Examining the Nutritional Differences Between Viral 'High-Protein' Bagels and the Traditional Variety
Food writer embarks on high-protein bagel-making journey following TikTok trends
In an effort to explore the latest food craze sweeping social media, food writer attempts homemade high-protein bagels
In the ever-evolving world of food trends, protein-packed recipes have been quite the sensation. As a food writer, I've tried my hand at various protein-infused dishes, such as high-protein fluffy yogurt, high-protein pumpkin pancakes, and even high-protein Diet Coke. However, high-protein baked goods were uncharted territory for me. Recently, high-protein DIY bagels have taken TikTok by storm, with the fitness-friendly treat boasting 9 to 12 grams of protein per serving. Although initial skepticism loomed, I was intrigued enough to give it a whirl.
The recipe for high-protein bagels varies, but the common thread is the use of cottage cheese to boost the protein content. With each cup of cottage cheese containing approximately 25 grams of protein, it's no surprise this dairy powerhouse plays a starring role in many of these concoctions.
To create my homemade high-protein bagels, I began by whisking together one cup of flour, one cup of pre-blended cottage cheese, and two teaspoons of baking powder. Due to a powdery texture, I added an extra half cup of cottage cheese to improve consistency before shaping the dough into traditional bagel Forms. Interestingly, I ended up with bagels of varying sizes as my eyeballing skills left a bit to be desired.
Before baking, I drizzled the dough with olive oil instead of egg wash, sprinkled on salt and Everything Bagel seasoning, then baked the bagels on a sheet of aluminum foil for 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. After noticing that the bagels were still underdone, I left them in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Upon slicing my first bagel in half, I was pleasantly surprised. Though not as neat or uniform as store-bought bagels, they had a soft and moist texture that surpassed my expectations. If not for the recipe instructions, one would never guess these delicious treats contained cottage cheese. The taste was remarkably similar to a store-bought bagel, making them a worthy addition to my recipe repertoire.
Following the revelation that my homemade high-protein bagels tasted great, I pondered if there were any legitimate nutritional advantages over traditional bagels. To provide a balanced perspective, I reached out to Desiree Nielsen, RD, a recipe developer with a focus on plant-based nutrition.
While it may seem intuitive that using cottage cheese, a high-protein ingredient, would result in high-protein bagels, Nielsen explains that this is a misconception. Regular bagels are often misunderstood as being simply a source of carbs, but the flour used can actually clock in at between 12% and 13% protein. This means that the final product contains around seven, eight, or even double-digit grams of protein per bagel, depending on factors like size or other ingredients like cheese. Therefore, the increase in protein may not be as significant as expected.
According to Nielsen, the potential advantage comes in the form of a lower carb-protein ratio, which can be beneficial for those who need to be mindful of carbohydrate intake, especially for those with blood sugar regulation issues such as diabetes. However, the difference in carbs between the two may not seem substantial, as the artificial increase in protein does not make these high-protein bagels a nutritional powerhouse.
In conclusion, while the high-protein bagel trend may not live up to its claimed nutritional benefits, it certainly does not mean skipping this tasty recipe entirely. As a fun kitchen project and an alternative to traditional bagels for those with diabetic tendencies, high-protein bagels can serve as a healthier choice while maintaining a comparable flavor profile.
For those seeking more nutrition advice, check out our website's great service journalism, including "The 9 Best Egg Substitutes for Baking, Breakfast Scrambles, and Beyond" and "I'm an R.D. Who Sucks at Baking. Here Are 8 Tips That Have Actually Helped."
[1] "Bagel Nutrition Facts: Calories, Carbohydrates, Protein, and More." Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bagel-nutrition-facts
[2] "What's the Deal with High-Protein Bagels?" Well+Good. https://www.wellandgood.com/high-protein-bagels/
[3] "High Protein Bagels: Are They Worth It?" MyFitnessPal. https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/high-protein-bagels-are-they-worth-it/
[4] "Benefits of Opting for a High-Protein Bagel Over a Regular Bagel." Eat This, Not That!. https://www.eatthis.com/high-protein-bagel/
[1] Food trends have embraced protein-packed recipes, and high-protein bagels have become a popular sensation on TikTok, offering 9 to 12 grams of protein per serving.
[2] As a food writer, I delved into homemade high-protein bagel creation, experimenting with a recipe that incorporated cottage cheese as the protein source.
[3] To my surprise, the bagels resulted in a soft and moist texture that rivaled store-bought bagels, while still maintaining the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese.
[4] Despite initial skepticism, the high-protein bagels attracted my curiosity as a potential alternative for individuals with blood sugar regulation issues, like diabetes.
[5] RD Desiree Nielsen clarified that while the high protein content may not lead to a significant increase in protein per serving, the lower carb-protein ratio made these bagels a worthy choice for those conscious of their carbohydrate intake.
[6] Furthermore, Nielsen explained that regular bagels already contained a good amount of protein, with up to 8 grams per bagel, depending on factors such as size and added ingredients.
[7] In the health-and-wellness and food-and-drink sphere, homemade high-protein bagels could offer a healthier alternative when compliance with a specific diet is necessary.
[8] For further nutrition tips and recipes, consult our lifestyle and cooking resources, including articles on egg alternatives, healthy cooking methods, and kitchen projects to enhance your cooking skills.
