Bagels have become a beloved breakfast staple in many households, offering a satisfying combination of chewy texture and versatile flavor options. While artisanal bakeries often produce the highest quality bagels, not everyone has easy access to these specialty shops. This has led many consumers to seek out the best grocery store bagel options for a convenient and tasty alternative.

Finding high-quality bagels at the supermarket can be challenging, as mass-produced varieties often lack the distinct characteristics of freshly baked, authentic bagels. However, with some knowledge and discernment, shoppers can identify store-bought bagels that come closer to replicating the taste and texture of their artisanal counterparts. This guide aims to help bagel enthusiasts navigate the grocery store aisles and make informed choices when selecting pre-packaged bagels for their morning routines or casual snacking needs.

1) Thomas’ Plain Bagels

Thomas’ Plain Bagels are a widely available option in most grocery stores across the United States. These bagels offer a consistent taste and texture that many consumers find satisfactory for everyday use.

Thomas’ bagels have a slightly chewy exterior and a soft interior. They are pre-sliced for convenience, making them easy to toast and prepare quickly for breakfast or sandwiches.

While not artisanal, Thomas’ bagels provide a reliable choice for those seeking a basic bagel experience. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with various toppings and spreads.

These bagels are often competitively priced and come in packages of six. Their long shelf life makes them a practical option for households looking to keep bagels on hand.

Thomas’ Plain Bagels may not match the quality of fresh-baked alternatives, but they offer a decent compromise between convenience and taste for grocery store shoppers.

2) Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Everything Bagels

Dave’s Killer Bread offers a popular option for organic everything bagels. These bagels are USDA certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

The Epic Everything Bagels pack a nutritional punch with 13g of protein and 26g of whole grains per serving. They also contain 680mg of ALA-Omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to their nutritional profile.

The bagels feature an “Epic Everything” seed and topping mix. This includes organic chia seeds, flax seeds, poppy seeds, tri-color quinoa, sunflower seeds, sea salt, dried garlic, and dried onion.

Texture-wise, these bagels stand out from typical store-bought options. They tend to be softer and less dry than many commercial bagels, offering a more pleasant eating experience.

Dave’s Killer Bread Everything Bagels come in packages of 5 bagels, weighing 16.75 ounces. They’re available at various grocery stores and can be found through delivery services or pickup options.

These bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed with cream cheese for breakfast or used to make sandwiches for lunch. Their robust flavor profile complements a wide range of toppings and fillings.

3) Panera Bread Cinnamon Swirl Bagels

Panera Bread’s Cinnamon Swirl Bagels offer a unique twist on the classic bagel. These treats are made with a sourdough base, providing a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweet ingredients.

The bagels are swirled with cinnamon, cinnamon-flavored chips, and brown sugar. This combination creates an enticing aroma and a rich, sweet taste throughout the bagel.

Raisins are also incorporated into the dough, adding bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy texture. The brown sugar in the recipe melts during baking, forming small sugar crystals that provide additional texture and flavor.

The exterior of the Cinnamon Swirl Bagel has a darker color compared to plain varieties. Its asymmetrical shape adds visual appeal and gives each bagel a handcrafted appearance.

For those seeking a balanced sweet and savory experience, pairing this bagel with honey walnut cream cheese is recommended. The combination of flavors creates a delightful taste profile that many find irresistible.

Panera’s Cinnamon Swirl Bagel stands out among other cinnamon-flavored options due to its sourdough base and the inclusion of cinnamon chips. These elements contribute to a more complex flavor than typical cinnamon raisin bagels.

4) Einstein Bros. Asiago Cheese Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels offers a popular Asiago Cheese bagel option for those seeking a flavorful twist on the classic bagel. This variety features a blend of Asiago, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses baked into the dough.

The Asiago Cheese bagel contains 300 calories, making it a moderate choice for those watching their calorie intake. Its cheesy flavor profile adds a savory dimension to the traditional bagel experience.

Einstein Bros. prides itself on freshness, with employees arriving at 2 a.m. daily to prepare new batches every four hours. This commitment ensures customers receive freshly baked bagels throughout the day.

For those unable to visit an Einstein Bros. location, the company offers Take & Toast Asiago bagels for home enjoyment. These allow customers to experience the unique cheese blend and texture in their own kitchens.

While not typically found in grocery stores, Einstein Bros. Asiago Cheese bagels represent a quality option for cheese lovers seeking a more gourmet bagel choice.

5) New York Bakery Everything Bagels

New York Bakery Everything Bagels offer a taste of the Big Apple in grocery stores across the country. These pre-packaged bagels aim to capture the essence of authentic New York-style bagels.

The bagels feature a blend of classic toppings, including sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, and garlic. This combination creates a flavorful crust that complements the dense, chewy texture inside.

While not as fresh as those from a local bakery, New York Bakery Everything Bagels provide a convenient option for bagel lovers. They can be stored in the pantry or freezer for longer shelf life.

These bagels toast well, developing a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. They serve as a versatile base for both savory and sweet toppings.

For the best experience, consumers should check the expiration date and look for packages with the most recent production date. This ensures optimal freshness and texture.

6) Lender’s Onion Bagels

Lender’s Onion Bagels offer a convenient option for those seeking a flavorful bagel from the grocery store. These frozen bagels have been a staple in supermarkets for decades, providing consumers with a quick and easy breakfast solution.

The onion variety features a savory taste that appeals to many bagel enthusiasts. Lender’s uses their original recipe, which has been refined over 75 years of bagel-making experience.

These bagels are made using traditional methods – boiled and then hearth-baked. This process helps create a texture that, while not identical to fresh bakery bagels, still offers a satisfying chew.

Lender’s Onion Bagels come in packs of six, making them suitable for families or individuals who enjoy bagels throughout the week. They can be stored in the freezer and thawed as needed.

For best results, these bagels should be toasted before eating. This step enhances their texture and brings out the onion flavor. They pair well with cream cheese, butter, or as a base for sandwiches.

While not artisanal, Lender’s Onion Bagels provide a reliable and accessible option for bagel lovers shopping at standard grocery stores.

7) Sara Lee Plain Bagels

Sara Lee Plain Bagels are a popular choice for those seeking a reliable store-bought option. These bagels offer a classic taste and chewy texture that many consumers enjoy.

The plain variety provides a versatile base for various toppings and spreads. They can be eaten with cream cheese, butter, or used to make sandwiches.

Sara Lee bagels are readily available in most grocery stores, making them a convenient choice for shoppers. They come pre-sliced, saving time and effort in preparation.

These bagels have a decent shelf life when stored properly. They can be kept fresh in the pantry for a few days or frozen for longer-term storage.

While not artisanal, Sara Lee Plain Bagels offer a consistent quality that meets the needs of many households. They provide a quick and easy breakfast or snack option for busy individuals and families.

8) 365 by Whole Foods Market Plain Bagels

365 by Whole Foods Market Plain Bagels have garnered a reputation as one of the better grocery store options. These bagels stand out among supermarket varieties, offering a quality that surprises many bagel enthusiasts.

The texture of these bagels is noteworthy. They have a pleasant chewiness that sets them apart from many mass-produced alternatives. The exterior provides a satisfying bite, while the interior remains soft and fluffy.

Flavor-wise, 365 Plain Bagels offer a balanced taste. They avoid the overly sweet or artificial notes sometimes found in other store-bought bagels. This makes them versatile for both savory and sweet toppings.

Whole Foods’ commitment to quality ingredients is evident in these bagels. They use organic flour, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. The bagels are also free from artificial preservatives and flavors.

Convenience is a key factor with these bagels. They’re readily available at Whole Foods Markets and through their grocery delivery services. This accessibility makes them a practical choice for bagel lovers seeking a reliable option.

9) Udi’s Gluten Free Plain Bagels

Udi’s Gluten Free Plain Bagels offer a viable option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. These bagels are designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional wheat-based bagels.

The product packaging accurately describes them as “soft, chewy, yummy.” Many consumers find these bagels enjoyable straight out of the package, without toasting.

Udi’s bagels are free from dairy, soy, and nuts, making them suitable for individuals with multiple dietary restrictions. They can be found in the freezer section of many grocery stores.

These bagels are versatile and can be used in various ways. They work well with classic toppings like cream cheese and lox, or as a base for sandwiches and pizza bagels.

While they may not perfectly replicate the chewy crust and doughy center of traditional bagels, Udi’s gluten-free bagels are generally well-received by those seeking gluten-free alternatives.

The bagels come in different flavors, including plain, whole grain, cinnamon raisin, and everything. This variety allows consumers to choose according to their preferences.

10) Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Bagels

Trader Joe’s offers a unique twist on the classic bagel with their chocolate chip variety. These bagels combine the hearty texture of a traditional bagel with the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips.

The chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing a consistent flavor in every bite. The bagels have a slightly sweet taste that complements the chocolate without overpowering it.

When toasted, the chocolate chips melt slightly, creating a gooey texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp exterior. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a more dessert-like breakfast option.

While not a traditional New York-style bagel, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Bagels offer a fun alternative for those looking to switch up their morning routine. They can be enjoyed plain, with butter, or even with cream cheese for added richness.

These bagels are typically found in the bakery section of Trader Joe’s stores. Availability may vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local store for stock information.

Understanding Bagel Quality

Quality bagels stand out through carefully selected ingredients, proper preparation techniques, and distinctive texture and flavor profiles. Discerning consumers can identify superior options by focusing on key attributes.

Ingredients and Freshness

High-quality bagels rely on simple, wholesome ingredients. Flour, water, salt, yeast, and sometimes malt syrup form the foundation. Artisanal varieties often incorporate whole grains or seeds for added nutrition and texture.

Freshness is crucial. The best bagels are baked daily and have a shelf life of 1-2 days at most. Look for bagels without preservatives or artificial additives.

Store-bought options like Thomas’ and Lender’s offer decent quality for mass-produced bagels. However, they may contain stabilizers to extend shelf life.

Texture and Taste

Superior bagels boast a chewy yet tender interior encased in a glossy, crisp crust. This texture results from proper boiling before baking – a step often skipped in low-quality production.

Taste should be slightly sweet and yeasty. Malt adds depth of flavor in traditional recipes. New York-style bagels are known for their distinct flavor profile.

When toasted, quality bagels develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft inside. Mass-produced versions may become dry or tough when heated.

Sampling bagels both toasted and untoasted helps evaluate overall quality. The best options maintain their texture and flavor in both states.

Evaluating Store-Bought Bagels

When assessing grocery store bagels, two key factors stand out: the reputation of the brand and the baking techniques employed. These elements significantly impact the overall quality and taste of the bagels available on supermarket shelves.

Brand Reputation

Well-known brands like Thomas’ and Lender’s have established themselves as reliable options for mass-produced bagels. Their popularity stems from consistent quality and widespread availability. Some artisanal bakeries have also entered the grocery market, offering premium choices with authentic flavors and textures.

Regional favorites often gain loyal followings due to their unique recipes or traditional methods. It’s worth exploring local brands that may have a strong reputation in specific areas.

Consumer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into brand performance. Online platforms and food blogs frequently feature comparisons and recommendations for store-bought bagels.

Baking Techniques

The baking process plays a crucial role in determining bagel quality. Traditional methods involve boiling the dough before baking, which creates a chewy texture and shiny crust. Some mass-produced bagels skip this step, resulting in a softer, less authentic product.

Steam-baking is another technique used by some manufacturers to mimic the boiling effect. This method can produce a decent crust while maintaining efficiency in large-scale production.

Ingredient quality also impacts the final product. Whole grain options often offer higher fiber content and a more complex flavor profile. Look for bagels made with high-quality flour and minimal additives.

Preservation techniques can affect texture and shelf life. Some brands use natural preservatives or modified atmosphere packaging to maintain freshness without compromising taste.

Tips for Selecting the Best Bagel

When shopping for bagels at the grocery store, look for options with a shiny, slightly crisp exterior. This indicates proper boiling before baking, a key step in traditional bagel-making.

Check the texture by gently squeezing the bagel. It should feel dense and slightly chewy, not overly soft or spongy.

Examine the bagel’s surface for blisters or small bubbles. These are signs of proper fermentation and add flavor complexity.

Choose bagels with visible seeds or toppings that appear well-adhered. Loose toppings may indicate lower quality or poor handling.

Read ingredient labels carefully. High-quality bagels typically contain simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, and yeast.

Consider fiber content when selecting bagels. Aim for options with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving for added nutritional value.

Look for bagels made with malt, which adds depth of flavor and contributes to the characteristic golden-brown crust.

Freshness matters. Select bagels with the most recent production date or from stores with high turnover to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Try different brands to find your preference. Popular options like Thomas’ and Lender’s offer reliable quality for mass-produced bagels.