by Rose Hopkins
Posted on: Bread, Healthy Eating
ByDr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrainis the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
Bagels lathered with various toppings are the favorite breakfast and snack options of many, but do you know what makes bagels different from other breads? This article will dive into what makes up a bagel, how it differentiates from other types of bread, and whether it’s healthier than sliced bread.
How is a bagel different from bread?
The main difference between typical bread loaves and bagels is the baking method. Most bread types are baked in an oven after the dough has risen, whereas bagels are boiled before being baked in an oven. Compared to other bread types, bagels typically have a chewier inner texture with a crunchy outer layer. Another difference between bagels and bread is that most types of bread are formed into the shape of a loaf, while bagels have a signature ring shape.
Are bagels just bread? Are bagels just boiled bread?
Though bagels are similar to bread in many ways, bagels are not just bread. Bagels are more similar to a roll than to bread. One of the main differences between bagels and bread is that bagels are boiled before baking, whereas bread is not boiled. Briefly boiling bagels allow the bagels to gelatinize the starches on the bagel’s outer surface, revealing the crunchy exterior we are all familiar with. Other differences between bagels and bread include the shape and some ingredients. So no, bagels are not just boiled bread!
What is the difference between bagel vs. bread ingredients?
Bread and bagels are mostly made up of the same ingredients. Both bagels and bread contain yeast, flour, water, and sugar. However, many bagel recipes use barley malt syrup, a grain-based sweetener, instead of granulated sugar. Bagels also generally contain less water and more flour compared to other bread types, which is why bagels are denser than typical slices of bread.
How many slices of bread equal one bagel? What is the nutrition difference between bagels and a slice of bread?
Based on carbohydrates and calories, approximately three slices of bread are equivalent to one medium-sized bagel. Of course, the nutrition specifics of both bread and bagels depend on the type of bread or bagel, as well as the size. On average, a medium-sized bagel contains 190 calories, 9 grams of protein, 55 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fat. In contrast, a slice of white bread contains 67 calories, 2 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fat.
Is bread healthier than bagels? Is a bagel better for you than bread?
Bread is not necessarily healthier than bagels, and bagels are not necessarily healthier than bread. The health benefits of bread and bagels depend on the varieties of each that you are considering, and the type of flour used to make the bagel and the bread. This also determines whether a bagel or a slice of bread is best for you. The healthiest types of both bread and bagel are ones made with whole grains, as well as options with limited added sweeteners, sugar, or artificial ingredients. For both bread and bagels, whole wheat, rye, and sourdough bread varieties are the healthiest choice compared to regular white flour alternatives.
Which is better for weight loss: bread or bagels?
Both bagels and bread can work for your weight loss goals. Whether choosing a bread or bagel, whole grain flours and smaller portion sizes are best for weight loss. Whole grains contain more fiber, which can keep you full for longer. A smaller portion size means fewer calories which can help you remain in a calorie deficit, a crucial aspect of maintaining weight loss goals.
Where can I buy the best fresh bread and bagels online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads and bagels include wood-fired plain bagels, wood-fired cinnamon raisin bagels, sourdough whole wheat loaf, and everything sourdough bread. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
FAQs
On average, a medium-sized bagel contains 190 calories, 9 grams of protein, 55 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fat. In contrast, a slice of white bread contains 67 calories, 2 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fat.
Which is healthier bread or bagels? ›
Unfortunately there's no simple answer to this question. In terms of calories, on average one bagel has more calories than one slice of bread. However, if you choose to have a bagel with more fibre, this may help you feel fuller for longer and potentially reduce your snacking throughout the day.
How many slices of bread is equivalent to a bagel? ›
A modest, medium-sized, plain bagel (about 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter) has about 300 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. The bagels your local bakery or bagel shop serves are probably MUCH larger than this, weighing in at closer to 500 to 600 calories a pop. To compare, that's like eating six slices of bread!
Are bagels healthy yes or no? ›
Bagels can be healthy if made with whole grains, contain minimal fat and sugar, and are an appropriate portion size for your health goals. For a healthier choice, look for whole wheat, whole grain, or rye bagels. While bagels with cream cheese are delicious, traditional cream cheese is not necessarily healthy.
Are everything bagels healthier than regular bagels? ›
In terms of the healthiest bagels, plain may seem like the obvious choice but Taub-Dix notes that seed-rich sesame and everything bagels contain heart-healthy fat and fiber. Rye, pumpernickel, oat and whole-wheat are also good choices.
Why do you use bagels instead of bread? ›
Bagels bring a delightful crunch, swiftly giving way to a chewy, dense center – a sensory delight bread just can't match.
Is it okay to eat a bagel every day? ›
The Bottom Line
You can enjoy practically any bagel in moderation, though whole-grain bagels provide more satiating fiber and protein. That said, bagels can be high in sodium, so make sure you're mindful of the other sources of sodium in your diet when you eat them.
Is 8 slices of bread a day bad? ›
So if you're trying to maintain your current weight, you can consume up to 12 slices of whole wheat bread per day. But if you're aiming to lose weight, you might want to stick to 8 slices per day and that is depending on your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.
How many slices of bread should you have for breakfast? ›
What is the healthiest bagel? ›
Best: One Mighty Mill's Everything Whole Wheat Bagels
"One Mighty Mill's Everything Whole Wheat Bagels have 4 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein and taste phenomenal," says Sheri Kasper, RDN, LDN, co-founder of Fresh Communications.
Adding whole eggs or egg whites to a dough increases the nutritional value of a bagel. Eggs contain a lot of nutrients even in small volumes—they are a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, and linoleic acid as well as protein. It's not just carbs in your bagel now! Embrace the egg bagel.
Are bagels bad for cholesterol? ›
Refined Grain Products – A diet high in refined carbohydrates, like white bread, tortillas, bagels and pasta, can have a negative effect on your HDL cholesterol level. Reducing your intake of these types of carbohydrates can improve your HDL levels. Choose high-quality, sprouted wheat breads and fruits.
How unhealthy is a bagel with cream cheese? ›
Although quick and absolutely delicious, a bagel smothered in cream cheese probably isn't the best way to start your day. If you're trying to be more calorie-conscious, opt for a whole grain bagel with reduced fat cream cheese — or better yet, try a nut butter spread instead.
Are English muffins healthier than bagels? ›
English muffins are healthier options than plain bagels, since English muffins contain less carbohydrates, sodium, calories, and sugar than bagels. Similar to whole wheat English muffins, the nutritional value of a bagel can be increased by opting for a whole wheat bagel.
Are bagels or Doughnuts healthier? ›
Donuts are usually made with a white flour, while bagels can be made using whole grain flours, which would provide even more protein and fiber. Because of this, bagels are the healthier choice between the two.
Are bagels ok to eat when trying to lose weight? ›
If you're eating bread or bagels while trying to lose weight, look for those made from grains with a low glycemic index. Bagels and bread aren't among your top choices when trying to lose weight. But if you love bagels or bread, you can certainly continue eating them, even when on a weight loss plan.
What is healthier than eating bread? ›
Oat-based products have a higher wholegrain content, meaning more essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) than you'd usually get with refined grains like those in white bread.
Why do bagels have more protein than bread? ›
In general, bagels have a very simple formulation. The formula is very similar to simple bread or roll formulas: flour, salt, yeast, and water. What separates the bagel from the rest of the rolls are the flour quality and the processing. Traditional bagels were made with very high-protein, spring wheat flour.
Are bagels higher in gluten than bread? ›
So yes, bagels have a lot of gluten, even compared to many other breads.
by Rose Hopkins