These Bagels Might Be Aldi’s Best-Kept Secret

Aldi’s still putting out bangers, folks. The store may get its fair share of criticism, but it’s easy to forget that…it makes a lot of good stuff, and there are plenty of finds that customers love in those hallowed halls. Whether it’s spicy snacks, Italian olives, or other, perhaps more boring items, Aldi still knows how to do it like the best of them – and as long as that quality doesn’t slip and those prices stay low, people remain happy. 

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And they’re currently very happy with a fairly unassuming item in its bakery section – albeit one with a slightly fancy twist. Bagels for lunch, anyone? Or breakfast? Or…any time?

Specially Selected Asiago Cheese Bagels

Last week, a thread popped up in Aldi’s subreddit, which remains the best source out there for unfettered opinions about the store’s current items, in praise of its Specially Selected Asiago Cheese Bagels. “MUST TRY,” said the original poster in the title of the thread, who went on to say, “These are amazing! I don’t comment here but had to say something. So fluffy and enjoyable with that cheesy flavor, especially when toasted. Best bagels Aldi has to offer, hands down.”

That’s some strong praise, and it’s been echoed elsewhere, too. On Facebook, another Aldi customer posted about the bagels, saying that they were their “ALL-TIME favorite,” that they were excellent toasted, and that they make a great breakfast sandwich. That last opinion was echoed in the comment section of the Reddit thread, incidentally, and others compared them to Trader Joe’s Cheesy Bagels. Aldi’s are cheaper, too, on a per-ounce basis: They’re around $4.65 for an 18-ounce bag, compared to $3.49 for a 12-ounce bag at TJ’s. 

And Why Are They So Good, Exactly?

It’s all in the cheesiness. Asiago’s a nice choice for a bagel, as it has a distinctive flavor without being too overpowering: There’s a Parmesan-like sharpness and nuttiness to it, but with more of a mellow, creamy undertone. In short, it augments without being too intrusive, and it’s versatile enough to pair with all manner of breakfast foods and other fillings. I’m imagining one of these bagels with some bacon and chili jam as I type this, and it’s stirring the senses, let me tell ya.

As with many of Aldi’s Specially Selected items, though, this one tends to rotate in and out — so if you’re tempted, get this drop while you can.