They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, we’re not ones to disagree! And while there are so many fantastic ways to breakfast, we know that there is one that holds a very special place in many peoples’ hearts: the bagel.

While fruit is refreshing and coffee gets you going, sometimes the perfect breakfast is one that fills the hunger void with warm, wheatey goodness that lifts your spirits and sustains you all day long.

But there’s more to this traditional breakfast pick-me-up than meets the eye. As a tribute to this bakery favorite, we explore what makes us love bagels so much.

1. Longing for savory or craving for sweet? Bagels can be either… or both.

Whether your go-to is an Everything Bagel or you prefer to indulge with Cinnamon Swirl & Raisin, a bagel can beat any craving your taste buds may have.

2. Toppings are only half the decision battle.
Before you even consider the type of cream cheese to top off your masterpiece (Honey Walnut? Yes, please!), you need to figure out the  essential bagel base. With an array of bagel options at your fingertips, you can mix and match a different combination each day.

3. Coffee tastes better with a bagel beside it.
Coffee, meet bagel, the delicious yin to your yang. Take a bite out of your morning bagel and follow each chew with a sip of our robust Dark Roast coffee, with milk and sugar to your liking. These breakfast companions work so well together because they don’t get in each other’s way; yet each brings something unique to the table.

4. There’s no such thing as a boring bagel.
Each freshly-baked bagel contains the high-quality ingredients you want, so if your preference is a classic Plain Bagel with butter, that’s perfectly fine by us. In fact, you might call the Plain Bagel with butter the bagel for purists – it can’t hide behind toppings and strong flavors, and therefore must stand on its own, and be judged on its pure, uninhibited bagel-ness.

5. Life’s most controversial question may very well be, “Do you want your bagel toasted?”
Debates have been waged on whether the perfect bagel is toasted or not. While opinions are strong, the choice is ultimately up to you. Whether you prefer a fresh-out-of-the-oven bagel, or one popped into the toaster for a little extra crunch, we won’t judge.

6. Spread it any way you want.
Do you prefer Chive & Onion Cream Cheese on one side of the bagel as the perfect sandwich filling or to frost each side so you can eat each half separately? Or maybe you like to dip the bagel into Wild Blueberry Cream Cheese? When it comes to spreads, everyone likes to do it differently.

7. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for any brunch.

8. There’s no wrong time for a bagel.
Sure, bagels have solidified their place on the breakfast table, but they also make great sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Add some cheese, turkey and your favorite spread and you have a fulfilling entrée that riffs on the traditional sandwich base. After all, variety is the spice of life.