And America's Best Bagels Are...

You don't have to be in New York to get a good bagel, Consumer Reports finds: Three big brands offer decent alternatives. In a comparison of eight plain and four "everything" bagels, testers found Dunkin' Donuts, Lender's Original, and Costco to be the best options. Each scored well in the taste department, offering a "crispy crust" and the right kind of chewiness.

For those with a gluten intolerance, Udi's Gluten Free plain was tasty when toasted. But Udi's is also much fattier than the others, with 9 grams, whereas most range from one to 4.5 grams. Thomas' Bagel Thins offer lower calories, fat, and sodium, and actually have more fiber than many of their bigger cousins. But while they're tasty enough, they're "more like rolls than bagels," the report says. (More bagel stories.)