Think of all the things Montana is known for. A couple of things that probably came to mind were huckleberries, microbrews, mountains, and even our distilleries are worthy of attention. Let me offer another thing Montana deserves to be known for: bakeries.

In 2023 not one but two nominations in the bakers/bakeries category for the James Beard Award were for businesses located in Montana.

Read more: This Missoula Business Is a Semifinalist for a James Beard Award

Let's not forget too, that Wheat Montana is a Guinness World Record holder for "Fastest Field to Loaf-Microwave. 

Given the accolades, I think it's fair to say that Montana is a state that likes its baked goods. I offer these bakery suggestions for some delicious nibbles.

Missoula

The most recongizable bakery in Missoula is probably Bernice's Bakery but don't forget about Le Petit Outre, Black Cat Bakery, or the 2023 James Beard Nominee Grist Milling & Bakery.  

Butte

For donuts and other goodies try Town Talk Bakery in Butte. One Google Review says you can get a cupcake for $.85.

Helena

In Helena, try the Park Avenue Bakery for European-style baked goods or the Vanilla Bean for gorgeous (and tall) cakes. And I love a pun, so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Grateful Bread Bakery and Cafe. 

Great Falls

You'll find a Great Harvest Bread Company in a lot of cities in Montana but they started in Great Falls in 1976.

Three Forks

A stop at Wheat Montana is a must on any road trip across the state. Wheat Montana products are also sold in most Montana grocery stores.

Bozeman

Wild Crumb, an artisan bakery in Bozeman, even has King Cakes for Mardi gras available for order. Also worth a nod is the Cupcake Mountain Cupcakery.

Livingston

The Livingston Community Bakery supports the Food Resource Center in the Livingston Community so your purchase of baked goods goes to a good cause.

Billings

You have to try Veronkia's Pastry Shop where the shop's owner Veronika is also a 2023 James Beard Nominee. Other worthy mentions: Le Fournil Bakery and Rae Rae's Gluten Free Bakery, and The Annex Coffeehouse and Bakery.

LOOK: Food history from the year you were born

From product innovations to major recalls, Stacker researched what happened in food history every year since 1921, according to news and government sources.