Convenient Bagelfuls get thumbs up

Kraft’s new Bagelfuls look a bit like a bagel Twinkie.

It didn’t stop food panel tasters from giving a collective thumbs-up to the new breakfast eats, which are actually bagel dough wrapped around a Philadelphia cream cheese filling.

The panel noshed on Original, Chive and Cinnamon and Brown Sugar flavors. Bagelfuls also come in whole wheat with original cream cheese and plain with strawberry cream cheese.

“Why didn’t they think of this sooner,” said Andy Hoye. “Great snack and great idea.”

Skip Hubbard agreed. “For convenience, this is the way to go. It’s about time they figured out how to sell a bagel with the cream cheese already in it.”

Most tasters liked the idea, but described the original plain bagel with cream cheese filling as “boring.” Still, the original Bagelfuls scored a three-and-a-half star rating.

They perked up a bit when the plain bagels with chive filling and the cinnamon and brown sugar bagels with cinnamon cream cheese were served.

“These would be great for breakfast,” said Tina Johnson. “A non-messy way to have a bagel and cream cheese. The dough is soft and cinnamony.”

Bagelfuls can be found in the breakfast freezer section at most grocery stores. For ideal texture, they should be stored in the refrigerator and toasted just before serving. Although it is listed as a preparation method, don’t pull them from the freezer and heat them in the microwave if you’re hoping to avoid a chewy bagel.

Out of the toaster, panel members liked the toasted crust, warm bagel and slightly warmed cream cheese.

“The herbed cream cheese is really a nice touch to this bagel,” Hubbard said of the chive flavor.

Of course, not everyone agreed.

Vicki Deschaine didn’t like Bagelfuls whether warmed in the microwave or toasted. “I can’t tell the difference between them,” she said. “The cream cheese was best (in the chive bagels), but the bread leaves much to be desired.”

Kraft Bagelfuls, Original

Price: $2.69 per 10-ounce package

Nutrition per serving: 200 calories, 5 grams fat (3 grams saturated, 23 percent fat calories), 7 grams protein, 34 grams carbohydrate, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 200 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • 1/2

Value: • • •

Comments:

“Not much taste and way too chewy for me.” – Larry Inman

“The idea is nice, but the flavor is a bit boring.” – Gabe Kohler

“Great idea and great snack.” – Andy Hoye

Kraft Bagelfuls, Cinnamon

Price: $2.69 per 10-ounce package

Nutrition per serving: 200 calories, 4 grams fat (2.5 grams saturated, 23 percent fat calories), 7 grams protein, 34 grams carbohydrate, 10 milligrams cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 190 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • •

Value: • • •

Comments: “I like that they don’t have too much bread.” – Marcia Oranen

“The crust is crisped perfectly and the cream cheese is warm and delicious.” – Gabe Kohler

“Sort of sweet but really fun to eat.” – Andy Hoye

Kraft Bagelfuls, Chive

Price: $2.69 per 10-ounce package

Nutrition per serving: 200 calories, 5 grams fat (3 grams saturated, 23 percent fat calories), 6 grams protein, 34 grams carbohydrate, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 200 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • •

Value: • • •

Comments: “Splendid, easy snack.” – Andy Hoye

“The kids could eat this in the car.” – Peggy Kazanis

“Tastes very good, soft and warm and a nice treat. Perfect for lunch, coffee or breaks at work.” – Nancy Robinson