional pastries. Trader Joe’s, meanwhile, sources from O&H Danish Bakery, another family-owned operation in Racine. That shared origin explains why the two Kringles taste remarkably similar.

Why It's Worth Adding to Your Cart

Pumpkin Caramel Kringles hit shelves at the exact right time: As temperatures drop and pumpkin spice cravings rise, the pastry offers everything people love about the season in a single slice. Many shoppers say it rivals traditional pumpkin pie. “I’m not a big pumpkin pie fan, but this is it,” one Reddit user wrote after trying the Kringle.

Another fan summed it up concisely: “Almond used to be my favorite, but this one is my new number one.”

The Kringle’s size also makes it a crowd-pleaser. At 14 ounces, it’s large enough to serve at brunch, bring to a gathering, or enjoy over several mornings with coffee. For those worried about finishing it, shoppers recommend cutting it into portions and freezing. Like all ALDI Finds, availability is limited and varies by location.