Bagels have become a familiar part of many British breakfasts and light lunches, valued for their convenience and versatility.
Supermarket shelves now offer a wide range of options, from plain and seeded varieties to softer bakery style versions, which can make choosing feel less straightforward.
In honour of National Bagel Day, this is a timely opportunity to take a closer look at what is currently available on the high street and in major supermarkets. Differences in texture, ingredient quality, and consistency often shape how well a bagel performs when toasted, filled, or served on its own.
Looking at a selection of widely available products helps highlight what shoppers can reasonably expect when browsing UK supermarket bakery aisles.
All information is provided for general information only. Taste, appearance, and availability may vary.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. New York Bakery Co. Original Plain Bagels
Craving that authentic New York deli experience without hopping on a transatlantic flight? These bagels deliver exactly that.
With a proper chewy texture and slightly dense crumb, they've nailed the classic bagel formula that made the Big Apple famous.
Available in most major supermarkets for around £1.35 per five-pack, they're brilliant value for the quality you get. Toast them lightly to bring out their subtle malty flavour, or go full American and load them up with your favourite fillings.
They hold up beautifully whether you're making a breakfast sandwich or just want something satisfying with your morning coffee.
2. New York Bakery Co. Everything Bagels
If plain bagels are a blank canvas, these are the full Picasso. Loaded with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt, every bite delivers a flavour explosion that transforms even the simplest topping into something special.
Perfect for savoury breakfast lovers, they pair brilliantly with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or even just a generous spread of butter. The seeds toast up beautifully, adding extra crunch and an aromatic punch that'll have your kitchen smelling like a proper New York deli.
At roughly the same price as their plain cousins, they're worth grabbing when you fancy something more adventurous.
3. New York Bakery Co. Wholemeal Bagels
Looking for a slightly healthier option without sacrificing that satisfying bagel chew? These wholemeal versions tick all the boxes.
Made with wholegrain flour, they've got a nuttier, earthier flavour compared to their white flour siblings whilst still maintaining that essential dense, chewy texture.
They're brilliant for those trying to sneak a bit more fibre into their diet without feeling like they're compromising on taste. The slightly darker colour and heartier bite make them ideal for robust fillings like peanut butter and banana or scrambled eggs with avocado.
Still around £1.35 for five, they're a smart swap that doesn't feel like settling.
4. Sainsbury's Plain Bagels
Sainsbury's own-brand bagels are the unsung heroes of the bagel aisle. Priced at just 79p for a pack of five, they offer incredible value without tasting cheap or disappointing.
They've got a slightly sweeter flavour than some competitors, which makes them surprisingly versatile for both sweet and savoury toppings. The texture is pleasantly chewy without being too dense, and they toast up beautifully with a lovely golden colour.
Whilst they might not have the cult following of fancier brands, they're absolutely brilliant for everyday breakfast situations when you want something reliable and tasty without breaking the bank. Stock up when they're on offer and you'll thank yourself later.
5. Rowan Hill Bakery Plain Bagels
Here's a brand that might not be on everyone's radar yet, but absolutely deserves recognition. Rowan Hill Bakery bagels bring a slightly more artisanal approach to the supermarket bagel game, with a texture that sits somewhere between traditional New York style and a softer British roll.
They've got a lovely golden crust that crisps up beautifully when toasted, whilst the inside stays soft and pillowy. The flavour is clean and wheaty, letting your toppings shine without competing for attention.
They're becoming increasingly available in various supermarkets, so keep an eye out. A proper treat when you want something that feels a bit more special than your standard weekday breakfast.
6. Asda Bakery White Bagels
Asda's bakery section consistently delivers solid basics at brilliant prices, and their white bagels are no exception. With a softer, more bread-like texture than traditional bagels, they're particularly popular with kids and anyone who finds dense bagels a bit too chewy.
Priced competitively as part of Asda's value range, they're perfect for batch-buying when feeding a crowd or meal-prepping breakfast sandwiches for the week. They freeze beautifully too, meaning you can always have bagels on hand for those last-minute breakfast emergencies.
Whilst purists might prefer a chewier option, these offer a gentle introduction to bagels for those new to the game or simply a softer alternative for easy eating.
7. Warburtons Plain Bagels
When a brand famous for its sliced bread tackles bagels, you know they're going to nail the texture. Warburtons brings their baking expertise to create bagels with a wonderfully soft and chewy consistency that's become their signature.
Coming pre-sliced in a five-pack for around £1.50, they're incredibly convenient for rushed mornings when you can't be bothered with a bread knife. The slightly sweet, malty flavour works brilliantly with both sweet spreads and savoury fillings, making them proper all-rounders.
They're widely available across virtually every UK supermarket, so you'll never struggle to find them. Reliable, tasty, and consistently good quality—exactly what you'd expect from Warburtons.
8. Warburtons Sesame Bagels
Taking their plain bagel formula and giving it a nutty, toasted upgrade, Warburtons sesame bagels add that extra dimension of flavour and texture. The sesame seeds scattered across the top toast beautifully, releasing their natural oils and creating an irresistible aroma that'll have everyone in the house asking what smells so good.
They're particularly brilliant with cream cheese and cucumber for a light lunch, or with scrambled eggs for a more substantial breakfast. The seeds add a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
At a similar price point to the plain version, they're worth alternating into your bagel rotation when you fancy something a bit different without going full everything bagel.
9. Village Bakery Original Bagels From Aldi
Aldi's done it again with these absolute bargains. At just 79p for a pack of five, Village Bakery bagels punch well above their weight class, offering that authentic hooped shape and traditional chewy texture that bagel lovers crave.
Recent taste tests have crowned these as genuine contenders against pricier branded options, with testers praising their proper dense crumb and satisfying chew. They've got that slightly shiny crust that crisps up beautifully when toasted, and the flavour is clean and wheaty without any weird aftertaste.
Honestly, at this price point, they're almost too good to be true. Stock up when you're doing your Aldi shop because they're brilliant value that doesn't taste like a compromise.
10. Village Bakery High Protein Bagel Thins From Aldi
For those watching their macros or simply wanting a lighter option, these bagel thins are absolutely brilliant. Slimmer than traditional bagels but still packed with that satisfying chew, they contain significantly more protein than standard versions, making them ideal for post-gym breakfasts or anyone trying to increase their protein intake.
The thinner profile means they toast quickly and evenly, getting lovely and crispy on the outside whilst staying soft within. They're perfect for open-faced sandwiches or when you want the bagel experience without feeling too stuffed afterwards.
Another Aldi winner that proves you don't need to spend loads to eat well. Grab them whilst they're in stock because they tend to fly off the shelves.
