Patrick Oconnell
Bagels are a popular breakfast food, and many enjoy them with cream cheese. But how many carbohydrates does this combination contain? Well, according to the USDA, a large multigrain bagel contains 68 grams of carbohydrates, while a 4.5-inch plain bagel has about 360 calories, which is more than the average adult's recommended intake of refined carbohydrates for the day. When topped with cream cheese, the calorie count increases, with one tablespoon containing about 50 to 70 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a 4 1/2-inch bagel | 360 |
| Calories in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese | 70 |
| Calories in 1 tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese | 31 |
| Calories in a large multigrain bagel | 343 |
| Carbohydrates in a large multigrain bagel | 68 grams |
| Calories in 1 tablespoon of full-fat cream cheese | 50 |
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What You'll Learn
A 4.5-inch bagel has 360 calories, with 68 grams of carbohydrates
A 4.5-inch bagel has 360 calories and 68 grams of carbohydrates. This is already more than the average adult's recommended intake of refined carbohydrates for the day. The bagel size can be equated to four slices of white bread, which only have 79 calories and far fewer carbohydrates.
The calorie count of a bagel can go up depending on its variety. For instance, an egg bagel has 364 calories, while a multigrain bagel has 313 calories. The latter may be a better choice, as it also has more than 8 grams of fiber.
The calorie count can also increase depending on what you put on your bagel. One tablespoon of cream cheese has about 50 to 70 calories. If you use two tablespoons, you're looking at about 450 calories in total. If you want to lessen the calories, you can opt for low-fat cream cheese, which has only 31 calories per tablespoon.
If you want to make your bagel more nutritious, you can top the cream cheese with fruits and vegetables to deliver a punch of vitamins and minerals. For something sweet, add strawberries, which are full of vitamin C and folate. If you prefer savory, sliced tomatoes or carrots go great with cream cheese, providing vitamin A and potassium.
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One tablespoon of cream cheese has 50-70 calories
A cheese bagel is a great source of carbohydrates from grains. The number of calories in a cheese bagel depends on the type of bagel and the amount of cream cheese used. A plain bagel that is 4 1/2 inches in diameter weighs about 130 grams and contains about 360 calories. A multigrain bagel of the same size contains 313 calories, while an egg bagel contains 364 calories.
One tablespoon of cream cheese contains about 50 to 70 calories. The calorie count can be reduced by opting for low-fat cream cheese, which has about 31 calories per tablespoon. Therefore, a plain bagel with one tablespoon of regular cream cheese would contain about 430 calories, while a multigrain bagel with the same amount of low-fat cream cheese would contain about 344 calories.
The calorie count can also be affected by the size of the bagel and the amount of cream cheese used. A large multigrain bagel can contain up to 343 calories, and using two tablespoons of full-fat cream cheese would bring the total calorie count to about 450. A large, plump bagel with a generous amount of cream cheese could easily contain 500 to 700 calories.
While a cheese bagel can be a tasty treat, it is important to be mindful of the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates and calories. A single bagel can contain more servings than one might think and deliver far more refined carbohydrates than a slice of white bread. To make a cheese bagel more nutritious, it can be topped with fruits or vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, or carrots, which provide additional vitamins and minerals.
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A bagel delivers more carbs than white bread
A bagel is a great source of carbohydrates from grains, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends adults consume 6 to 8 ounces of every day. However, at least half of those grains (about 3 to 4 ounces daily) should be whole grains, and a single bagel might contain more servings than you think. A 4 1/2-inch bagel has about 360 calories, and when topped with cream cheese, which has about 70 calories per tablespoon, the calorie count can quickly increase. This means that a bagel with cream cheese could have around 450 calories in total.
While bagels are a good source of carbohydrates, it's important to consider the type of grains they contain. Bagels made from refined grains, such as white flour, may have a finer texture but are not as nutrient-dense as those made from whole grains. Whole grains provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for a healthy diet.
When comparing a bagel to a slice of white bread, it's clear that the bagel delivers more carbohydrates. A single bagel equals about four slices of white bread in terms of carbohydrate content. This is because a slice of white bread weighs only 1 ounce and has 79 calories, while a bagel, at 4 1/2 ounces, has 360 calories.
The higher carbohydrate content of bagels is something to be mindful of, especially if you are watching your carbohydrate intake. However, carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet, providing energy for our bodies, especially after intense or prolonged exercise. Simple carbohydrates, like those found in bagels, are quickly digested and absorbed, delivering energy to muscles faster for recovery.
Additionally, you can enhance the nutritional value of your bagel by topping it with fruits and vegetables, which provide a boost of vitamins and minerals. For example, you could add strawberries for vitamin C and folate or sliced tomatoes for vitamin A and potassium. These additions can make your bagel a more nutritious and well-rounded choice.
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A multigrain bagel is a healthier choice, with more fibre
A bagel with cheese is a delicious treat, but it's important to be aware of the carbohydrate content. A plain bagel with cream cheese can contain around 360 calories, with the bagel itself contributing about 360 calories and each tablespoon of cream cheese adding around 70 calories. This means that a bagel with cheese can provide more than the recommended daily intake of refined carbohydrates for an adult.
While bagels are a great source of carbohydrates, it's important to remember that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Refined carbohydrates, like those found in white bread and white rice, have a finer texture but offer fewer nutrients. On the other hand, whole grains provide more fibre, vitamins, and minerals. When choosing a bagel, opting for one made with whole grains can be a healthier choice.
Multigrain bagels, in particular, offer a better nutritional profile than plain bagels. A 4 1/2-ounce multigrain bagel has only 313 calories, which is significantly lower than the 360 calories in a plain bagel. Additionally, the multigrain option provides more than 8 grams of fibre, which is essential for a healthy digestive system.
The benefits of choosing a multigrain bagel don't stop there. By opting for low-fat cream cheese, you can further reduce the calorie count. Low-fat cream cheese has only 31 calories per tablespoon, compared to 70 calories in regular cream cheese. This simple swap can make a big difference, especially if you enjoy generous portions of cream cheese on your bagel.
So, if you're looking for a more nutritious option, a multigrain bagel with low-fat cream cheese is a great choice. It provides the energy boost of carbohydrates while also delivering the benefits of whole grains and fibre. Plus, with a few simple tweaks, like adding fruits or vegetables, you can further enhance the nutritional value of your bagel and enjoy a delicious and healthy treat.
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Toppings like fruit and vegetables add vitamins and minerals
A 4 1/2-inch bagel has about 360 calories, and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese has about 70 calories. A bagel is a great source of carbohydrates, which are one of the main sources of dietary energy and are essential for growth and development. However, it is recommended that at least half of the grains consumed daily should be whole grains, as these contain more fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
There are many other fruit and vegetable toppings that can be added to a bagel. For a sweet option, try avocado, mashed sweet potatoes, or a smear of flavoured yogurt. If you're looking for something savoury, sliced cucumbers, radishes, or a spread made with blended white beans and avocado are great choices. You can even mix in other toppings, like chopped chicken or beans, to make every bite count.
Additionally, you can make your bagel more nutritious by using veggie-loaded dips as a spread. For instance, a creamy roasted cauliflower dip made with tahini and milk is a versatile and exciting way to add more vegetables to your bagel.
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Frequently asked questions
A large multigrain bagel contains 68 grams of carbohydrates and 343 calories. Adding 2 tablespoons of full-fat cream cheese will add about 100 calories.
A 4.5-inch plain bagel with one tablespoon of cream cheese will deliver 430 calories.
A multigrain bagel is a healthier alternative to a plain bagel, with 313 calories and more than 8 grams of fibre.
