National Bagel Day

The story

Thanks to an initiative by Thomas' Breads in 2014, this day pays homage to the rich history of bagels, which dates back over 600 years and has been shaped by Polish-Jewish immigrants who introduced it to the United States. A bagel is a yeasted bread product that is boiled and then baked, resulting in a dense and chewy texture. This iconic bread is traditionally shaped like a ring, with a hole in the center, making it distinct from other types of bread.

The hole not only adds to its unique appearance but also serves a practical purpose, allowing for even cooking and convenient storage using a string or thread threaded through the hole. In the 14th century, the precursor to the modern bagel, known as “obwarzanek,” was born in Poland. These ring-shaped bread products were even given as gifts to new mothers, making them one of the tastiest push presents in history.

Bagels gradually became a staple in the Slavic diet, spreading through Europe and eventually making their way to the United States in the 19th century, thanks to Eastern European immigrants. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that bagels truly gained mainstream popularity. This surge can be attributed to the increased interest in “ethnic foods” and the innovative marketing efforts of Lender's Bagels, who advertised their frozen pre-sliced bagels through entertaining TV commercials.

In 1984, Kraft acquired Lender's Bagels, further propelling bagels into the American culinary spotlight.