Bakery Display Case Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Store
Posted by FOODPROS on August 25, 2025
The bakery display case market is booming—expected to grow from $10.1 billion in 2025 to over $16.5 billion by 2035, driven by rising demand for fresh, hygienic, visually appealing food presentation. Whether you're a bakery, grocery, or c-store operator, the right display case doesn't just hold pastries—it sells them.
In this buying guide, we’ll help you cut through the noise and choose the best bakery display case for your store layout, product mix, and customer flow—with real-world recommendations based on what actually works.
What Is a Bakery Display Case?
A bakery display case is a specialized merchandiser designed to protect, present, and sell baked goods like cookies, muffins, bagels, and pastries. The best bakery cases combine clean aesthetics, easy access, and smart lighting to encourage impulse purchases and uphold freshness.
Do I Need a Refrigerated Case?
Short answer: Not for baked goods. Most cookies, muffins, bagels, brownies, and pastries do not require refrigeration. In fact, cold air can actually make them stale faster by speeding up starch crystallization.
That’s why dry (non-refrigerated) bakery display cases like those from FoodPros are built specifically for:
- Ambient display conditions
- Longer freshness
- Energy-free operation
- Lower maintenance costs
Tip: Refrigerated cases are better for whipped cream, custard, or cream cheese–based desserts—but if that’s not your product mix, dry cases are the better investment.
Types of Bakery Display Cases: Which One Fits Your Space?
- Floor-Standing Bakery Display Case
Best for: High-volume sales, large assortments
Size: 27.125”W × 23.5”D × 61.8”H - Wide Countertop Display Case
Best for: Mid-size bakeries, deli counters
Size: 27.125”W × 23.5”D × 28”H - Narrow Countertop Display Case
Best for: Impulse purchases, small cafés, checkout counters
Size: 19.5”W × 19.125”D × 28”H
See the full Bakery Case Comparison Chart.
Key Features That Sell
Acrylic, Not Glass
- Shatter-resistant
- Lighter and safer
- Easy to clean
- Built-in price tag channels
Customers and staff benefit from smooth interaction—no heavy swinging doors or fragile panes.
Mirror Panel + LED Lighting (Standard)
- Mirror panel included by default
- LED strip lighting included to enhance visual appeal
- Optional premium back-lit panel available for branded messaging or seasonal highlights
Self-Serve Friendly
- Front-loading acrylic doors
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Optional tissue box base for sanitary grab-and-go setups
- Custom graphics and accessories available
What the Market Tells Us
According to Future Market Insights (FMI):
- Hygiene and presentation are now non-negotiable
- LED lighting and smart configurations are must-have features
- North America leads demand for modular dry display systems
- Global CAGR = 5.8%
Are Display Cases Worth It?
Absolutely. The ROI comes in two ways:
- Higher product visibility = increased unit sales
- Cleaner presentation = brand confidence and repeat business
FoodPros bakery cases are competitively priced, modular, low-maintenance, and purpose-built for operators like you.
Common Questions
Q: What’s the best bakery case for cookies and muffins?
A: A dry acrylic display case with mirrored back and LED strip lighting—like our countertop or floor-standing models.
Q: Can I add one to my existing counter?
A: Yes. Our countertop bakery cases are designed for drop-in merchandising with minimal footprint.
Q: Do these cases need to be plugged in?
A: Only the premium back-lit panel requires power. Standard LED strip lighting is built-in and efficient.
Q: Can I customize the case?
A: Yes—choose from stock or branded graphics, tray kits, and tissue box bases.
Recap: What to Look for
- Acrylic self-serve doors – Lightweight, safer, and customer-friendly
- LED + mirror panels – Maximizes impulse visibility
- Modular sizing – Fits any footprint, from c-store to bakery chain
- Price tag channels – Built-in merchandising clarity
- Optional upgrades – Graphics, trays, tissue box base = more impact
Ready to Buy a Bakery Display Case?
Explore FoodPros:
All models include:
- LED-lit mirror panel
- Acrylic doors
- Self-serve friendly build
- Optional merchandising accessories
Contact us or call 1-800-419-9324 for help choosing the right model for your space.