9 Healthiest Bagels To Eat in 2025
Bagels have come a long way from their humble beginnings, and today, the healthiest bagels prove that you don’t have to choose between nutrition and flavor. According to National Geographic, the bagel's origins trace back to 13th-century Eastern Europe, where Jewish bakers created the boiled and baked bread as a way to navigate anti-Semitic laws restricting types of Jewish trade.
Nowadays, the bagel takes many forms; it can be low-carb, gluten-free, high-protein or even whole-grain. But with so many brands on the market, how do we know which provides the healthiest bagels? And can a bagel really be a part of a balanced diet?
Fortunately, there are plenty of brands dedicated to making the healthiest bagels without compromising taste or texture. By knowing the common characteristics of the healthiest bagels, you can select a brand that’s right for you and enjoy this classic bread, knowing that it’s just as good for you as it tastes.
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9 Healthy Bagels To Eat
1. BetterBrand The Better Bagel
Founded in 2020, BetterBrand’s The Better Bagel is a cutting-edge product in modern food technology. People often think that the healthiest bagel type can only be high-protein, but what if it could be low-carb, too? Hold onto your horses because The Better Bagel has 250% more protein and 90% fewer carbs than conventional bagels.
With a mission to redefine what high-protein, low-carb bagels can be, the texture is impressively close to a classic bagel, and it crisps up beautifully when toasted. It’s also made with 100% plant-based ingredients, making it one of the healthiest bagels on the market for those who want a vegan, high-protein snack.
However, while BetterBrand delivers on nutrition, The Better Bagel leans heavily on processed ingredients like wheat protein isolates and modified food starches. This means it isn’t one of the healthiest bagels to pick if you prefer whole, natural ingredients in your bagels.
That being said, if you care most about the high-protein and low-carb status of your bagel, this is a strong contender.
BetterBrand The Better Bagel Nutritional Info
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 650 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 35 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 gram
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 26 grams
2. Just Bagels Whole Wheat Bagels
If you’re looking for an authentic, old-fashioned bagel that prioritizes your health, whole wheat bagels are the healthiest bagel type to start with, and Just Bagels has one of the best on the market. Kettle-boiled and baked to golden perfection, these bagels have that signature crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside texture that bagel lovers crave.
The healthiest bagels are usually ones with very short ingredient lists and that’s the case with Just Bagels. Made with minimal ingredients, the first of which is a blend of wheat flour and malted barley flour, they bring a heartier flavor to the table than their refined-flour counterparts.
However, these bagels are slightly higher in calories than some of the other options on this list of the healthiest bagels. The sugar content is also quite high for a bagel, though it’s important to remember that sugar is crucial in activating the yeast, which helps the bagel dough rise.
If you value traditional craftsmanship and a clean ingredient list over ultra-processed alternatives, this is one of the healthiest bagels you can enjoy without compromise.
Just Bagels Whole Wheat Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 0 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 580 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 58 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Total Sugar: 6 grams
- Added Sugar: 6 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
3. One Mighty Mill Whole Wheat Everything Bagels
If you want a sure-fire way to know if you’re about to order some of the healthiest bagels on the market, it often relates to their shelf life. One Mighty Mill's bagels are free from industrial flour, preservatives and GMOs, which has led them to mill their own organic whole grains daily, ensuring maximum freshness and nutrition.
This also means that if you live on the western side of the U.S., the brand only offers 3-Day Fresh-Direct shipping because the bagels have a much shorter shelf life than grocery store alternatives, so they need to be shipped asap.
The result? A bagel that’s naturally packed with flavor, fiber and whole-grain goodness, making it one of the healthiest bagels you can get your hands on. Unlike many store-bought bagels that are often made with stripped-down, over-processed flour, these bagels are packed with nutrients because the stone milling process retains all three nutrient layers in the whole grain.
While these bagels may be a little more dense than traditional bagels, their superior ingredient quality makes them one of the healthiest bagels available. You can also get them in all the classic flavors, like everything, cinnamon raisin and plain, making this brand a top pick for all your healthy snack needs.
One Mighty Mill Whole Wheat Everything Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 2.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 44 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 gram
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
4. Dave's Killer Bread Plain Awesome Bagels
When searching the shelves of your local grocery store for the healthiest bagel to eat, Dave’s Killer Bread has both some of the healthiest bagels and some of the most widely available bagels. With a reputation for delivering some of the healthiest bread products that don’t skimp on taste, the Plain Awesome Bagels live up to their name with a soft yet hearty texture that’s packed with organic whole grains and an impressive amount of protein.
Unlike many mainstream bagels that often include bleached flour and even high fructose corn syrup, these are some of the healthiest bagels for those who want an organic and nutrient-rich option. However, these bagels do contain higher amounts of sugar than most mainstream bagel brands, so they may not be suited to low-sugar diets.
Despite the high sugar content, 15 grams of whole grains per serving is not to be sniffed at, and you can choose between the Plain Awesome, Epic Everything, Boomin’ Berry and Cinnamon Raisin Remix bagel flavors. But note that the nutritional profile may vary slightly between flavors.
With a commitment to clean and organic ingredients, this is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to enjoy one of the healthiest bagels available at most grocery stores.
Dave’s Killer Bread Plain Awesome Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 460 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 52 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 6 grams
- Total Sugar: 7 grams
- Added Sugar: 7 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
5. Silver Hills Bakery Organic Sprouted Power Everything Bagels
Searching for the healthiest bagel to eat isn’t always a fun experience, but Silver Hills Bakery makes it a little easier with its offering of Organic Sprouted Power Everything Bagels.
Available in both the U.S. and Canada, these bagels are made from organic sprouted whole wheat. They have a soft, chewy texture that is complemented by plenty of sesame seeds, poppy seeds and minced onion.
The sprouting process unlocks additional nutrients in the whole wheat, which makes the grains easier to digest. Plus, according to a paper titled Sprouted Grains: A Comprehensive Review, the nutrients in the grains become more bioavailable through germination, so you’re getting more nutritional benefits when opting for healthy bagels with sprouted grains over other kinds.
While these bagels do contain some added sugar, the benefits of sprouted grains typically outweigh this drawback — unless you’re on a low-sugar diet. If you’re looking for a satisfying and fiber-rich option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, Silver Hills Bakery's entry for the healthiest bagels will likely be your top pick.
Silver Hills Bakery Organic Sprouted Power Everything Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 3.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 310 grams
- Carbohydrates: 39 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
- Total Sugar: 5 grams
- Added Sugar: 5 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
6. Little Northern Bakehouse Plain Gluten-Free Bagels
Finding the healthiest bagels that are also gluten-free can be a challenging task, but Little Northern Bakehouse seems to have cracked the code. It's plain gluten-free bagels offer a light yet satisfying texture and they’re made using a blend of brown rice flour, tapioca starch and pea hull fiber.
They’re allergy-friendly and Non-GMO Project Verified, making them one of the healthiest bagels not only for those avoiding gluten but also other common allergens. Their light and tasty flavor also makes them a great pick if you’re making healthy snacks for kids, such as bagels with peanut butter and banana.
However, compared to traditional bagels, these are lower in protein and slightly higher in added sugars. That being said, they still have a relatively clean ingredients list and are an accessible alternative that makes sure gluten-free eaters don’t have to miss out on having one of the healthiest bagels available.
Little Northern Bakehouse Plain Gluten-Free Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 590 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 53 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
- Total Sugar: 6 grams
- Added Sugar: 6 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
7. Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Wheat Bagels
Alvarado Street Bakery takes a unique approach to making the best store-bought bagels by using sprouted whole wheat in its recipe. This makes the bagels easier to digest and rich in additional nutrients.
Sprouted grains can be a game-changer for people looking to improve their gut health. The stress of the sprouting process breaks down antinutrients and complex carbohydrates and according to Harvard Health, sprouted grains also have more available nutrients than mature grains, including folate, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and protein.
Additionally, the organic bakery emphasizes the importance of high-quality ingredients in all products, resulting in some of the healthiest bagels around that are nutritious and responsibly made.
These bagels have a slight earthy flavor, which is expected from sprouted wheat bagels, and they’re soft while still being hearty. They’re also packed with fiber and made without artificial preservatives, making them one of the healthiest bagels available to those who prefer whole grains in their baked goods.
You can also find flavored and seasoned sprouted varieties, including everything, cinnamon raisin and sesame seed bagels.
Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Wheat Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 0.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 390 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 51 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Total Sugar: 2 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
8. Trader Joe's Everything Bagels
Sometimes, the classic, most popular options are the best and that’s exactly what Trader Joe’s believes with its Everything Bagels. Much like the majority of the healthiest bagels on this list, these are made using simple and high-quality ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
The baking process — proofing, fermenting, steaming and baking — then creates a bagel that has a satisfying chew and a subtle, developed flavor with a good amount of protein and not too much added sugar. They are finished with a sprinkling of everything seasoning which includes poppy and sesame seeds, plus garlic and onion.
These bagels offer a clean ingredients list and a solid nutritional profile, earning them a place among the healthiest bagels for those who appreciate traditional bagel craftsmanship. They won’t be as nutrient-dense as some of the whole grain options on this list of the healthiest bagels. However, these remain a solid choice for those who want a no-fuss bagel and are also searching for new healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s to try.
As Trader Joe’s is one of the cheapest grocery stores in the U.S., you can enjoy these bagels at an affordable price (currently below $3). There is also a plain version with a little less total fat than the everything version, but this variety is higher in sugar and sodium.
Plus, from modern flavors like pretzel bagels, cheesy bagels and pumpkin bagels to the go-to classics like cinnamon raisin, there are plenty of flavor options to suit your cravings. However, as with flavored bagel versions by most brands, the nutritional values of these Trader Joe’s snacks will vary a little, so check the label when buying to double-check that the product meets your health needs.
Trader Joe's Everything Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 190 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 46 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
- Total Sugar: 3 grams
- Added Sugar: 1 gram
- Protein: 8 grams
9. Sola Bread Plain Bagels
If you’re after low-carb bread that doesn’t sacrifice texture or taste, Sola Bread has crafted a bagel that caters to you. The brand’s plain bagels contain only 5 grams of net carbs per bagel.
Unlike total carbohydrates, which include all types of carbs in a food, net carbs represent only the carbohydrates that impact blood sugar, which is calculated by subtracting fiber and certain sugar alcohols from the total carb count. Sola Bread's bagels also boast a high fiber and protein content, making them a standout choice among the healthiest bagels for low-carb dieters.
However, these bagels contain processed ingredients like wheat protein isolate and resistant wheat starch, which may not appeal to those who prefer whole-food ingredients. Still, for anyone looking to try one of the healthiest bagels that aligns with a ketogenic diet, Sola Bread provides a great way to enjoy a bagel without compromising your lifestyle.
Sola Bread Plain Bagels Nutritional Info
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 290 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 30 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
What Is the Healthiest Bagel?
If you’re wondering how to start eating healthy, making a few changes to the types of bread you eat is an important factor in that. If you enjoy bagels for breakfast, lunch or as a snack, choosing the healthiest bagels is crucial when trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
At the grocery store, the healthiest bagels are often made with whole grains, like whole-wheat or sprouted grains, with no additives or preservatives. Just look at the healthy bagels from Alvarado Street Bakery and One Mighty Mill; they both avoid industrial flour, preservatives and GMOs and emphasize fresh and high-quality ingredients. You’ll also want to choose bagels with minimal added sugar and salt.
The healthiest bagel for you will also depend on your dietary needs and goals. For example, those prioritizing protein intake will want to consider BetterBrand’s bagels, which come with over 20 grams of protein.
On the other hand, those following low-carb diets should consider a product like Sola Bread’s Plain Bagels, which have 35 grams of carbohydrates (which is quite low for a bagel).
Visit Your Nearest Bakery
However, if you’re still wondering, “What is the healthiest bagel?”, the answer is most likely the bagels from your local bakery, with Jewish bakeries being a top pick for delicious and healthy bagels that follow traditional recipes.
The healthiest bagels are often not found on the shelves of your nearest grocery store because store products need to have a long shelf life. This often means adding preservatives or removing healthy ingredients that spoil quickly.
If you truly want the healthiest bagels, they’ll typically have a shelf life of three days or less. This means they'll need to be shipped straight to your door or picked up from your local bakery, so there is a minimal amount of time between them being made and arriving on your plate.
Freeze Healthy Bagels As Needed
As mentioned, the healthiest bagels are often from a bakery, yet the short shelf life can lead you to stock up for the week with grocery store items that may not be quite as healthy. However, the short shelf life of bakery products shouldn’t worry you; if you want to buy the healthiest bagels but keep them for longer than three days, just freeze them!
To do this, make sure your bagels are completely cooled to room temperature, then slice them and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Store the wrapped bagels in a freezer-safe bag with all the air pushed out of it to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, wrap them in foil and reheat in an oven at around 400° Fahrenheit (200° Celsius) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Make Bagels at Home
Another great option when looking for the healthiest bagels is to make them yourself at home. This way, you know exactly what goes into them, won’t need to use any preservatives and can customize them completely to your liking.
While bagels are one of the trickier baked goods to get right, the challenge of making them shouldn't put you off. Plus, once you get the recipe and technique down, you’ll wonder why you ever purchased bagels in the first place!
You could even take a few cooking classes near you focused on baked goods. Or, opt for online cooking classes, such as online baking classes, which you can join from your own kitchen.
How To Choose Healthy Bagels
Shopping at the grocery store for the healthiest bagels can be simple if you know what to look for. The key to finding the healthiest bagels is to focus on whole, high-quality ingredients and avoid highly processed alternatives.
Start by checking the ingredient list — the main flour (preferably made from whole grains) should be the first ingredient listed. Next, examine the nutritional label for fiber content; aim for bagels with at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber per serving to support digestion and satiety.
Protein is another important factor to consider, as bagels made with seeds, nuts or enriched flours tend to have higher protein levels, which will also help you feel full for longer. Finally, keep an eye on sodium levels, as lower-sodium options can be better for heart health.
Healthy Bagel Toppings To Try
For the healthiest bagels, the toppings can make all the difference. For savory options, try spreads like hummus or avocado for heart-healthy fats or load up your bagel with sautéed spinach and mushrooms and a fried egg on top for added vitamins.
Sweet lovers can opt for their favorite nut butter, such as a healthy peanut butter, paired with banana slices and chia seeds. Or try reduced-fat cream cheese topped with fresh, healthy fruits like berries and a drizzle of honey.
By choosing nutrient-dense toppings and fillings, you can transform your regular bagel into a balanced meal.
No matter your dietary needs, there’s a better-for-you bagel out there to match your lifestyle. Whether you prioritize whole grains, plant-based protein or a low-carb approach, the healthiest bagels are simply the ones that taste good and make you feel good.
By making small and informed choices, you can keep bagels on your menu while staying on track with your health goals.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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