How Many Calories Are in a Costco Bagel with Cream Cheese?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard Costco bagel with cream cheese typically packs around 380 calories, a figure that might surprise many considering its simple ingredients. This popular combination is a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack, but understanding its nutritional impact is crucial for anyone monitoring their daily intake.

Quick Summary

A serving of Costco bagel and cream cheese contains approximately 380 calories, predominantly from carbohydrates and fats. The final count can vary slightly based on the bagel flavor and the amount of cream cheese added.

Key Points

Standard Calories: A typical Costco bagel with cream cheese has approximately 380 calories.
Calorie Source: The majority of calories come from the bagel's carbohydrates and the cream cheese's fat.
Cream Cheese Adds Significant Calories: A standard serving of cream cheese adds about 90-100 calories to the bagel.
Varying Counts: The exact calorie count depends on the type of bagel (Plain, Everything, etc.) and the amount of cream cheese used.
Make It Lighter: Options like using less cream cheese, choosing a low-fat spread, or eating an open-faced bagel can reduce the total calorie count.
High in Carbs: The meal provides a high amount of carbohydrates, making it a quick energy source.
Sodium Content: The combination, especially with an Everything bagel, can also be high in sodium.

The Calorie Breakdown: Bagel vs. Cream Cheese

To fully understand the total calorie count, it's essential to break down the nutritional information for each component. The standard Costco plain bagel and a serving of their cream cheese combine to create the final figure, though specific numbers can vary based on the provider and serving size.

The Costco Bagel

A typical Costco plain bagel contains approximately 270 to 300 calories, with variations depending on the source of the nutritional data. These bagels are known for being quite large, which contributes to their high calorie count. They are a significant source of carbohydrates and a modest amount of protein.

The Cream Cheese

Costco uses cream cheese, often under its Kirkland Signature brand, which is high in fat and adds a considerable number of calories to the meal. A typical serving, which can be around two tablespoons, adds another 90 to 100 calories. This is a crucial factor in the overall caloric density of the final product.

Beyond Calories: A Look at the Macronutrients

While calories are the main concern for many, a full nutritional profile reveals more. A Costco bagel with cream cheese is not just a source of energy but also of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Carbohydrates

As a bread-based item, the bagel provides the bulk of the carbohydrates. In a 380-calorie serving, over 60 grams can come from carbs, providing a quick energy boost. This makes it a high-glycemic food, meaning it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.

Fats

The fats in this meal primarily come from the cream cheese. With up to 15 grams of fat in a single serving, a significant portion of this can be saturated fat. For those watching their fat intake, the amount of cream cheese is a key variable to control.

Protein

The meal offers a decent amount of protein, with a typical serving containing around 10-15 grams. This protein contributes to the feeling of fullness and helps balance the carbohydrate load, but it's not the primary macronutrient.

Comparison: Variations in Costco Bagels

Not all Costco bagels are created equal when it comes to nutrition. The Plain bagel is the baseline, but the warehouse offers other varieties, such as Whole Grain and Everything bagels, each with a slightly different nutritional profile.


Bagel Type	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sodium (mg)
Plain Bagel	270-300	10-11	1-2	55-62	490-600
Whole Grain Bagel	300	14	5	50	600
Everything Bagel	310	12	2.5	61	850+

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on serving size and specific product batches. Always check the most current information available. The Everything bagel, for example, often has a higher sodium content due to the seasoning mix.

Strategies for a Lighter Bagel

If you love your Costco bagel but want to make it a lighter meal, you have a few options to reduce the calories and fat. Making small changes can have a significant impact.

Modify Cream Cheese Portion: The amount of cream cheese is a major factor. Spreading a thinner layer or measuring out a single serving can save a substantial number of calories. Alternatively, scrape off some of the excess spread provided with food court orders.
Choose a Different Spread: Opt for a lighter topping. You could use low-fat cream cheese, avocado, or a light hummus to add flavor and moisture with fewer calories. At home, this offers the most flexibility.
Go Open-Faced: Using only one half of the bagel and discarding the other can immediately halve the bagel's calorie and carb contribution.
Pair with Other Foods: Instead of making the bagel the whole meal, pair a bagel half with a high-protein, low-calorie food like a hard-boiled egg or some fruit. This adds nutritional value and helps with satiety.

The Final Conclusion

In summary, a Costco bagel with cream cheese is a delicious but calorie-dense item, clocking in at around 380 calories per serving. The bulk of the calories come from the bagel's carbohydrates, with the cream cheese providing a significant amount of fat and additional calories. While not an ideal daily breakfast for weight management, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. By being mindful of the portion size, particularly the cream cheese, and exploring lighter alternatives, you can enjoy the flavor with a reduced caloric impact. Remember that nutritional data can vary, so using a reliable nutrition tracker can help you stay informed about your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain Costco bagel contains approximately 270 to 300 calories, depending on the specific nutritional source and batch.

A typical serving of cream cheese, such as a two-tablespoon portion, adds around 90 to 100 calories to the bagel.

The macronutrient breakdown is roughly 66% carbohydrates, 19% fat, and 15% protein for a typical serving.

No, different flavors have slightly different calorie counts. For instance, a Whole Grain bagel may have around 300 calories, while an Everything bagel may be closer to 310 calories.

To reduce calories, you can ask for less cream cheese, use only one half of the bagel, or substitute the cream cheese for a lighter topping like a low-fat spread.

While it provides energy, its high calorie count and carb load mean it should be consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods as part of a healthy diet.

Official nutrition information for food court items is sometimes available on the Costco website or through third-party nutrition tracking sites that analyze common foods.