Quick Answer: No, Lenders Bagels do not need to be refrigerated. In fact, it’s best to store them at room temperature in a plastic bag to keep them fresh. Refrigeration can cause bagels to go stale faster due to a process called recrystallization, which dries them out.
To extend their shelf life, you can freeze Lender’s Bagels, and when you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat by toasting, microwaving, or heating in the oven.
Homemade bagels have a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought ones, so keep this in mind when storing them.
Table Of Bagel Storage Options
| Storage Method | Ideal Location | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Pantry, bread box | Fresh, up to a week |
| Refrigeration | Not recommended | May go stale faster |
| Freezing | Freezer | Extended shelf life |
Bagels: the only bread that is boiled before it’s baked! Did you know that’s how they make your beloved round bread roll? Today, bagels are a common breakfast food across the Western world. They gained popularity in America in the 1960’s, but these doughy rings originated in Poland in the early 1600’s. They have been around for more than 400 years! (*)
Chewy, filling and delicious. Bagels have become a favorite brunch and breakfast item. One of our favorite ways to enjoy bagels is to make them into a breakfast sandwich.
The options are endless. But, we all have a personal favorite… A bacon, avocado and fried egg sandwich on a poppy seed bagel has my heart.
Bagels often come in packages of six. Six whole bagels for you to enjoy! But, what if that’s too many to get through? How should you store these doughy rounds? Do Lenders Bagels Have to be Refrigerated?
Today, we have many storage options available, unlike the 1600’s when they invented this food! The refrigerator is an option but it may not be the best one. We’ll uncover why in this article!
Thousands of opinions online can make it difficult to determine the best storage method for your bagels. We’ve dug through the research, finding the most credible advice for you. So, follow along as we discuss bagels in all their glory!
Let’s find out how to store these flavorful bread rounds.
Do Lenders Bagels Have to be Refrigerated?
We’re sure you love a good, hearty bagel as much as the next person. Sometimes, especially for one person, the packages of 6 bagels are too much to get through. Nothing ruins breakfast like a stale bagel!
To prevent your bagels from going stale or getting dry, there are some simple storage rules you can abide by. When we say simple, we mean it!
Bagels are best stored at room temperature. Save a spot for them in your pantry, bread box or cupboard!
Does this answer surprise you? It sure surprised me when I first learned it! There is some solid science behind this recommendation though.
Bagels, and other bread products, will go stale very fast if you store them in the refrigerator. This is due to a process called recrystallization. Recrystallization attacks the starch in the bread causing it to dry out and harden more quickly.
Starch recrystallization happens under cool temperatures, like your refrigerator!
Your bagels will go bad up to 6 times faster when stored in the fridge. So, no, bagels do not need to be refrigerated. In fact, you should not refrigerate them at all(*)
Don’t waste your time and money. Keep bagels out of those chilly conditions to maintain the best quality possible!
Bagels will be more prone to developing mold if they are on the counter. However, if you eat your bagels quickly, they will remain fresh. If you want your bagels to last weeks, the freezer might be a better option for you!
Can I Freeze Bagels?
We actually do recommend freezing bagels to extend their shelf-life. This probably sounds a bit confusing, since we just discussed recrystallization.
Don’t fret. Recrystallization is thermoreversible. But, what on Earth does that mean!?
It means that you can return the stale bread to a fresher form by reheating it. Freezing bagels quickly will not give them time to sit in the recrystallization stage for long. Once thawed, your bagels won’t get ruined. Simply reheating them will bring them back to deliciousness.(*)
When you reheat bagels, they return to their cushiony soft nature. The starch leaves its crystallized form and returns to its gelatinous structure. This lends the bagel its chewy texture!
You can return the starch to its soft form by:
- Toasting
- Microwaving
- Heating in the oven
So, if you need to store your bagels longer than the recommended shelf-life, toss them in the freezer.
What’s The Shelf-life of Bagels?
This brings us to another important consideration. What exactly is the shelf-life of bagels?
The freshness of your bagels is dependent on a few factors.
- Are your bagels store-bought?
Bagels which are sold in the supermarket will typically last longer than homemade or small batch bagels. Store-bought bagels usually have preservatives to lengthen their shelf-life. Factory procedures are very sterile, reducing contact with bacteria and fungus that can cause spoilage.
Store-bought bagels will last up to one week at room temperature.
- Are your bagels homemade?
Homemade bagels tend to have a shorter shelf-life. While good for your health, no preservatives means a reduced lifespan for your bagels. For this reason, bake your homemade bagels in small batches (or freeze them!) to maintain their quality.
Homemade bagels have about 4 days before their quality starts to diminish.
Table of Bagel Shelf Life
| Bagel Type | Shelf Life at Room Temperature | Shelf Life When Refrigerated | Shelf Life When Frozen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store-bought | Up to a week | May go stale faster | Extended shelf life |
| Homemade | About 4 days | May go stale faster | Extended shelf life |
- What are you storing the bagels in?
The type of container you are storing your bagel in matters! Often, your bagels will come in a paper bag. A paper bag is permeable, thus reducing the storage time. A plastic bag or tightly sealed container will limit airflow. This helps increase the storage time.
For best results and storage for up to a week, opt for a plastic bag that twists shut.
Table of Bagel Storage Containers
| Container Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Bag | Limits airflow, extends shelf life | Not airtight, may allow for mold |
| Paper Bag | Permeable, reduces storage time | Environment not as controlled |
| Airtight | Extends shelf life, prevents mold | May be too airtight, affects text |
Learn more: Condiments That Don’t Need To Be Refrigerated!
The Final Scoop: Lender’s Bagels To Chill or Not to Chill?
We love bagels as much as the next guy. With their chewy texture and incredible flavors, they have become a kitchen staple. Whether you enjoy them as a bagel sandwich or with a delicious spread, we know the bagel has a special place in your heart.
So, Do Lenders Bagels Have to be Refrigerated? To Keep this hearty breakfast food tasting fresh. Store them at room temperature in a plastic bag. The key to fresh bagels is to avoid the refrigerator! This is true for all bread products.
However you enjoy your bagels, be sure to store them correctly. Maximizing their shelf-life will maximize your enjoyment of this delicious bread product.
How do you eat your bagels? Tell us your favorite way to enjoy them!
We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments, or if this article was helpful, let us know below!
