Here Are The 6 Best Bagels On Grocery Store Shelves, According To Foodies

Everyone loves a bagel! From everything to asiago and more, the variety and innovation in flavors are immense. This universally adored baked good has found its way from the historic lanes of Jewish communities in Poland to breakfast tables all around the globe. While nothing replaces the aroma and warmth of a freshly baked bagel from a local deli or bakery, store-bought versions have remarkably bridged the gap, offering both convenience and surprisingly appealing textures. What makes a good bagel? The experts say bagels should be chewy and soft, with a nice dark crust. New York bagels are considered the gold standard because they’re boiled in NYC water, sourced from the pristine Catskill Mountains. The soft water contributes to a distinct dough fermentation, which some say leads to a superior flavor. But not all of us can jet to New York whenever we crave a bagel! That’s why we looked into the best bagels you can get from the grocery store to enjoy right at home.

If eating a bagel loaded with cream cheese is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, we have good news. Taking the time to eat breakfast can not only make you healthier, but it may also lead to a promotion at work. Nutritionists say the bagel helps refuel the supply of glucose in your body, boosting energy levels and alertness. So, we’ve explored the best bagels on grocery store shelves that were the consensus among 11 expert reviews. Whether you’re a long-time bagel enthusiast or just seeking a tasty morning staple, this list is tailor-made for your palate. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.

The List: Best Bagels to Add to Your Grocery List, Ranked

1. Dave’s Killer Everything Bagels

Dave’s Everything Bagels have garnered mixed reviews, with some praising them and others finding them good, but not exceptional. Sporked‘s Danny Palumbo is a big fan, highlighting their satisfying chewiness and the delicious “everything” seasoning blend. He particularly appreciates the flavor boost from toasting. Notably, they maintained their top spot in Sporked’s taste test, even upon revisiting.

Eat This, Not That! acknowledges that they might not compete with bagels from authentic New York shops, but for those living outside those areas, they are highly recommended. They commend the good toasting capabilities and the pleasant whole-grain flavor.

Best Store Bought is another advocate, impressed by the crispy texture, flavorful balance of the spices, and versatility that allows them to pair well with various toppings. This is definitely a delicious choice for anyone craving an everything bagel that packs a flavorful punch!

2. Thomas’ Plain Bagels

While not replicating a fresh bakery experience, Thomas’ Plain Bagels seem to strike a balance between convenience and quality. Food Network emphasizes their ability to hold up under cream cheese, unlike some competitors prone to becoming gummy or disintegrating. They also commend the richer and slightly malty flavor compared to other shelf-stable brands.

The Kitchn dubs these bagels the “Goldilocks” of their category, praising their balanced texture: chewy without being overly tough, offering a touch of doughiness without being dense, and boasting a crispy exterior with a soft interior. They appreciate the appropriate size, offering a satisfying amount of bagel while remaining manageable for sandwiches. While acknowledging the difference from fresh bakery bagels, they applaud their deliciousness, shelf life, and wide availability.

3. Einstein Brother’s Take and Toast Bagels

While toasting is generally recommended for store-bought bagels, the results from Einstein Bros. Bagels seem to elevate the experience to a whole new level. In their testing, Food Network crowns Einstein Bros. as the champion. Their plain bagels, slightly larger than other brands, stood out for their exceptional crispness, chewiness, and overall satisfaction when toasted, buttered, and enjoyed open-faced.

Best Store Bought focuses on the Asiago variety, praising them as the perfect choice for those seeking a delicious, cheesy option. They echo the sentiment about the plain bagels being the crispiest and chewiest in the test, especially when enjoyed toasted and topped with butter.

4. Whole Foods’ 365 Bagels

While not aiming for the top spot in the bagel hall of fame, Whole Foods’ 365 Bagels seem to win over supermarket bagel skeptics. Bon Appetit sets the expectations, acknowledging they may not be the best ever, but certainly the best supermarket option they encountered. They particularly appreciate the absence of the unpleasant sour smell and artificial sweetness prevalent in other brands. Additionally, they commend the milder flavor allowing the cream cheese to take center stage.

Best Store Bought dives into the ingredient list, highlighting the use of unbleached wheat, brown sugar, cultured wheat, and malted barley flour, contributing to the delicious flavor profile.

As far as texture goes, Insider describes a dark, crusty exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch after toasting, while the interior remains adequately chewy. While they acknowledge a lack of strong flavor compared to other plain bagels, they do detect a hint of sweetness and find them suitable for lunch sandwiches.

5. Lender’s Plain Bagels

Lender’s Bagels hold a somewhat divided reputation. Best Store Bought prefers the New York-style version of these bagels from the company that pioneered pre-packaged bagels. They praise the combination of malt, yeast, and sugar that delivers a crisp, authentic New York experience. They highlight the traditional boiling process and the fluffy interior, catering to both plain and cream cheese enthusiasts.

Food Network notes that they are smaller than most other brands, making them ideal for breakfast sandwiches. Eat This, Not That! focuses solely on visual aspects, describing them as “very small, round, and white” bagels that toast up nicely with a golden-brown finish.

6. Trader Joe’s Artisan Bagels

Trader Joe’s bagels seem to be a mixed bag, with some aspects generating praise and others falling short. Insider focuses on the visual appeal, highlighting the “brilliant landscape of nooks and crannies” revealed when sliced in half, making them appear worth the higher price tag.

The Kitchn delves into the texture, describing them as the doughiest bagels in their test, but appreciating the crispness that develops on the edges after toasting. The Sun, however, offers a contrasting opinion, praising the flavor of the bagel itself but lamenting the lack of seasoning and smaller size compared to what they were looking for.

Sources:

• Bon Appetit
• Food Network
• Insider
• Sporked
• Eat This, Not That!
• Go Puff
• Best Store Bought
• Find This Best
• The Kitchn
• My Recipes
• The Sun

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.