Taste-Off: Supermarket cinnamon rolls – the good, the bad, the icky

Cinnamon is one of those aromas that makes it seem like all is right with the world (no matter what the world’s actual conditions). Pack that cinnamon into a spiral of warm, buttery bread dough, and it’s an irresistible bite of comfort food. No, cinnamon rolls are not healthy. But the utter joy they bring to the breakfast or brunch table is worth the compromise.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are absolutely delicious, of course, but like any yeast bread, they take considerable time and serious labor. But there’s no shame in opting for a grab-and-go pack of the soft, sweet treats at the market — if you pick a good one.

Most grocery stores have a few options, primarily found in the bakery sections. Some markets offer trays of large, tender rolls that are ready to be warmed, then pulled apart, but you’ll also find small, dense 1-inch rolls that make rich, two-bite treats.

No matter the style, a great cinnamon roll packs a pungent punch of warm, spicy cinnamon and just the right amount of sweet icing to make it a treat. Bad cinnamon rolls disappoint every which way. The bread is often dry and bland, the cinnamon nearly absent and the icing so thick it drowns out every other flavor.

Here’s the scoop on the best grab-and-go cinnamon rolls and the ones to avoid. Nutrition info refers to 57 grams – about 2 small rounds or ½ a traditional-sized roll.

365 Whole Foods Market Two-Bite Cinnamon Rolls

Fresh ingredients, a butter note and lots of cinnamon make these pretty rounds a tasty choice, especially for those who prefer their pastries less sweet. 210 calories, 9 g fat, 210 mg sodium,14 g sugar. $4.29 for 13 ounces. (4 stars)

Raley’s Cinnamon Sweet Rolls

These rolls are decadent, goopy and soft, and have a beautiful ribbon of sweet, buttery cinnamon and nutmeg. 217 calories, 8 g fat, 174 mg sodium, 19 g sugar. $5.99 for 24 ounces or 8 rolls. (4 stars)

Favorite Day Bakery Mini Cinnamon Rolls

There is so much right about these spicy, sweet, moist rounds that bulge with buttery, cinnamon filling. They are entirely delicious, even if the texture is a bit dense. 210 calories, 9 g fat,180 mg sodium,14 g sugar. $3.99 for 12 ounces at Target. (3½ stars)

Walmart Cinnamon Rolls

Judged on appearance only, these rolls would score very low, as every inch is coated in white glaze. But under the white are soft, chewy rolls that are impressively fresh. A touch less sugar and more cinnamon would be an improvement. 175 calories, 5 g fat,183 mg sodium,16 g sugar. $3.98 for 22 ounces or 8 rolls. (3 stars)

El Camino Real Bakery Petite Cinnamon Rolls

The massive hit of cinnamon in these small rolls coated with icing is impressive, but the bread’s flavor is oddly fruity and the sweetness level is over the top. 226 calories, 6 g fat, 226 mg sodium,16 g sugar. $6.99 for 30 ounces at Costco. (2½ stars)

Favorite Day Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

The drizzle of cream cheese icing on these rolls is handsome, but the rolls are notably dry and need more cinnamon. 190 calories, 6 g fat, 219 mg sodium, 14 g sugar. $4.99 for 14 ounces or 4 rolls at Target. (2 stars)

Sprouts Market Corner Two Bite Cinnamon Rolls

There is nothing comforting nor satisfying about these bland, bready bites. They’re sweet, but that’s about it. 210 calories, 9 g fat, 210 mg sodium, 15 g sugar. $4.99 for 12 ounces. (1½ stars)