I Tried The Better-For-You Bagels Everyone Is Talking About, And I Have Thoughts

    "Pagels" are grain, gluten, and dairy-free bagels. But do they taste like the real deal?

    Hannah Loewentheil
    by Hannah Loewentheil

    BuzzFeed Staff

    My name is Hannah, and I really, really love a good bagel.

    So when I noticed a creation called the "pagel" was infiltrating my Instagram feed, I wanted to try it. These paleo bagels, created by Bedrock Bakers, are made with cassava flour so they're gluten and grain-free. They're also dairy-free and vegan.

    They come in four flavors: Plain, everything, sesame, and cinnamon raisin. They range from 270-300 calories and cost $9.95 for a four-pack. They are only available online, but they ship next-day priority mail nationwide.

    Bedrock Bakers / Via bedrockbakers.com

    So one Sunday, I skipped my routine of picking up a bagel and lox in order to try the pagel. I had some friends over too, one of whom lived off bagels until realizing she was allergic to gluten. I figured she'd be a good judge.

    The pagels arrive frozen, and the instructions say to toast them for about eight minutes until they're fully thawed. My first instinct was that these pagels were pretty small.

    Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

    In contrast to the fat bagels I'm used to, a pagel fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

    Once thawed, the pagel feels very similar to a good New York-style bagel. The outside is crunchy, but as soon as you slice it, the inside is doughy and warm.

    Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

    As for the taste, the pagel is a bit grainy, but it's nice and chewy. Given its size, there isn't as much dough to sink your teeth into.

    Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

    And when topped with just cream cheese, I found myself wanting something a bit more substantive.

    When served with your favorite bagel-fillings, the pagel is honestly pretty good. Stuffed with bacon, egg, cheese, and avocado, it made for a satisfying breakfast sandwich.

    If you have a gluten allergy, these are worth a try. My friend with celiac disease said this was the best gluten-free bagel she's ever eaten. She said she finds that other gluten-free options taste slightly sweet, but not the pagel. And IMO, this was easily the best pre-packaged bagel I've had.

    Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

    But TBH, they just don't hold a candle to the real thing.

    Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

    If you're trying to cut back on carbs and calories, the pagel is a great option. It definitely resembles the real thing in taste and texture. While there's nothing like biting into a thick, doughy New York bagel, the pagel is the next-best thing.