What’s in a Schmear? Healthy Bagel Topping Choices (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthy topping for a bagel? ›

Peanut butter and banana is a healthy, protein-packed combo that tastes great on a bagel. Perfect for breakfast on the run or as an after-dinner snack, simply spread your favourite PB onto your bagel and top with thinly sliced pieces of ripe banana. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra flavour hit.

The word schmear comes from the Yiddish word “to spread.” In the world of bagels and brunch a schmear has come to mean cream cheese or other, usually cream cheese-based, spreads for bagels. This quartet of schmears has something for everyone: There's a vegetarian, smoked salmon, egg & arugula and a sweet schmear.

Peanut butter is a healthy option, especially low sugar, natural varieties. It offers flavor and protein without weighing you down, and it tastes great on bagels. Try it with a sliced banana! If actual cream cheese isn't your favorite, tofu cream cheese is a delicious alternative.

The healthiest bagel is one made with whole grains. For a healthy bagel option, look for whole wheat or rye bagels. Sourdough bagels are also a healthy option, since sourdough bread varieties are more nutritious than white bread options.

The Healthiest Bagels. Multigrain, sesame, everything, cinnamon sugar, Asiago—there are so many bagel flavors to love. But some are healthier than others. If you're picking up bagels at the grocery store, look for whole-wheat or whole-grain flour in the ingredients list and at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber.

The use and spelling of schmear or shmear in American English is a direct loanword from Yiddish, where its original usage referred to cheese. In modern usage it has extended to anything that can be spread, such as cream cheese spread upon a bagel.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice, increasing the speed as the ingredients combine, until fluffy, lightened, and spreadable, just 1 to 2 minutes.

Cream cheese is called cream cheese, though it is often served mixed with other ingredients such as chives, lox (smoked salmon), or bacon and scallions. The term “bagel with a schmear” utilizes the Yiddish word “schmear” to mean a spread. It does not define the spread.

Cream cheese is generally a healthier option due to its lower calorie and fat content and higher protein levels. It can be an ideal spread or dip for those on a calorie-restricted or high-protein diet. If you prefer butter's flavor but want less fat, light butter is a tasty alternative.

What is the healthiest breakfast spread? ›

Unfortunately there's no simple answer to this question. In terms of calories, on average one bagel has more calories than one slice of bread. However, if you choose to have a bagel with more fibre, this may help you feel fuller for longer and potentially reduce your snacking throughout the day.

Avocado. Whether you choose to slice or mash, an avocado is a great way to add healthy fats to your bagel. For an extra boost of protein with your avocado, you can add fried, scrambled or sheet pan eggs. This combination is perfect for a nice savory breakfast your whole family will love.

If you're eating bread or bagels while trying to lose weight, look for those made from grains with a low glycemic index. Bagels and bread aren't among your top choices when trying to lose weight. But if you love bagels or bread, you can certainly continue eating them, even when on a weight loss plan.

Best: Organic Valley Cream Cheese

With no added sugar, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, or GMOs, Organic Valley's Cream Cheese is a great choice for those who want high-quality cream cheese. Widely available at most grocery stores, this cream cheese is 100% USDA-organic and contains only four ingredients.

Cream cheese is healthier than butter; at 2 Tablespoons, the calorie count is just 98, there are only 10 grams of fat, and you do get a tiny bit of protein (less than 2 grams). The real trick here is not guesstimating – it's easy to smear 2 Tablespoons on each half and then you've made it just as bad for you as butter.

Give cheese on toast a miss and instead use sliced or mashed avocado to top wholegrain toast or crumpets. This quick snack is rich in unsaturated, rather than saturated, fats. Try a sprinkle of seeds or chilli flakes for an extra kick. Read more from our dietitian about avocados and fat.