Product Review: Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels

Product: Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels – $5.99

You know…I’ve had a difficult time finding decent and delicious gluten-free bagels.  Being that I grew up in New York, bagels are more than just breakfast.  They are a thing.  No…really.  They are religion.  And when you are able to eat “normal” bagels, finding a good one isn’t a problem, even outside of the Bagel State of the World.

When you are gluten-free, however…this can be a task.  I struggled to find a tasty and authentic bagel after I had to go gluten-free.  There were so many failures.  In texture, taste, and even size.  I am a bagel connoisseur.  I know what makes a good bagel…and the gluten-free ones just weren’t making the cut.  And I was depressed.

My friend, Sara, who at the time was gluten-free, pointed me in the direction of Udi’s bagels.  They were pricey…but…damn…they tasted just like the bagels I grew up eating.  I was beyond impressed.  And to this day, they are one of (now three) brands that I will all-out purchase because I trust that they will be good.  O’Doughs Gluten-Free Bagel Thins are another.  And…Katz Gluten Free rounds out the Trifecta of Gluten Free Bagel Awesomesauce™.

Katz Gluten Free introduced the bagels to their already amazing lineup of delicious gluten-free baked goods last year.  I was stoked.  I couldn’t wait to try them.  But then…I just never got around to ordering them.  When I had to order the $35 loaf of Gluten Free Braided Challah Bread…I added on some items to take me to $50 for the free shipping.  One of these items was the Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels.

FINALLY!!

And this morning, I pulled them out of my freezer to finally give them a try.

First of all…keep in mind that Everything Bagels are not meant to be clean.  As in…they are coated in seeds and seasonings and…well…you are going to make a mess.  It just happens.  But, you see, Everything Bagels are the iconic bagel.  They have all the best toppings in one place.  They are legendary.  And they are delicious.  I hoped the Katz Gluten Free version would be as good as the ones I grew up eating.

After allowing two of the four bagels that come in a pack thaw on the counter while I went to my spin class, I returned home and turned on my oven.  I removed the bagels from the ziplock bag I had them in to thaw and eased their pre-sliced halves apart.  I set each one on a baking sheet and threw them into the oven to toast while I took a quick shower before having to head to work.

They toasted up beautifully.  Sheer bagel toasting perfection.  As I emerged, now dressed for work and no longer a hot, sweaty mess I pulled them from the oven and put a schmear of vegan cream cheese on each half.  I served up one bagel to my roommate (who has had Everything Muffins, but not an Everything Bagel) and allowed her to dive in while I put the cream cheese on my own halves, poured my coffee, and went to tuck in to my own brekkies.

One bite…and I was transported back to my bagel-eating days of yore.  For real.  These bagels are packed…and I mean packed with flavor and all the authentic ingredients of a “real” Everything Bagel.  Katz Gluten Free knows exactly how to make bagels.  This was spot-on perfect in taste, texture, and…yes…even size.  Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels can be a bit…large (but, OMG…SO YUMMY!), and the bagel thins are made to be thin without as much bread.  This…this is the happy medium.  Seasoned to perfection.  No lacking in any of the toppings.  Gluten Free Bagel of Everything and More!!  WOW!

I’m already salivating knowing I still have two more in my freezer.

Let’s talk ingredients, as we always do.  The Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagel is made from a gluten-free flour blend (tapioca, white rice, brown rice, potato, soy, corn), egg whites, water, cellulose fiber, oil, corn syrup, sugar, cellulose gum, yeast, salt, corn fiber, soy lecithin, lactic acid, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and minced onion!  Yep…that’s an Everything Bagel to me.  These are not just gluten-free but also dairy-free.

Nutritionally speaking, these aren’t bad for bagels.  Not at all.  A serving size is one bagel.  This serving will provide you with 250 calories and 9 grams of fat.  You will also be getting 150 mg sodium and 6 grams of sugar.  These are cholesterol-free.  In addition, you will be consuming 12 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein, so you will certainly feel full.  That’s always nice!

Oh yeah…Katz Gluten Free Everything Bagels are definitely a hit.  I intend to stock my freezer with them more often.  For sure.  If you haven’t tried them yet…get right on it.  You will thank me for it later.