At its best, grocery shopping is a tantalizing treat for the senses – a buffet of endless culinary possibilities with scrumptious surprises down every aisle.

But at it’s worst (you know, when you’re tired, hungry, or the sun’s in your eyes)...well, the word “chore” certainly comes to mind. If you find yourself stuck in a shopping rut, spice up the old routine with a treat from the bakery counter at Whole Foods Market where satisfyingly sweet offerings abound. The only challenge will be sifting through the (many) options. With cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pastries and more at your fingertips, it’s nearly impossible to choose in a timely fashion. Faced with that particular dilemma on a recent shopping trip, I asked my taste buds for a second opinion. “We want something fruity and chocolately,” they said in a way only taste buds can. I heeded their call and ordered a Chocolate Raspberry Tartlet. As I went in for my first bite, I was thrilled to find that in addition to being topped with fresh raspberries, the smooth chocolate center of this almost too-pretty-to-eat dessert was actually filled with berries. My wallet was also pleased – at just $5.99, this tartlet’s sized for sharing, assuming it survives the walk back to your car. Whole Foods Market, 270 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-984-8500, wholefoodsmarket.com.