Best Bagels in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Look For, and How to Get the Most Value

Why bagels are enjoying a renaissance across the UK

Bagels have gone from a niche breakfast item to a full-blown culinary trend across the UK. Whether you're craving a chewy plain morning bagel or a sesame-crusted brunch masterpiece, there’s been a surge in both supermarket and artisan options. Think of bagels like a blank canvas — some are mass-produced like quick sketches, while others are hand-shaped masterpieces. In this article I’ll walk you through where to buy the best bagels, what types to look for, how to judge value, and creative ways to enjoy them.

Top supermarkets where you can pick up bagels

If convenience and everyday value are your priorities, the big supermarket chains stock a healthy range of bagels. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, Aldi and Lidl all offer their own versions: plain, sesame, poppy, and often wholemeal or multi-seed varieties. Packs typically come in 4, 5, or 6 counts and weigh around 12 oz to 1 lb, so you can pick what suits your household. These supermarket bagels are perfect for quick breakfasts or feeding a hungry flat-share.

Tesco and Sainsbury’s — reliable every-day options

Tesco and Sainsbury’s tend to have wide ranges, from basic 4-pack plain bagels to premium seeded 6-packs that cost a bit more but deliver better texture. A standard supermarket 6-pack usually weighs close to 1 lb, which makes it easy to compare price per ounce. If you like a softer, slightly sweet crumb, their own-brand bagels are consistent and widely available.

Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose — variety and premium choices

Asda and Morrisons often offer value packs and occasional gourmet collaborations, while Waitrose leans toward higher-quality ingredients and a chewier bite. Expect Waitrose bagels to feel denser and sometimes come in hand-finished styles. If you want something a bit closer to an artisan bagel without leaving the supermarket, start here.

Aldi, Lidl and M&S — bargains and boutique lines

Aldi and Lidl continue to surprise with affordable bagel packs that punch above their price point. Morrisons and M&S have their own premium lines that bring bakery-style finishes and larger diameter bagels, commonly measuring about 4 to 5 inches across. These stores are great when you want good value without sacrificing texture.

Iconic and artisan bagel shops you should know

If you’re chasing that authentic chew and a slightly blistered crust, independent bagel shops and delis are where the magic happens. London’s Brick Lane Beigel Bake is legendary for its salt beef beigels and midnight openings, offering a different, denser style made by hand. Other independent bakeries and local delis across cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow are reinventing bagels with sourdough starters, long proofing, and creative toppings.

Beigel Bake and the Brick Lane tradition

Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is more than a bakery — it’s a late-night institution. Their hand-rolled baked bagels are generous, and a single salt beef beigel can be a meal in itself. If you’re exploring London’s bagel scene, this spot is a must-try for an authentic East End experience.

Smaller artisan bakers and market stalls

Across the UK you’ll find market bakers creating bagels with long fermentation and unique flour blends. These makers often sell smaller batches, with individual bagels ranging from 3.5 to 5 inches in diameter and weighing roughly 3 to 6 oz each. They may cost more per item, but the depth of flavor and texture make them worth it for a special brunch or weekend treat.

Types of bagels you’ll commonly find in the UK

Bagels come in many guises. The classic plain or sesame seeded bagel is just the start — expect poppy seed, onion, garlic, cinnamon raisin, and everything bagels. Artisan bakers add sourdough bagels and multi-seed blends. For on-the-go shoppers, there are also mini bagels and sliced bagels marketed specifically for toasting and sandwiches. Knowing what you want helps narrow down where to shop.

Chewy vs pillowy: picking the texture you love

Texture matters. Chewy bagels are typically boiled briefly before baking, which gives that satisfying spring when you bite into them. Pillowy bagels are softer and often produced with different dough hydration or shorter proofing. If you like a bagel that stands up to heavy fillings (think salt beef or full-fat cream cheese), aim for a chewier style — often found at artisan shops and select supermarket premium lines.

How to judge freshness and quality in-store

When you’re picking bagels, use your senses. Look for a glossy crust (a sign of proper boiling), an even shape, and a firm but slightly springy texture. If you can squeeze it and the bagel bounces back, you’re on the right track. Smell is a great indicator too: fresh bagels will have a toasty, wheaty scent, whereas stale ones smell dull or slightly sour. Buying from stores that display bagels openly or have on-site baking often gives you the freshest results.

Price ranges and pack sizes explained

Bagel pricing in the UK varies widely. Supermarket value packs can start at pocket-friendly prices, while premium and artisan bagels command higher cost. Typical supermarket packs of 4 to 6 bagels weigh around 12 oz to 1 lb and are priced for everyday use. Independent bakeries sell single bagels usually between 1.00 and 3.00 depending on size and filling — artisan varieties made with longer fermentation will naturally cost more. When calculating value, think in price per ounce as you would with other baked goods.

Storing, freezing, and reheating bagels for peak taste

Want bagels that taste fresh later in the week? Freeze them. Slice bagels before freezing and wrap them tightly so each half is ready to toast. Frozen halves pop straight into a toaster from the freezer and come out with surprising freshness. If you’re storing at room temperature, keep bagels in a paper bag inside a cool cupboard for up to two days before they start to go stale. For longer storage, a freezer is the best friend — individual halves thaw fast and toast well.

Quick reheating tips

To revive a slightly stale bagel, run it under a little water and pop it in a hot oven for a few minutes, or split and toast each half. The water adds moisture and the heat re-crisps the outside. Avoid microwaving for long stretches; that turns bagels gummy. For oven use, 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes works well for a sliced bagel.

Creative toppings and serving ideas

Bagels deserve more than a swipe of butter. Try smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers and red onion for a classic. For a modern twist, add ricotta, honey and figs or smashed avocado, chili flakes and a squeeze of lime. Want something heartier? Use bagels as the base for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon and melted cheese, or build a deli-style lunch with cured meats and pickles. Bagels are like a plate: fill them with textures and colors and you’ll be rewarded.

How to spot a deal and stretch your pound

Deals show up differently depending on the retailer. Supermarkets often discount multipacks or promote premium ranges during weekly offers; look for buy-one-get-one or multi-buy deals if you’re stocking a household. Some artisan bakers sell day-end reductions on near-fresh stock — perfect if you plan to freeze. Comparison sites and grocery flyers help track promotions, but sinking your teeth into value is often about knowing which stores in your area rotate their offers.

Bringing it all together: what to buy when

If you need bagels for a quick breakfast or sandwich, supermarket packs give consistency and value. If you want a bagel to be the star of a weekend brunch, support an artisan bakery or a reputable deli — the difference in chew, crust and flavor is tangible. For special occasions or feeding guests, mix and match: pick a stack of supermarket basics for bulk, and add a few artisan bagels for wow-factor. Think of supermarket bagels as the reliable crew and artisan bagels as the headline act.

Local shops and chains worth trying across the UK

Beyond the big supermarkets, check out chains and independent names that have a strong bagel offering. Pret a Manger and Starbucks sometimes carry grab-and-go bagels with interesting fillings, while independents in major cities often deliver the most character. Keep an eye out for delis that specialise in New York or Montreal-style bagels if you want something specific — they often source different flours and use unique boiling methods to create regional textures.

In short, the UK bagel scene offers something for everyone: cheap and cheerful supermarket packs for everyday use, big-name chains for convenience, and independent bakeries for the true connoisseur. With a little attention to texture, size and bake style, you can find the perfect bagel for any meal.

Conclusion: Whether you’re a casual bagel fan or a committed aficionado, the UK market has you covered. From supermarkets offering value-packed 6-count bags weighing roughly 1 lb, to artisan shops selling hand-made 4 to 6 oz beauties, choice and quality keep improving. Use the tips here to spot freshness, stretch your budget, and enjoy bagels at their best — toasted, filled, or simply buttered.