Core Ingredients of Just Bagels
At its heart, a classic bagel relies on a few fundamental ingredients. For their Plain bagel, Just Bagels' ingredient list reflects this traditional approach, though with some modern additions for texture and shelf life.
The base ingredients for a Just Bagels Plain bagel are:
- Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour): The foundational ingredient, providing structure to the dough. The addition of malted barley flour helps with browning and flavor development during baking.
- Water: Essential for hydrating the flour to form the dough. Just Bagels specifically highlights their use of New York water in their boiling process, which fans believe contributes to their unique texture.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar acts as food for the yeast, aiding in fermentation and providing a hint of sweetness.
- Salt: Vital for flavor enhancement and controlling the rate of yeast fermentation.
- Yeast: The leavening agent that causes the dough to rise.
- Enzymes: Added to enhance dough properties and improve the final baked product's texture.
- Cultured Wheat Starch: Used as a dough conditioner and for preservation, helping to extend the bagel's freshness.
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Functions as a dough conditioner to strengthen the dough and improve volume.
- Xanthan Gum: A stabilizer used to improve texture and prevent the bagel from drying out, particularly in the sliced versions.
- Corn Protein: A plant-based ingredient, likely used as a processing aid or for added protein.
Ingredient Variations by Flavor
Just Bagels' additional flavors introduce new ingredients to the core formula, primarily in the form of toppings or inclusions. These adjustments create the distinct tastes and textures associated with each variety.
Everything Bagel
The Everything bagel adds a blend of traditional seasonings to the classic base. The full ingredient list incorporates the plain bagel's components plus the following key elements:
- Sesame Seeds
- Poppy Seeds
- Dehydrated Onion
- Dehydrated Garlic
Whole Wheat Bagel
For their Whole Wheat variety, Just Bagels modifies the flour mixture to include whole wheat flour and other fibrous additions, along with some slight adjustments to the stabilizers:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Provides the whole-grain goodness, including extra fiber and a heartier texture.
- Wheat Bran: The outer layer of the wheat kernel, adding more fiber and a nutty flavor.
- Soybean Oil: May replace or supplement the flour conditioners to achieve the desired texture.
Blueberry Bagel
The Blueberry bagel introduces natural flavoring and fruit pieces to the mix:
- Natural Dried Blueberries: Pieces of dried fruit are included throughout the dough to provide a classic fruity flavor.
- Citric Acid: A natural preservative that enhances flavor and works with the blueberries.
- Natural Flavors: Additional flavorings are included to ensure a consistent blueberry taste.
Just Bagels Ingredient Comparison
| Feature | Just Bagels Plain | Just Bagels Everything | Just Bagels Whole Wheat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour Base | Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour | Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour | Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Whole Wheat Flour |
| Key Flavoring | None (classic bagel flavor) | Sesame, poppy seeds, dehydrated onion & garlic | Hearty whole wheat and wheat bran |
| Added Fiber | Low (some from flour) | Low | High (from whole wheat flour and wheat bran) |
| Appearance | Smooth, golden-baked finish | Covered with a dense mix of toppings | Coarse texture with visible grains |
| Sodium | Standard per-serving amount | Slightly higher due to toppings | Comparable to plain |
| Stabilizers | Xanthan Gum, Cultured Wheat Starch | Xanthan Gum, Cultured Wheat Starch | Xanthan Gum, Cultured Wheat Starch, Guar Gum |
The Role of Water in Just Bagels' Flavor
One of the most frequently mentioned aspects of a true New York bagel is the water used in its preparation. Just Bagels, a Bronx-based company, famously uses New York water in their kettle-boiling process. The specific mineral composition of the water in New York is believed by some bagel aficionados to create a unique flavor and texture profile, contributing to the distinct chewiness for which New York bagels are renowned. While this is a matter of intense debate among bakers, it is a key part of the brand's identity and is promoted as a factor in their authentic taste.
Ingredient Quality and Processing Concerns
When it comes to processing, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has rated Just Bagels products as having "low processing concerns". This rating is based on factors such as using fewer artificial ingredients and incorporating more whole or minimally processed foods. The core ingredient list reflects this, focusing on fundamental baking components rather than an extensive list of chemical additives. Their products are also certified Kosher and Non-GMO, which speaks to certain quality and sourcing standards. The ingredients are clearly listed on product specifications available on their website, providing transparency for consumers.
Conclusion
What are the ingredients in Just Bagels? The answer is a blend of traditional baking staples and a few modern dough conditioners, all aimed at creating a product with authentic New York-style flavor and a good shelf life for distribution. The Plain bagel relies on a straightforward mix of flour, water, sugar, salt, and yeast, with enhancements for texture and preservation. Variations like the Everything and Whole Wheat add distinctive flavorings and more fiber to the core formula. Ultimately, Just Bagels' commitment to using quality, non-artificial ingredients and its famous New York water boiling process define its product and set it apart. Consumers can enjoy the dense, chewy texture and rich flavor, knowing the ingredients are transparently communicated and minimally processed for a frozen product. For more information, you can always check the specification sheets on their corporate website.
