Bagels have moved beyond breakfast, replacing bread in some lunch and dinner sandwiches.
Bagels made their entrance in New York in the 1880s, when a flood of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe streamed into the country. In the 1960s, they started to be produced in large quantities for sale. The bread slicer was invented in the 1920s, and sliced bread has been a household staple ever since. Bagels and bread not only differ in look, but in calorie count and nutritional value as well.
Calorie Count Comparison
Bagels are higher in calories.
Bagels are not an even substitute for sliced bread, based on calories. Just one plain white bagel can account for about 300 calories, compared to around 90 calories per plain slice of white bread, according to Being Healthy TV. Half a bagel is a better substitute for morning toast, but remember that it will still equal almost two slices of bread in caloric content.
Bagels
Bran and whole wheat are healthier and higher in fiber.
Compared to bread, bagels are more commonly topped with higher calorie foods. If you add about 2 tbsp. of regular cream cheese to your bagel, you are adding about 100 calories and 6 g of fat. However, bagels themselves are low in saturated fats, but are also typically low in fiber. Bran or whole wheat types of bagels are a bit healthier, with more fiber than the standard enriched white flour bagel.
Bread
White bread doesn't have much nutritional value.
White bread is similar to white bagels in that it is typically not high in fiber, nor does it have much nutritional value. A slice of regular white bread has only 1.9 g of protein and 0.6 g of fiber. On the other hand, a slice of whole-wheat bread has 3.6 g of protein and 1.9 g of fiber, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. White whole-wheat bread, made with albino wheat, matches standard whole wheat in nutritional value.
Healthy Choices
Whole grain should be the first ingredient of your bagel or bread of choice.
Whether choosing a bagel or bread, choose a whole-wheat variety rather than a plain white version for more protein and fiber per bite. Whole grain should be the first ingredient of your bagel or bread choice. Bread and bagels made from whole grain are not only healthier, but will also help you feel fuller longer. Also, when considering toppings for your bread or bagel, choose lowfat peanut butter, which has protein and lower saturated fat than cream cheese and less sugar than some jams. This will also help satisfy your hunger longer.
FAQs
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.
Are bagels better for you than bread? ›
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 much bread is a bagel equivalent to? ›
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!
How is bagel difference bread? ›
Bagels differ from normal breads in its hydration and crust treatment. Bagel dough is similar to lots of other doughs but usually contains less water, making a stiffer dough. Once baked, this gives the dough a much chewier consistency.
Are bagels ok for weight loss? ›
The best bagels for weight loss are those that are small or medium in size and contain whole grains. Smaller bagels are lower in calories and whole grain bagel options are higher in fiber and antioxidants. Another way to cut calories while enjoying your favorite bagel is to have half of a bagel as a serving size.
Is it okay to eat a bagel every day? ›
"The portion size of most packaged bagels is equal to just over three slices of bread. Enjoying a bagel every morning is fine if you watch your portion size. Consider eating half a bagel one day and the other half the next day," says Laura M. Ali, M.S., RDN, a culinary nutritionist in Pittsburgh.
Why are bagels more unhealthy than bread? ›
First, bagels can have more calories and carbs than bread because the serving size tends to be higher. However, this does not inherently make bagels less healthy, it just means when you eat a bagel you need to pay attention to how much you're eating and what you're pairing with it.
Are bagels healthier than wheat bread? ›
The carb and nutrient counts for whole wheat bread versus a whole wheat bagel are nearly the same, so if you like bagels more than you like sliced bread, you should enjoy your bagels as long as you watch your portion size, choose whole wheat, and go light on spreads and toppings.
Why are bagels so good? ›
The Boiling Process
The process of boiling the dough is what gives the exterior of the bagel that great chewy texture, as well as what gives it that darker brown color. Some NYC bakers even add sweeteners such as lye or barley malt into the water before boiling the dough to give it a little extra something.
What are the healthiest bagels? ›
- Best: Thomas Bagel Thins.
- Best: Dave's Killer Bread Epic Everything Bagels.
- Best: O'Doughs Original Bagels.
- Best: One Mighty Mill's Everything Whole Wheat Bagels.
- Best: Silver Hills Bakery Organic Sprouted Power Everything Bagels.
- Worst: Aunt Millie Brown Sugar Swirl Soft Bagels.
Which is healthier: bagel or croissant? In general, bagels are healthier than croissants. Compared ounce to ounce, butter croissants have less carbohydrates than a plain bagel, but more calories, more fat (much of which is saturated fat), slightly less protein, and similar amounts of fiber.
Do bagels have more carbs than bread? ›
High in carbohydrates.
One bagel contains about 55 grams of carbohydrates, while two slices of white bread have about 30 grams. This means one bagel has almost as many carbohydrates as four slices of white bread. It's recommended that carbohydrates make up 45% to 65% of your total calories a day.
What is the best bread to eat if you are trying to lose weight? ›
The best bread for weight loss is a bread that is the most filling and contains the least unnecessary calories. When shopping, look for options that contain the lowest amount of added sugar and the highest amount of fiber. This combination for the best weight loss bread is usually 100% whole grain bread.
What bread is a Superfood? ›
Whole grain or sprouted grain breads with minimal ingredients can be a nutrient-dense and delicious addition to a healthy diet. “Sprouted grain bread is typically higher in protein, fiber and beneficial vitamins and minerals than other breads,” says Sassos.
Are bagels or bread better for weight loss? ›
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.
What's healthier eggs or bagels? ›
Bagels are high in carbohydrates and may not offer many essential nutrients, while eggs are a good source of protein but may also be high in cholesterol if consumed in large quantities.
What is the best alternative to bread? ›
Here are some options to try:
- Corn, reduced-carb or whole-grain tortillas.
- Cheese wraps or cheese slices.
- Coconut wraps.
- Cauliflower bread.
- Cucumber slices.
- Sweet potato slices.
- Bell pepper slices.
- Portobello mushrooms.
