Patrick Oconnell
A bagel with cheese can be a delicious snack, but how many calories does it contain? Well, that depends on the type of bagel and cheese used. A plain bagel with cream cheese can range from 350 to 450 calories, while a large multigrain bagel with two tablespoons of full-fat cream cheese can total about 450 calories. An average medium plain bagel has 277 calories, and adding a tablespoon of cream cheese contributes an additional 50 to 70 calories. So, depending on the specifics, half a bagel with cheese can fall within a wide range of calorie counts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a 4 1/2-inch bagel | 360 |
| Calories in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese | 50-70 |
| Calories in 1 large multigrain bagel | 343 |
| Calories in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese | 450 |
| Calories in an average medium plain bagel | 277 |
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What You'll Learn
A 4.5-inch bagel has 360 calories
The number of calories in a bagel can vary depending on the size and type of bagel. For example, a large multigrain bagel has 343 calories, while an egg bagel has 364 calories. A medium plain bagel has around 277 calories.
It's important to note that bagels are a good source of carbohydrates and can provide some nutritional value, such as iron, B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. However, when it comes to calories, it's not just the bagel that matters. The toppings you choose can also add a significant amount of calories.
For example, if you spread a generous amount of cream cheese on your bagel, you could be adding over 100 calories. On the other hand, opting for low-fat cream cheese can reduce the calorie count to 31 calories per tablespoon. So, it's important to consider the type of cheese and the quantity used when calculating the total calorie intake.
Additionally, some people suggest that switching to healthier toppings can be a good idea. Nutrient-dense options like tuna, egg, or chicken salad mixed with mashed avocado can provide a more balanced option while still offering flavour and texture.
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One tablespoon of cream cheese has 70 calories
The calorie count of a bagel with cream cheese depends on the type of bagel and the quantity of cream cheese used. A 4 1/2-inch plain bagel has about 360 calories, and one tablespoon of cream cheese has about 70 calories. This means that a plain bagel with a single tablespoon of cream cheese would total around 430 calories.
However, it's important to note that the calorie count can vary depending on the type of bagel. For example, a large multigrain bagel has 343 calories, while an egg bagel has 364 calories. Additionally, the calorie content of cream cheese can vary depending on the variety; low-fat cream cheese has 31 calories per tablespoon, while regular cream cheese has 50 or 70 calories per tablespoon, according to different sources.
When considering the nutritional value of a bagel with cream cheese, it's worth noting that bagels are a good source of carbohydrates and can provide some vitamins, minerals, and protein. However, they may also deliver more refined carbohydrates than a slice of white bread. To make a bagel with cream cheese healthier, one could opt for a multigrain bagel and low-fat cream cheese, reducing the calorie count.
Additionally, the quantity of cream cheese used can significantly impact the overall calorie intake. While one tablespoon of cream cheese adds about 70 calories, using two tablespoons would result in a higher calorie count, especially if a generous amount is spread on each half of the bagel. It is recommended to measure the quantity of cream cheese once or twice to get an idea and then eyeball it in the future.
In conclusion, while a plain bagel with a single tablespoon of cream cheese can have around 430 calories, the calorie count can quickly increase depending on the type of bagel, the quantity and type of cream cheese used, and the overall portion size. It is always a good idea to measure the weight and volume of the food and refer to dietary analysis software or USDA data to get a more accurate estimate of the calorie count.
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A multigrain bagel has fewer calories
The calorie content of a bagel and cheese varies depending on the type of bagel and cheese used, as well as the quantity of cheese. A plain bagel with cream cheese can range from 350 to 450 calories, with some estimates going as high as 600 to 700 calories. This includes a 4 1/2-inch plain bagel with around 360 calories and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese at 70 calories. An egg bagel with cream cheese has even more calories, coming in at 364 calories for the bagel alone.
A multigrain bagel, on the other hand, has fewer calories. According to the USDA, a large multigrain bagel has 343 calories. This is a healthier option compared to a plain bagel, as multigrain bagels contain more whole grains, which provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By choosing a multigrain bagel, you can reduce the overall calorie count of your bagel and cheese while also increasing your intake of nutritious whole grains.
To further reduce the calorie content, consider using low-fat cream cheese, which has 31 calories per tablespoon instead of the regular cream cheese, which has 50 calories per tablespoon. This simple swap can make a significant difference in the overall calorie count of your snack or meal.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the type of cheese you choose can also impact the calorie content. Processed cheese, for example, tends to be higher in calories and less nutritious. Opting for nutrient-dense toppings, such as tuna, egg, chicken salad, or avocado, can enhance the nutritional value of your bagel while keeping the calorie count in check.
In conclusion, when it comes to bagels and cheese, a multigrain bagel is a wiser choice for those conscious of their calorie intake. Not only does it have fewer calories, but it also offers the benefits of whole grains, including additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By being mindful of your cheese portion and type, you can further reduce the calorie content and create a more balanced and nutritious meal or snack.
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Calories depend on bagel size
The calorie count of half a bagel with cheese depends on the size of the bagel and the type of cheese used. A 4 1/2-inch plain bagel, for example, contains about 360 calories, while a large multigrain bagel is around 343 calories. Adding a tablespoon of cream cheese will contribute an additional 50 to 70 calories, depending on the variety of cheese.
A bagel's size significantly impacts its calorie content. A larger bagel will naturally have more calories than a smaller one. For instance, a 4 1/2-ounce bagel, which is considered a medium-sized bagel, typically contains around 277 calories. In contrast, a larger 4 1/2-inch bagel can have upwards of 360 calories.
The type of bagel also influences the calorie count. For example, a plain bagel generally has fewer calories than a bagel with added ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips. Additionally, the baking process and ingredients used can affect the calorie count. A bagel made with enriched flour, for instance, may have a slightly higher calorie content due to the added nutrients.
The cheese choice also plays a role in the overall calorie count. Cream cheese, a popular choice, can vary in calories depending on the brand and whether it is full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat. Full-fat cream cheese typically contains around 50 to 70 calories per tablespoon, while low-fat options can be as low as 31 calories per tablespoon.
It's worth noting that while calories are important, they are not the only factor to consider when evaluating the nutritional value of a bagel with cheese. Bagels can provide carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and vitamins, depending on the type of bagel and cheese chosen. For instance, a multigrain bagel offers more fiber than a plain bagel, and certain cheeses may provide additional nutrients like calcium.
In summary, the calories in half a bagel with cheese depend on both the size and type of bagel, as well as the type and amount of cheese used. While a plain, medium-sized bagel with a tablespoon of full-fat cream cheese may contain around 320-350 calories, a larger bagel with a generous serving of cheese could easily exceed 500 calories. Thus, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredient choices when considering the calorie content of this popular food combination.
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Choose healthier toppings
The calorie count of half a bagel with cheese depends on the type of bagel and cheese used. A large multigrain bagel has 343 calories, while an average medium plain bagel has 277 calories. One tablespoon of full-fat cream cheese has 50 calories.
Tuna, Egg, or Chicken Salad
Instead of using mayonnaise, mix the salad with mashed avocado, which goes well with lemon and fresh herbs. You can also add some crunch and extra nutrients with chopped veggies like radishes.
Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
For an extra dose of protein and healthy fats, spread some peanut butter or almond butter on your bagel. You can make it even more interesting and nutritious by adding toppings like cinnamon, sea salt, or maple syrup.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and can be used as a base for your bagel instead of cream cheese. You can blend it with flour and seasoning to make a high-protein bagel dough or simply spread it on top.
Hummus
Hummus is a healthy and delicious topping for your bagel. You can make your own by blending chickpeas, coriander, and tahini. Add some veggies like sprouts or sliced tomatoes for extra flavour and nutrients.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a healthy and versatile topping. You can use it as a substitute for mayonnaise in an egg salad or as a spread on its own. It's a good source of protein and can be flavoured with herbs and spices.
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Frequently asked questions
A 4-ounce bagel has about 360 calories. Adding 1 tablespoon of cream cheese adds about 70 calories. So half a bagel with cheese would be around 200 calories.
Yes, using low-fat cream cheese reduces the calories from 70 to 31 per tablespoon.
Yes, hummus is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a healthier alternative to cream cheese. Tuna, egg, or chicken salad mixed with avocado is also a nutritious option.
Yes, a multigrain bagel has fewer calories than a plain bagel, with around 313 calories for a 4.5-ounce serving. An egg bagel has 364 calories.
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