Explore Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

Explore Careers

Explore Professions

Best Companies

Explore Companies

10 Largest Bagel Brands In The United States

By Elsie Boskamp
Aug. 9, 2021
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

10 Largest Bagel Brands in the United States (2026)

While you enjoy your morning bagel, you may not realize that the bagel and bialy industry is a highly lucrative segment of the U.S. bread and breakfast food market. The bagel market has seen significant growth, now valued at approximately $1.7 billion, marking a notable increase of 7.8% this year.

Americans are purchasing fresh-baked, refrigerated, and frozen bagels at unprecedented rates, with supermarkets and mass grocery retailers leading in bagel brand distribution nationwide. As the trend of stocking up on breakfast staples continues, the demand for bagels remains robust, contributing to the industry’s ongoing expansion.

Annual sales figures indicate that fresh bagels generate around $833 million, with refrigerated bagels contributing approximately $129 million and frozen bagels around $27 million across various retail outlets, including supermarkets and drugstores.

With just a few basic ingredients—water, yeast, flour, and salt—bagel brands cater to diverse audiences, offering an array of specialty, seasonal, health-conscious, and gluten-free options. The popularity of bagels continues to rise, driven by innovative flavors and consumer preferences.

Here’s an overview of the ten largest bagel brands in the United States, ranked by their average annual reported sales:

  1. Einstein Bros Bagels Jobs (Overview)

  2. Sara Lee International Jobs (Overview)

  3. Trader Joe’s Jobs (Overview)

Top 10 Largest Bagel Brands Across the United States

If you’re searching for the perfect bagel for your brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, here are the top 10 largest and most popular bagel brands in the United States:

  1. Thomas’. Horsham, Pennsylvania

    Annual Sales: $419.6 million
    Number of Employees: 20,000

    Founded in 1880 by Samuel Bath Thomas, Thomas’ has become a household name in America, offering a wide range of bagels from classics to seasonal flavors. Owned by Bimbo Bakeries USA, this brand leads in annual sales.

  2. Einstein Bros Bagels. Lakewood, Colorado

    Annual Sales: $400 million
    Number of Employees: 540

    Since its inception in 1995, Einstein Bros Bagels has become the second-largest bagel brand in the U.S. Known for its variety of bagels and catering to breakfast enthusiasts, it operates nearly 700 locations nationwide.

  3. Find Einstein Bros Bagels Jobs Near Me

  4. Sara Lee International. Horsham, Pennsylvania

    Annual Sales: $75.4 million
    Number of Employees: 20,000

    With a commitment to sustainability and a variety of bagel flavors, Sara Lee ranks third among bagel brands. The company is recognized for its environmentally friendly initiatives while maintaining a strong product lineup.

  5. Find Sara Lee International Jobs Near Me

  6. Nature’s Own. Thomasville, Georgia

    Annual Sales: $21.9 million
    Number of Employees: 9,200

    Nature’s Own has carved out a niche in the health-conscious market, emphasizing quality ingredients and offering a variety of bagels that cater to dietary needs.

  7. Pepperidge Farm. Norwalk, Connecticut

    Annual Sales: $13.2 million
    Number of Employees: 19,000

    Known for its extensive range of baked goods, Pepperidge Farm ranks fifth in the bagel market, providing consumers with a variety of bagels that complement its renowned snacks.

  8. Udi’s. Boulder, Colorado

    Annual Sales: $11.8 million
    Number of Employees: 4,700

    Udi’s, a leader in gluten-free products, offers a diverse range of bagels that appeal to health-conscious consumers, maintaining its position as a top brand in the gluten-free market.

  9. Franz Family Bakeries. Portland, Oregon

    Annual Sales: $11 million
    Number of Employees: 3,000

    Franz Family Bakeries has a long history in the bagel industry, providing a variety of baked goods and maintaining a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest.

  10. Trader Joe’s. Monrovia, California

    Annual Sales: $7 million
    Number of Employees: 50,000

    Trader Joe’s has established itself in the bagel market with its unique store-branded bagels, appealing to consumers seeking high-quality, specialty products.

  11. Find Trader Joe’s Jobs Near Me

  12. Lender’s Bagels. Horsham, Pennsylvania

    Annual Sales: $5 million
    Number of Employees: 20,000

    Lender’s Bagels continues to thrive as a pioneer in the pre-packaged bagel industry, offering a variety of frozen and refrigerated bagels that maintain their popularity among consumers.

  13. Ray’s New York Bagels. Sharon, Massachusetts

    Annual Sales: $3.8 million
    Number of Employees: 850

    Ray’s New York Bagels is known for its authentic New York-style bagels, which are boiled in New York water, enhancing their texture and flavor, and are distributed nationwide.

The bagel industry in the United States continues to evolve, with brands innovating to meet the needs of modern consumers. From health-conscious options to unique flavors, these top bagel brands are poised for continued growth and success. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or adventurous new varieties, there’s a bagel brand out there for everyone.

Author

Elsie Boskamp

Elsie is an experienced writer, reporter, and content creator. As a leader in her field, Elsie is best known for her work as a Reporter for The Southampton Press, but she can also be credited with contributions to Long Island Pulse Magazine and Hamptons Online. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stony Brook University and currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee.

Related posts