NEW YORK BAKERY COMPANY

€1.90 for 5 (or 38 cent each) 

By adding New York to its name this company manages to create – at least in Pricewatch’s mind – the impression that these bagels are going to be just more authentic than most of the competition. They’re not. They are very bready, and, while we know that bagels are supposed to be on the chewy side, these are just a bit too chewy. They have a very subtle taste; another way of putting that would be to say they are devoid of discernible flavour. They are not even that cheap. They do, however, contain substantially less sugar than their mass-produced rivals.

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Verdict: Bland.

Star rating: **

BRETZEL BAKERY

70 cent each

You can hardly review bagels in Ireland without including the freshly baked option from the bakery in Portobello, Dublin. If you get them freshly baked you are in for a real treat, as they are absolutely delicious. They are light and airy and have a nice springiness. They are also more widely available than ever – at least if you live within striking distance of Dublin –and can be easily found in high-end shops including Fallon & Byrne and Donnybrook Fair. They are not cheap – in fact they are about twice the price of the cheapest offering – but they are certainly the best.

Verdict: Dear but delicious.

Star rating: ****

BRENNAN'S GOURMET BAGELS

€1.99 for 4 (or 50 cent each)

When it comes to food-related words, is there any that is more overused, and abused, than “gourmet”? Covered in cream cheese or used as a key ingredient in a sandwich, these bagels will certainly do a job, but there is no circumstance we can think of that makes them gourmet. They are very bready and oddly sweet, and each bagel comes with 6.8g of sugar, which is on the high side. They also fare badly on the price side, with each bagel costing 50 cent.

Verdict: Fairly pricey.

Star rating: **

COUNTRY KITCHENS

€1.69 for 5 (or 34 cent each)

When the three store-bought bagels are put alongside each other, there is not much to distinguish them. Like the Brennan’s bagels, these are on the sweet side and have the same white, bread-like texture. We like them a bit more because they come pre-sliced and the bag is resealable. The price also appeals to us.

Verdict: Cheap and chewy.

Star rating: ***