You're standing in line. The smell of roasted beans is everywhere. You need something carb-heavy to soak up that double-shot espresso, and honestly, a cake pop just isn't going to cut it today. You wonder, does Starbucks sell bagels or are you stuck with a croissant?
The short answer is yes. They definitely do. But it's actually more complicated than just walking in and asking for "a bagel."
Starbucks has a specific, somewhat limited rotation of bagels that varies depending on where you are in the world. In the United States, you’re usually looking at a core lineup: Plain, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin. Sometimes you'll find a sprouted grain option if the inventory gods are smiling on you. They aren't boiling these in-house like a New York deli, obviously. They arrive par-baked or frozen and get tossed into a high-speed oven that toasts them in seconds.
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The Reality of the Starbucks Bagel Menu
If you go into a Starbucks expecting a jalapeño cheddar or a pumpernickel, you’re going to be disappointed. They play it safe. The Plain Bagel is exactly what it sounds like—chewy, slightly sweet, and dependable.
Then there’s the Everything Bagel. This is usually the fan favorite. It’s topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, garlic, and salt. One thing to watch out for is the "Everything" seasoning distribution. Sometimes it’s a masterpiece; other times, it looks like the bagel just walked through a light dust storm of onion flakes.
Why the Everything Bagel is Different Here
Most bagel shops use a standard mix. Starbucks, however, often incorporates savory toppings that lean heavily on the garlic side. If you have a meeting right after breakfast, maybe grab some mints. The texture is surprisingly decent for a mass-produced item. It has that characteristic tug when you bite into it, which is the hallmark of a decent boil-then-bake process, even if it happened in a factory miles away.
The Sweet Option: Cinnamon Raisin
For those who want dessert for breakfast, the Cinnamon Raisin Bagel exists. It’s packed with raisins and has a distinct cinnamon swirl. It smells incredible when it hits the toaster.
The Cream Cheese Situation
You can't talk about bagels without talking about the spread. Starbucks doesn't just schmear it on for you. They give you a little 1.5-ounce tub of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Usually, it's the 1/3 less fat version or the regular stuff.
Sometimes they have Avocado Spread.
It’s in a little plastic container. It’s surprisingly good—mostly just Hass avocado, lime juice, salt, and onion. If you’re vegan or just trying to avoid dairy, this is your best bet. It transforms a standard plain bagel into something that feels almost like real food.
Does Starbucks Sell Bagels Everywhere?
Context matters. If you’re in the UK, you might find a "New York Style" bagel on the menu, but it’s often pre-assembled as a sandwich. In Canada, the selection mirrors the US quite closely because of the shared supply chain.
However, regional test markets are a real thing. Back in the day, Starbucks experimented with Bantam Bagels—those tiny, cream-cheese-filled balls that gained fame on Shark Tank. Those have mostly vanished from the menu boards now, replaced by the traditional full-sized rounds. It’s a bit of a bummer for people who liked the bite-sized convenience, but the market spoke. People wanted big bagels.
Toasted or Not?
When the barista asks if you want it toasted, say yes.
A cold Starbucks bagel is... tough. Not "artisanal sourdough" tough, but "I might lose a filling" tough. The high-speed convection ovens they use (often TurboChef models) are designed to give the outside a quick crunch while keeping the inside soft. If you eat it within five minutes, it’s great. If you let it sit in the paper bag for twenty minutes, it turns into a chewy disc of sadness.
The "Double Toasted" Hack
Some regulars swear by asking for it "double toasted." Because the ovens are so fast, one cycle sometimes leaves the bagel feeling a bit limp. Double toasting gives it that golden-brown crust that stands up better to a thick layer of cream cheese.
Nutritious or Just Filling?
Let's be real. Nobody eats a bagel for the vitamins.
A plain bagel at Starbucks is roughly 280 calories. Add the cream cheese, and you’re looking at another 100 or so. If you go for the Everything Bagel, you’re hitting about 290 calories before toppings. It’s a carb bomb. But it’s a consistent carb bomb. When you're traveling and need something familiar, that's where the value lies.
Availability Issues and Timing
The biggest hurdle isn't whether they sell them; it's whether they have them now.
Bagels are a morning staple. If you roll into a busy downtown Starbucks at 2:00 PM, the chances of snagging an Everything Bagel are slim to none. They don't bake more throughout the day. Once the morning shipment is gone, it's gone.
- Pro Tip: Use the app.
- Check the "Breakfast" section.
- If it’s greyed out, they’re out of stock.
- Save yourself the heartbreak of waiting in line just to be told the "bagel bin" is empty.
Are They Vegan?
This is a common question. Most of the core bagels (Plain, Everything, Sprouted Grain) are vegan-friendly. They don't use milk or eggs in the dough. However, the Cinnamon Raisin can sometimes be a gray area depending on the specific supplier's enzymes, but generally, the plain and savory ones are safe. Just stay away from the cream cheese and grab that avocado spread instead.
How Starbucks Bagels Compare to the Competition
If you have a Dunkin' or a Panera Bread next door, how does Starbucks hold up?
Honestly, Panera usually wins on variety and freshness. They have a much wider array of flavors. Dunkin' is comparable in quality but often cheaper. Starbucks wins on the "vibe" and the fact that you're probably already there for the caffeine. It’s a convenience play. You aren't going to Starbucks specifically for the bagel; the bagel is the sidekick to your Nitro Cold Brew.
Customization and "Off-Menu" Ideas
Since Starbucks is all about customization, people try to get creative. You can't really ask them to put bacon and eggs on your bagel—they don't have a grill for that. The breakfast sandwiches are pre-made and wrapped in plastic before they even reach the store.
But you can get creative with what's available.
- Order a bagel and a side of honey (usually free at the condiment bar or upon request).
- Ask for a packet of butter and some cinnamon powder from the bar.
- Smear on the avocado and top it with the red pepper flakes from the egg bites if they have any extra packets.
Final Verdict on the Starbucks Bagel
So, does Starbucks sell bagels? Yes. Are they the best bagels you'll ever eat? No. But they are reliable, relatively affordable for a quick lunch, and they satisfy that specific craving for something salty and chewy.
If you want the best experience, stick to the Everything Bagel, ask for it double-toasted, and make sure you check the app before you drive over there. It’s a solid, no-nonsense food option in a sea of overly sweet pastries.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Check the mobile app 10 minutes before you arrive to confirm inventory. If they are out of Everything bagels, the Sprouted Grain is a surprisingly hearty backup that keeps you full longer. Always ask for your spread on the side to ensure the bagel stays crispy during your commute. If you’re looking for a cheaper meal, a bagel with butter is one of the lowest-priced food items on the entire menu, often coming in under three dollars.