I have tried many gluten-free bagels over the past 4 years of being on the gluten-free diet. Kinnikinnick, Glutino, Trader Joe’s, Joan’s Gluten-Free Great Bakes, and I have made my own from Pamela’s Gluten-free Bread Mix. All of the bagels have been good, but only Joan’s came close to a replica of that chewy crust and doughy center that I remember from my pre-gluten-free days. Enter Udi’s Gluten-free Plain Bagels.
The outside of the bag of Udi’s Bagels says “soft, chewy, yummy”. They did not lie. These bagels are edible straight out of the package at room temperature, something I haven’t found with any other gluten-free bagel. Joan’s bagels are excellent, don’t get me wrong, but have to be toasted.
The outside of the bagel has a chewy factor; the inside is soft and doughy & reminiscent of the gluten-filled version. Perfect to spread a nice layer of cream cheese over for breakfast or a snack.
I couldn’t let this opportunity get away without toasting & adding my signature tuna melt toppings.
If you made me choose my favorite gluten-free bagel, it would be close, but I have to say that I believe that Udi’s comes out on top. I love the versatility! Not having to toast the bagel is a wonderful option. The bagels can be stored in the freezer or on the counter (if they will be consumed quickly, they will be in my house). I have many other toppings that I want to try on my new-found love – almond butter & jelly, hummus, avocado & tomato, fried eggs, and maybe even a Sunshine burger.
Udi’s products can be purchased online here. They are also carried in many stores around the country, including Whole Foods. Some Einstein Brothers Bagels in Denver are even carrying these! I hope that becomes a nationwide thing! Udi’s bagels cost $6 per pack of 4 bagels. Joan’s bagels are $8 per pack of 5. The nutritionals are comparable at 280 calories & 270 calories respectively. Have you tried Udi’s bagels yet?
A friend of mine had those bagels in Denver recently and liked the size and the fact that you could just eat them without heating if you want to. I’m waiting to review them still, but agree that not having to bake them would be nice. I don’t like any of the gf bagels I’ve tried except for Joan’s so far. I’m guessing I’ll find Udi’s version to be wonderful, as I’ve found all the other products in the line up!
Tiffany,
Up until I tried Udi’s, Joan’s were my favorite. I would eat the others, but didn’t see them as “replacements” for my old bagels. I have to go to Whole Foods tomorrow to return some coconut water that I didn’t care for (they were out of my Vita Coco and I got the Naked brand – ick). Anyway, I have to keep away from the freezer section or I may come home with a bunch more bagels! LOL!
Kim
Love the Udi’s Bagels!! Did you see my review earlier in the month? I think the photo of Sam eating one gives you a pretty good idea of just how big those bagels are, LOL! Kim, you must try them as a hamburger bun!!! 🙂
I loved the bagels! Especially the fact that we could eat them without heating. Ohh…a sunshine burger on the bagel would be yummy! I had them with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers. I can’t wait to have more!!!
Heidi – I just happen to have Sunshine burgers in my freezer, so as Anne suggests, I think that may be my dinner later this week!!
Anne – Smoked salmon & cream cheese with capers sounds great!
Kim: I just recently tried the Sunshine Burgers for the first time, the South West flavor… boy, those are good! 🙂
Here is my Udi’s Bagel link w/ a pic of our “bagel burgers!”
http://adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/2010/04/04/udis-gluten-free-bagels/
I love Udi’s bagels! I haven’t reviewed them because I know so many other writers/bloggers are doing the exact same thing, but man, they are good! I had one at Einstein’s Brothers Bagels in Broomfield, CO, and it was great. They took great care to prevent cross contamination. I was very impressed. I also took a pack with me while traveling and was very pleased that I could pull one out of the bag and eat it without toasting, heating, or topping it with anything! Great flavor and texture!
I like the Kaiser challa rolls from Katz gluten free nothing comes close to this its soft moisty and great taste and cheap but in some hamburger and we are good to go and i saw on their site that they give a way free samples which is amazing
April??? You guys have been eating these since April – WHERE have I been??? OH my… I had given up – nothing store bought, nothing home made. And folks – I have skills in the baking department. These little circles of delight…. oh my. NO- they are NOT NYC Deli bagels or the ones I make for my family – boiled and raised and fresh. But YES- I LOVE THESE BAGELS!!
Udi’s store no longer works and I have found no way to purchase them in BC or even Canada. Every other bagel is awful, Udi’s is amazing — why do they make it so difficult to get?!