Polk County’s Muffin Showdown: The Best Bites from Our Blind Taste Test

National Muffin Day gave us the perfect excuse to embark on a muffin-tasting journey across Polk County. Our team sampled a variety of flavors, from classic blueberry to cranberry nut, gluten-free options, and seasonal specialties.

To keep things fair, we conducted a blind taste test, removing brand bias and focusing solely on appearance, texture, and flavor. One thing was very clear—we all have our individual preferences. While we came to a consensus on the best overall muffin, our personal measures of what makes a muffin great varied. Some valued appearance, appreciating a bakery-style golden top. Others focused on texture, preferring a balance of moist and fluffy, while for some, taste was everything.

Our Top Picks

1st Place: Blueberry Muffin from Concord Coffee

Concord Coffee delivered a standout blueberry muffin that won us over with its light, fluffy texture and perfect balance of tart and sweet. The fresh blueberries were evenly distributed, bursting with flavor in every bite. The muffin had a slight crunch on top, adding a satisfying contrast to its soft, moist interior. At $3.50, it was well worth the price.

2nd Place: Bandidas Bake Shop Gluten-Free Oat Muffin from Richard’s Fine Coffee

Finding an exceptional gluten-free muffin can be challenging, but Bandidas Bake Shop delivered. This oat-based muffin, available at Richard’s Fine Coffee for $3.99, impressed us with its hearty texture,

nutty flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. It was dense without being heavy, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten while still wanting a satisfying baked treat.

3rd Place: Cinnamon Muffin from Concord Coffee

Concord Coffee made the list again with its cinnamon muffin, priced at $3.50. This muffin had a warm, spiced flavor with a soft, buttery crumb and a delicate sugar topping. The balance of cinnamon and sweetness made it both comforting and indulgent, perfect alongside a fresh cup of coffee.

Other Notable Mentions

• Black & Brew: Offered both a blueberry muffin and a coffee cake muffin at $3.15 and $3.25, respectively.

• Mitchell’s Coffee House: Their cranberry nut muffin was $4.01 and had a nice balance of tart cranberries and crunchy nuts.

• Honeycomb Bread Bakers: Introduced a unique Winter White Muffin with white chocolate, cranberry, and candied orange for a seasonal twist at $4.60.

• Gourmet Goodies: Serves the classic blueberry and apple cinnamon muffins, delivering warm, comforting flavors.

The Verdict: A Muffin Lover’s Guide to Polk County

Polk County has many delicious options, whether you prefer a classic blueberry muffin, a gluten-free alternative, or a warm, spiced cinnamon muffin. Concord Coffee emerged as the overall winner, but every bakery we visited brought something special to the table.

One thing is certain—the best muffin is a personal choice. For some, it’s all about texture, for others, it’s about appearance, and for many,

it comes down to flavor. No matter what you look for in a muffin, Polk County’s local bakeries are serving up fresh, flavorful options every day.

If you missed National Muffin Day, there’s no reason to wait another year to indulge. These local bakeries are offering delicious muffins daily, so grab one with your next cup of coffee and enjoy one of the simplest, yet most satisfying, baked goods around.

Where is your go-to muffin spot? Let us know which bakery should be on our list next.

Concord Coffee

1037 Florida Ave S #135, Lakeland, FL 33803

Bandidas Bake Shop

1755 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803

Richard’s Fine Coffee

330 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Black & Brew

205 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801

Mitchell’s Coffee House

235 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

Honeycomb Bread Bakers

140 6th St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop

68 4th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881