How Do Rainbow Bagels Taste?
At Yaba’s Bagels, we take pride in offering a twist on tradition—and few things capture the imagination quite like a rainbow bagel. If you’ve ever wondered whether rainbow bagels taste as wild and whimsical as they look, you’re not alone. These vibrant, multicolored creations often raise the question: Are they just regular bagels in disguise, or is there something more to them?
In this article, we’ll break down the flavor experience, the ingredients, how they’re made, and why people are falling in love with this playful take on a bagel classic.
What is a Rainbow Bagel?
Before we get into how they taste, let’s define what a rainbow bagel actually is. A rainbow bagel is a type of bagel made by dyeing the dough with multiple food colorings and twisting or layering them together to create a mesmerizing swirl of vibrant colors. Typically, the base recipe is the same as a plain bagel—made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and a touch of sugar—but the preparation turns each bagel into a work of edible art.
Rainbow bagels originated in Brooklyn, New York, and quickly became an Instagram sensation. Today, they’re more than just a viral moment—they’re a staple at modern bagel shops like Yaba’s that blend tradition with creativity.
Do Rainbow Bagels Taste Different from Regular Bagels?
Here’s the short answer: It depends on the recipe and toppings.
1. Flavor Base: Often Like a Plain Bagel
Most rainbow bagels are made with a plain bagel dough, meaning their base flavor is neutral, lightly savory, and slightly sweet. If you closed your eyes and took a bite of a naked rainbow bagel, you might not notice a major taste difference from a traditional plain bagel. The colors, while striking, don’t usually have individual flavors. They’re created using food-grade dyes that are tasteless.
2. Subtle Sweetness in Some Recipes
However, at Yaba’s Bagels, we add a hint of vanilla and a touch more sugar to our rainbow bagel dough. This gives it a gentle sweetness that complements both savory and sweet toppings. It’s not overpowering, but it makes the experience a little more dessert-like compared to our classic boiled bagels.
3. The Psychological Effect of Color
Fun fact: your brain might think rainbow bagels taste different just because they look so bold. This is called the color-flavor illusion. Our minds associate bright colors with fruity or candy-like flavors, so some people swear they taste a hint of bubblegum or birthday cake—even if there’s none in the dough!
What Should You Eat With a Rainbow Bagel?
The real magic of rainbow bagels comes from what you pair them with. Because they tend to be slightly sweeter than traditional bagels, they shine best with fun, sweet toppings.
🍓 Sweet Spreads and Cream Cheeses
Strawberry or Raspberry Cream Cheese: The tartness of berries paired with a sweetened bagel is a dream combo.
Birthday Cake Cream Cheese: This is a fan favorite—sweet cream cheese with sprinkles and vanilla flavoring.
Nutella or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Rich and indulgent, it turns your bagel into a decadent breakfast or dessert.
Marshmallow Fluff or Whipped Cream Cheese: Fluffy, airy textures go great with the playful nature of rainbow bagels.
🧂 Savory Combinations (Yes, Really!)
Surprisingly, rainbow bagels can also be paired with savory spreads like scallion or lox cream cheese. The bagel’s slightly sweet flavor provides a contrast that some customers find irresistible.
Are Rainbow Bagels Just a Gimmick?
At first glance, rainbow bagels might seem like a novelty item—something you try once for the ‘Gram and move on. But there’s more to them than just good looks.
✅ They’re Fun and Nostalgic
Rainbow bagels tap into the joy of childhood: colorful cereal, birthday cake, cotton candy at the fair. They’re fun to look at, and even more fun to eat.
✅ They’re Great for Kids (and the Kid in All of Us)
Ask any kid under ten which bagel they want, and chances are they’ll point to the rainbow one. But adults love them too—especially when paired with a hot coffee or latte for a balanced breakfast that feels like a treat.
✅ They’re Made with the Same Care
At Yaba’s Bagels, our rainbow bagels are still boiled and baked just like our other classic bagels. That means the same chewy interior, crisp crust, and attention to quality ingredients. This is not just white bread in disguise—it’s a real bagel with flair.
Are Rainbow Bagels Healthy?
This is a common question, and the answer is: they’re about as healthy (or indulgent) as any other bagel.
Calories: Similar to a plain bagel, usually between 250–300 calories before spreads.
Additives: The food coloring used is food-safe and used in moderation. At Yaba’s, we use plant-based food dyes whenever possible.
Nutritional Value: They contain the same basic nutrients as other bagels: carbohydrates, a bit of protein, and small amounts of fiber depending on the flour.
As with anything, moderation is key. If you’re looking to cut sugar, opt for savory toppings, or pair it with some protein like eggs or nut butter.
How Are Rainbow Bagels Made?
Creating rainbow bagels is truly an art—and one that takes more time than your average batch.
🎨 Step 1: Divide and Dye the Dough
The dough is split into several sections, each one mixed with a different food coloring. At Yaba’s, we usually work with five to six colors to get that iconic swirl.
🌀 Step 2: Layer and Twist
Colored doughs are stacked and twisted together carefully to create a marbled, tie-dye effect. It takes precision to keep the colors vibrant and separate during boiling and baking.
🔥 Step 3: Boil and Bake
Just like classic bagels, rainbow bagels are boiled to get that chewy texture, then baked to perfection. Despite the colors, they’re still 100% authentic bagels.
So, What Do Rainbow Bagels Really Taste Like?
To sum it up:
Texture: Chewy, doughy, and slightly crusty—just like a real NY-style bagel
Flavor: Mildly sweet, slightly vanilla-tinged, and perfect for sweet pairings
Experience: Fun, nostalgic, and just plain happy
If you’ve never tried one before, you’re in for a unique experience. And at Yaba’s Bagels, we make sure every rainbow bagel delivers on flavor as much as it does on color.
Final Thoughts
Rainbow bagels are more than just a trend. They’re an expression of joy, creativity, and culinary fun. At Yaba’s, we believe that food should make you smile—and our rainbow bagels do exactly that.
So the next time someone asks “How do rainbow bagels taste?” you’ll know the answer: They taste like happiness.
