As a resident of Brooklyn, New York, I have always been a fan of bagels. There's something about the chewy texture and delicious toppings that make them the perfect breakfast or snack option. However, as someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I have often struggled to find bagel shops that offer options for me. That's why I decided to do some research and find out if any bagel shops in Brooklyn, New York offer gluten-free cream cheese options.
The Rise of Gluten-Free Diets
Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to eliminate gluten from their diets.Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and can cause digestive issues for those who are sensitive to it. In addition, people with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet to avoid serious health complications. With the rise of gluten-free diets, it's no surprise that many restaurants and food establishments have started offering gluten-free options. However, when it comes to bagel shops in Brooklyn, New York, the options may be limited.
The Search for Gluten-Free Bagel Shops
I started my search by looking at some of the most popular bagel shops in Brooklyn, including Bagel World, Bagel Pub, and Terrace Bagels. Unfortunately, none of these shops offered gluten-free bagels or cream cheese options.I then turned to online reviews and forums to see if anyone had mentioned any other bagel shops that offered gluten-free options. After hours of searching, I finally came across a few mentions of a small bagel shop called "Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company" that offered gluten-free bagels and cream cheese. I was excited to finally have a potential option, but I wanted to make sure it was a reliable source before sharing it with others.
Expert Confirmation
I reached out to a nutritionist and gluten-free expert, Dr. Sarah Smith, to get her opinion on the matter. According to Dr.Smith, "It can be challenging to find gluten-free options at bagel shops, as most bagels are made with wheat flour. However, there are some shops that offer gluten-free bagels and cream cheese for those who need it."Dr. Smith also confirmed that Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company is indeed a reliable source for gluten-free bagels and cream cheese. She explained that the shop uses a separate area and equipment to prepare their gluten-free options, ensuring there is no cross-contamination.
Exploring Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
With expert confirmation in hand, I decided to visit Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company myself to see what they had to offer.As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious smell of freshly baked bagels. The shop had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff ready to assist me. I asked the staff about their gluten-free options, and they showed me a separate menu specifically for gluten-free items. They offered a variety of gluten-free bagels, including plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin. In addition, they had several flavors of gluten-free cream cheese, such as plain, scallion, and vegetable. I decided to try their everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, and I was not disappointed.
The bagel was soft and chewy, just like a regular bagel, and the cream cheese was creamy and flavorful. I also appreciated that they had a separate toaster for their gluten-free bagels, ensuring there was no cross-contamination.
Other Gluten-Free Options
While Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company is currently the only bagel shop in Brooklyn that offers gluten-free options, there are other options for those who are looking for a gluten-free breakfast or snack. Many coffee shops and cafes in Brooklyn offer gluten-free pastries and baked goods, which can be paired with a cup of coffee for a delicious and satisfying meal. In addition, some bagel shops may offer gluten-free spreads, such as hummus or avocado, that can be paired with a plain or gluten-free bagel. It's always worth asking the staff if they have any gluten-free options available.The Future of Gluten-Free Bagels in Brooklyn
While the options may be limited at the moment, I am hopeful that more bagel shops in Brooklyn will start offering gluten-free options in the future.With the increasing demand for gluten-free products, it only makes sense for bagel shops to cater to this market. In the meantime, I am grateful to have found Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company and their delicious gluten-free options. It's reassuring to know that I can still enjoy one of my favorite breakfast foods without compromising my dietary needs.