Bagels are a popular breakfast food enjoyed around the world. Their doughy, chewy texture makes them perfect for pairing with cream cheese, lox, or your favorite spread. But when it comes to ingredients, many people wonder: do bagels have eggs in them?
The short answer
The short answer is: sometimes. Traditional bagel recipes call for eggs as a key binding ingredient. However, there are varieties of bagels made without eggs for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.
The role of eggs in bagel dough
In traditional bagel recipes, eggs play an important role. When making bagel dough, the eggs act as a binding agent to bring the dough together into a cohesive mass. The proteins in the eggs help create structure and elasticity in the dough that allows it to stretch and hold its shape during boiling and baking.
Eggs add richness and moisture as well. The fat content in eggs gives bagels a velvety texture and aids in browning. Eggs also contribute to the signature chewy, glossy quality of a New York-style bagel.
Most traditional bagel recipes call for 1-3 eggs as a key ingredient in the dough. Often, egg yolks only are used as they provide the most binding power and fat. The eggs are typically beaten and then mixed into the dry ingredients when making the bagel dough.
Types of bagels made without eggs
While traditional bagels use eggs, there are varieties made without them to accommodate dietary restrictions:
Vegan bagels
Vegan bagels omit all animal products, including eggs. Instead, they rely on plant-based binders like ground flax seeds, banana, or aquafaba (chickpea liquid). The dough also contains leaveners like baking powder to add lift.
Egg-free bagels
For people with egg allergies, egg-free bagels are made using substitute binders like yogurt, apple sauce, or gelatin. Vinegar is often added for a chemical leavening effect.
Low-cholesterol bagels
Low-cholesterol bagels are made by replacing whole eggs with egg whites or egg substitutes to reduce the cholesterol while still providing structure.
Nutrition comparison
The egg content affects the nutrition profile of bagels:
| Bagel Type | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (with eggs) | 260 | 10g | 1g | 55g |
| Egg-free | 230 | 8g | 1g | 50g |
| Vegan | 220 | 7g | 1g | 48g |
As the table shows, traditional bagels with eggs are higher in protein and calories compared to vegan or egg-free varieties. However, all types of bagels are relatively high carb.
Recognizing egg-containing bagels
When purchasing bagels, inspect the ingredient list to see if it contains eggs or egg products like egg yolks or powdered eggs. Key terms include:
- Eggs
- Egg yolks
- Dried egg whites
- Albumin (egg white protein)
- Livetin (egg yolk protein)
- Simplesse (egg white substitute)
If you have an egg allergy, also look for advisory statements like “may contain egg”. For vegan bagels, inspect for “dairy-free” and “vegan” claims.
Making egg-free bagels at home
It’s possible to bake egg-free bagels at home. Here are some tips:
Binders
Use egg substitutes like flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), banana, applesauce, or aquafaba. For extra binding power, add gluten flour or vital wheat gluten.
Moisture
Replace the moisture from eggs with non-dairy milk or yogurt. Add a touch of oil or non-hydrogenated margarine to mimic eggs’ fat content.
Leavening
Add baking powder and vinegar for extra lift. Let the dough rise longer to develop air bubbles and volume.
Shine
For sheen, brush boiled bagels with soy milk or coffee instead of egg wash before baking.
Bagel shop egg policies
Many bagel shops can accommodate egg-free and vegan requests. However, policies vary by location.
Special ordering
Some shops take special orders for egg-free bagels made without cross-contamination. Advance notice is usually required.
Vegan options
Shops like Ess-a-Bagel and Brooklyn Bagel & Bakery in New York City offer vegan bagels on the menu.
Allergy protocols
Chain shops like Einstein Bros and Bruegger’s have allergy protocols and procedures to minimize cross-contact for egg-free orders.
Liability concerns
Some smaller shops avoid special orders due to concerns over liability and potential cross-contamination in shared equipment.
When in doubt, your safest option is to make egg-free bagels from scratch at home.
Conclusion
While traditionally made with eggs, bagels can also be created without them. Vegan and egg-free varieties utilize alternate binders and are often available upon request. Checking labels for egg-containing ingredients is the best way to identify egg-free bagels when dining out or shopping. With some minor tweaks, homemade egg-free bagels can be just as delicious and satisfying.