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Thursday, March 27th
Bagel of the Month Club is a service offered by Bagel Boss, a Long Island-based bakery in business since 2010. The bagels here are water-boiled and baked in a brick oven, made by 5th- and 6th-generation bakers.
Mini or full-size?
You've got two bagel club options here. For $29.95/month, you can get 12 mini bagels; or, for $54.95/month, you can get 13 full-size bagels. While shipping is included on both plans, pricing is a little spendy compared to rival clubs (who often charge the same amount as the 13-bagel plan but give you a total of 16 bagels per shipment).
Some flexibility in your club terms
On the other hand, this bagel club has a few features that offer an advantage over some competitors. For example, you get to choose the shipping date here; bagels are sent out every Monday through Thursday, so you don't have to wait until some predetermined shipment date. (For example, one bagel club in our review only sends out bagels at the end of the month.) You can also choose to have your club come every month, every other month, or every three months.
You choose each bagel flavor, every time
Another plus is that you get to choose the flavor of each bagel in every single delivery: you're never stuck trying some weird flavor that you already know you're going to dislike. Bagel of the Month options at the time of this evaluation included bialy, cinnamon raisin, "everything” and egg "everything”, egg, plain, rainbow, poppy seed, sesame, whole wheat, whole wheat "everything”, blueberry, and onion - plenty to choose from, and nothing over-the-top.
Mixed reviews
However, client feedback for Bagel Boss and the Bagel of the Month club has us feeling a little underwhelmed. While some customers have ample praise for the freshness and flavor of the bagels here and for the service received, we found more than one complaint about bagels arriving moldy. And, unfortunately, some of those complaints also mentioned getting a less-than-friendly response from the customer service team at Bagel Boss.
Some room for improvement
At the end of the day, this Bagel of the Month club ranks as "just average”. It's a little more expensive than some of the higher-ranked options, without anything that really would move the needle in Bagel Boss' favor - other than being able to choose the exact flavor for each bagel in the box or getting mini-bagels instead of full-size. You may want to keep this in reserve as a bagel club option after you've checked out what our top picks have to offer.
In recent years, bagel clubs have emerged as a way to cater to bagel enthusiasts who crave regular access to fresh, high-quality bagels. Why sign up for a bagel club? There's no better way to get a consistent supply of freshly baked bagels without the need to visit a bakery or grocery store.
Bagel clubs also create a sense of anticipation and surprise. Members typically receive different flavors with each delivery, adding an element of excitement to their bagel experience. This variety keeps things interesting and allows members to sample a range of flavors they may not have tried otherwise.
The convenience of a Bagel Club is particularly appealing to busy individuals or those who have trouble finding authentic and not-mass-produced bagels in their area. Additionally, bagel clubs often offer a wider variety of flavors and specialty options that may not be readily available elsewhere, allowing members to explore new tastes and indulge in their bagel cravings.
Bagel clubs can even foster a sense of community and connection. Some clubs encourage members to share their bagel experiences on social media or participate in online discussions, creating a space for bagel enthusiasts to engage with like-minded individuals and share their love for this iconic food.
Bagels have a long and rich history that spans centuries, starting in Eastern Europe and making their way to become a beloved staple in various parts of the world. The origin of bagels can be traced back to Jewish communities in Poland in the 16th century, with the round shape of the bagel said to symbolize eternity and often associated with celebrations and religious events.
Bagels were traditionally made by boiling the dough first and then baking it, resulting in a distinct chewy texture and shiny crust. Jewish immigrants brought bagel-making techniques to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where they gained popularity among a wider audience.
Over time, bagels evolved beyond their traditional flavors of plain and sesame. Today, you can find a variety of flavors, such as poppy seed, cinnamon raisin, "everything”, and even more experimental flavors like cranberry orange or jalapeño. Bagels have become a versatile food item, enjoyed on their own, sliced and toasted, or used as a base for sandwiches and spreads.
However, it's important to note that not all bagel clubs are created equal. How can you tell which ones are worth your attention? Here are a few criteria to help you pick the best plan for your bagel deliveries:
Bagel clubs have emerged as a modern concept, catering to bagel enthusiasts who seek convenience, variety, and a sense of community. By providing regular deliveries of fresh, delicious bagels, these clubs offer a unique experience that allows individuals to indulge in their love for bagels and explore new flavors. That's why Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated the best - and the worst - bagel clubs, to help you elevate your breakfast routine and add a delightful touch to your culinary adventures.
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