5 Unhealthiest And 5 Healthiest Store-Bought Bagels
I’ve always been a bagel fanatic, toasting one every morning with a schmear of cream cheese.
But recently, I started paying attention to the nutritional labels and nearly fell off my kitchen stool! Not all bagels are created equal, folks.
Some pack a surprising nutritional punch while others are basically doughy sugar bombs.
Let’s explore which store-bought bagels deserve a spot in your shopping cart and which ones might be better left on the shelf.
1. Thomas’ Plain Bagels: The Sneaky Calorie Bomb
Ever grabbed a Thomas’ Plain Bagel thinking it was a safer choice than a donut? I made that mistake for years! These circular temptations pack a whopping 270 calories and 52 grams of carbs per bagel – and that’s before you add toppings!
The real kicker is their refined flour base, offering minimal nutritional benefits while spiking your blood sugar faster than my cat runs to her food bowl. Plus, each one contains 2 grams of sugar and only 1 gram of fiber, making them nutritionally lackluster.
I once ate two in one sitting (don’t judge) and felt like I’d swallowed a brick. While they might satisfy your carb cravings, your body will be wondering where all the nutrients went. These bagels are basically white bread with a hole in the middle!
2. Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Sugar Disguised As Breakfast
Holy sweetness overload! My first bite into a Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Raisin Bagel had me checking if I’d accidentally grabbed a dessert. With 11 grams of sugar per bagel (that’s nearly 3 teaspoons!), these morning treats are closer to cinnamon buns than healthy breakfast options.
The ingredient list reads like a chemistry experiment, featuring high fructose corn syrup and a parade of preservatives I can’t pronounce. At 290 calories each, they’re among the heaviest hitters in the bagel aisle.
My niece calls these her “special occasion bagels,” which is probably where they belong – as an occasional treat rather than daily fuel. While they smell heavenly when toasted, your body might not thank you for starting the day with what’s essentially a frosting-less cake.
3. Utopia Everything Bagels: Everything But Nutrition
Utopia’s Everything Bagels should be renamed “Everything Unhealthy Bagels” if we’re being honest! I grabbed these at my local grocery store last month, seduced by that irresistible everything seasoning. My taste buds were thrilled, but my nutritionist would’ve had a fit.
These hefty circles pack nearly 400 calories per bagel – that’s a quarter of some people’s daily calorie needs! The sodium content is particularly alarming at 670mg per bagel, which is about 29% of your recommended daily intake before you’ve even added cream cheese.
The refined white flour base offers minimal fiber (less than 2 grams), meaning you’ll likely be hungry again before lunchtime. While they taste divine with their garlicky, seedy coating, these bagels exemplify the classic trade-off between flavor and nutrition. Save these for special brunches, not everyday eating.
4. Sara Lee Deluxe Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Dessert In Disguise
Confession time: I once ate three Sara Lee Cinnamon Raisin Bagels in one sitting while binge-watching my favorite show. My sugar high was followed by a crash so epic I napped for two hours! Each of these sweet circles contains a shocking 12 grams of sugar – that’s more than some cookies.
The ingredient list raises eyebrows too, featuring high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial flavors. At 260 calories per bagel with minimal fiber (less than 2 grams), these won’t keep you satisfied for long.
The raisins provide a tiny nutritional boost, but it’s like adding a vitamin to a candy bar – it doesn’t make it healthy. My grandmother calls these her “guilty pleasure,” which is exactly right. They’re essentially desserts masquerading as breakfast food, complete with that artificial cinnamon flavor that lingers suspiciously long.
5. Lender’s Original Plain Bagels: The Preservative Playground
Remember those bagels that seem to last forever in your fridge? That’s Lender’s for you! I once found one hiding behind my condiments for weeks, and it looked exactly the same as day one – which should have been my first clue something wasn’t right.
These bagels boast an impressive collection of preservatives and dough conditioners that would make a chemistry teacher proud. With 290 calories per serving but minimal nutritional benefits, they’re essentially empty calories shaped like donuts with holes.
The texture gives them away too – that slightly rubbery feel that’s a far cry from bakery-fresh. They contain 5 grams of sugar per bagel and a mere 1 gram of fiber, meaning they’ll spike your blood sugar and leave you hungry an hour later. My dad calls these “emergency bagels” – for those desperate times when the bread drawer is otherwise empty.
6. Dave’s Epic Everything Bagels: Protein-Packed Powerhouses
Game changer alert! I discovered Dave’s Epic Everything bagels last year and haven’t looked back.
These bad boys pack a serious nutritional punch with 13 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per bagel – numbers that make most other bagels hang their heads in shame.
Made with organic ingredients including quinoa, spelt, rye, and barley, these aren’t your average refined flour circles. The everything seasoning delivers that classic flavor without the sodium overload found in many competitors. My morning routine improved dramatically when I switched to these – I stay full until lunch without the mid-morning energy crash.
Yes, they’re slightly higher in calories at 260 per bagel, but those calories work harder for you with actual nutritional benefits. The company’s commitment to second-chance employment for formerly incarcerated individuals adds an extra feel-good factor to every bite. These bagels prove healthy can still be delicious!
7. Udi’s Whole Grain Bagels: Gluten-Free Goodness
Gluten-free friends, rejoice! After watching my celiac sister suffer through sad, cardboard-like bagels for years, Udi’s whole grain version changed the game. These golden rings maintain that classic chewy bagel texture without a speck of gluten in sight.
Nutritionally impressive with 9 grams of whole grains per serving, they deliver 3 grams of fiber and only 1 gram of sugar. At 240 calories each, they’re lighter than many conventional options while still satisfying that bagel craving. My sister swears they’re indistinguishable from regular bagels when toasted.
The ingredient list features brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and flaxseed – actual recognizable foods rather than chemical compounds! They freeze beautifully too, which is handy since I’m the only gluten-tolerant person in my household who sneaks them. For anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, these bagels mean no more FOMO at breakfast time.
8. Bubba’s Skinny 100% Whole Wheat Bagels: Fiber Champion
“Where have you been all my life?” I literally asked this out loud when I first tried Bubba’s Skinny 100% Whole Wheat Bagels. With just 190 calories per bagel, they’re practically diet food compared to their 300+ calorie cousins, but without sacrificing that satisfying bagel experience.
The fiber content is the real star here – a whopping 7 grams per bagel helps keep everything moving smoothly (if you know what I mean). Made with 100% whole wheat flour, they provide sustained energy rather than the quick spike and crash of refined flour options. My morning runs improved noticeably after switching to these for my pre-workout fuel.
They’re slightly smaller than traditional bagels, which initially had me skeptical, but they’re so nutrient-dense that one actually satisfies. The slightly nutty flavor pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory toppings. My personal favorite? Almond butter and sliced strawberries – breakfast perfection!
9. Great Low Carb Bread Company Bagels: Keto-Friendly Wonder
My low-carb friends wouldn’t stop raving about these bagels, so I finally tried them despite my skepticism. Color me impressed! Great Low Carb Bread Company has somehow created a bagel with only 16g of net carbs – about a third of traditional bagels – while maintaining a surprisingly authentic texture.
The protein content blew me away at 14 grams per bagel, rivaling what you’d get in two eggs! They achieve this miracle through a blend of wheat protein isolate, oat fiber, and flax meal. When I’m watching my carb intake (which happens occasionally after holiday cookie binges), these bagels save me from feeling deprived.
They’re slightly more expensive than regular bagels, but considering the specialized ingredients, it’s worth the splurge. Their versatility impresses me too – they hold up well to toasting, sandwich-making, and even my experimental bagel pizzas. For anyone following keto, diabetic-friendly, or low-carb diets, these bagels are nothing short of revolutionary.
10. Just Bagels Whole Wheat: Simple Ingredient Superstars
Sometimes simplicity wins the day! Just Bagels Whole Wheat variety contains exactly what you’d expect: whole wheat flour, water, salt, yeast, and not much else. I discovered these gems at a local health food store and was immediately drawn to their short, pronounceable ingredient list.
Nutritionally, they offer 5 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein per bagel – impressive stats that keep hunger at bay through morning meetings. Unlike many commercial bagels, these contain zero preservatives, which means they’re best consumed fresh or frozen quickly. My weekend ritual now includes toasting one with avocado and a sprinkle of everything seasoning.
At 240 calories each, they’re reasonably portioned compared to the 300-400 calorie behemoths that dominate the bagel world. The slightly denser texture reminds me of authentic New York bagels, requiring a satisfying chew that makes me slow down and actually enjoy breakfast instead of inhaling it. These bagels prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean complicated!