The 23 bagel flavors that matter are ranked the worst on the best (2021 update)

For us New Jerseyans, the national bagel day is NBD.

We do not just choose one day to celebrate the bagel. It’s a way of life. A daily fact. A constant. One of the many reasons why you live in New Jersey is unbelievable.

But for everyone else, it’s Friday, January 15th. I think we can participate.

But rather than telling you why New Jersey bagels are better than everyone’s (including New York’s), we’re going to a bigger debate: which bagel flavor is best?

I returned bagel flavors in 2018. Almost three years later, I ate even more bagels (probably too much) and I have more perspective and appreciation for our cooked beauty. So I have adjustments. Here is the updated list.

23. Salt

Death last before, death last again. I was shocked at how many people like these things, I got real hate mail for this in 2018. Salt is great on a hot crackle, and an essential component of all-bagel. But on its own? No. Hand over the salt.

22. Oat bran

Stop healing bagels. They are not healthy! Enter everything. With all due respect to the Quaker Oats man, oats do not belong on a bagel. Unless the bagel is for a horse. In which case I fully support it.

21. Spinach

Popeye the bagelman? He probably likes this bagel. I do not. Vegetables are great in a cream cheese, but not in the bagel itself. It does not really taste like spinach, it just has an unpleasant taste and the texture is undesirable.

20. Marmerrog

Great for an episode of ‘Seinfeld’, just like you eat breakfast too. If I want pastrami on a bagel, I put it on here. I don’t put pastrami on a bagel very often. The car wash seeds are generously strong and the texture is too sticky. Points to be creative, but it doesn’t really work as an everyday bagel.

19. Blueberry

Blueberry muffins are great. Blueberry bagels are not. No matter where you get one, it’s gonna taste like a crazy Thomas’ bagel from the grocery store’s bread section. It looks like bagels made by Smurfs.

18. Rainbow

If unicorns can make bagels, it looks like this. Unicorns should not make bagels. Super trendy in recent years, even if it’s really just bagels with food coloring. Too much hype, not enough taste.

17. Chocolate chip

Chocolate chips are great in just about everything. Unfortunately, there are not that many bagels. The novelty works for a while, but it ends up being too much sweetness for a bagel. Stick to the muffins, chip!

16. Whole wheat

You are going to see a trend here. Bagel time is not the time to start counting calories. If you want to alleviate the guilt of carbo-load by making whole wheat, you can’t do that. Could not be me.

15. Pumpernickel

Ideal for lox and cream cheese. A touch of salt for certain tastes, but definitely a classic and visually appealing.

14. Cheddar cheese

Call it a bagel, but it tastes more like a roll on which cheese has been melted. So it tasted damn good. Likes the texture, though bagel purists might mock. Still, you can do better.

13. Jalapeño

If you want a bagel that gets your business done with spices, you’re in the right place. If not, continue. Super tasty and unique, a southwestern omelette is a perfect combination with this spicy boy.

12. Just

I ranked it at number 2 years ago, and my friends have made me laugh about it ever since. Look, call me old-fashioned, but I still like them. Do not repair it if it is not broken. Bagels with flavor are great and everything, but sometimes you just need the original. The simple perfection of the bagel’s crusty exterior and sticky waist form the centerpiece, or you have a blank cloth for side dishes like cream cheese and butter. Yes, there are supplements I would like if I had a choice. But if your bagel is not good, it will not be good no matter what you put or put in it.

11. Poppy seed

The seeds come everywhere (and get stuck in your teeth), but the subtle scent is definitely pleasant. Solid choice, just not before a job interview or first date.

10. French toast

It’s sweet. It’s soft. It’s probably more expensive than a classic bagel, but it’s worth it. Try it and you will understand it. If you go with a sweet bagel, as opposed to a salt, you might as well lean into it. Have you ever had a sandwich with bacon, egg and cheese on one? You are welcome.

9. Eggs

The added egg gives the bagel not only a richer flavor and a yellow tint, but also proteins and vitamins! Maybe I’m a fan of healthy bagels after all. At least if they taste good! It is also a little softer than regular bagels and provides an excellent base for bacon, egg and cheese.

8. Cinnamon raisin

These bagels never really taste like cinnamon to me, but I love them anyway. They are not supple, the raisins give a nice sticky texture and in general it is a good change from the classic savory flavors. I have a friend who swears by peanut butter on a cinnamon raisin, which is just crazy enough to work.

7. Bialy

Technically not a bagel? Technically, I do not care. Unlike any other bagel with a dip in the middle as opposed to a hole filled with onions, garlic and poppy seeds. Not conducive to really cutting or to placing any form of grease. But you do not need one. The onion, grumpy goodness in the middle is all you need.

6. Onions

The roasted onion is delicious, goes well with the bagel and especially with cream cheese if you follow that route. You will give no favors to your breath, but your taste buds will thank you.

5. Whole wheat everything

All bagels are amazing! Whole wheat bagels are whatever. Finally, everything that has bagel has the dominant genes in the comparison and carries this bagel to respectability.

4. Garlic

Ideal for everyone except vampires. There is no such thing as too much garlic, especially in Jersey, and there is something very satisfying about the tasty crunch on your bagel. Delicious.

3. Sesame

If you are only going to get one ball on a bagel, then use sesame seeds. Nice crunch, and a nice warm scent that compliments just about everything you put on it.

2. Own everything

Egg bagels are great. All bagels are great. So it is not surprising that it is very good. Take all the goodness of everything and add the richness of egg to the base. Brilliant.

1. Everything

The king remains the king. When reviewing the rankings, this was never the case. Whoever invented this beautiful concoction deserves a Nobel Peace Prize at breakfast. Sesame, garlic, onion and salt on a bagel may not make sense, but it’s the best unmatched bagel out there, with each flavor complimenting the next. And if you can not choose between all the flavors of bagels, why not get a little of everything?

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Jeremy Schneider can be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send us a tip here.