Where to get gluten-free bagels in New Jersey for National Bagel Day

National Bagel Day is Jan. 15 but, chances are, if you are allergic to gluten? You don't care!

Celiacs, IBS, wheat sensitivities; whatever it is that hurts your belly, you'll do anything to avoid those carb-loaded dough rings — even if you're from New Jersey.

But, what if you didn't have to? What if, instead of avoiding bagels (or popping a few probiotic enzymes and crossing your fingers) in the state that makes them the best, there was a way to enjoy them?

Good news, wheat-intolerant: There is.

From Burlington County to Bergen, here are seven places to get a delicious gluten-free bagel this holiday.

Plum Bakery Gluten Free, Montclair

A dedicated, 100% gluten-free bakery, Plum Bakery in Montclair might be the safest place for those with celiac disease to celebrate National Bagel Day. Known for its mouthwatering pastries and decadent desserts, the spot is committed to making everyone's favorite childhood classics — but without the wheat.

Some of the bakery's most popular bagel varieties include Poppy, Sesame, Plain and more. We're personally #teameverything, but, no matter what flavor you choose, you're guaranteed to be able to enjoy it worry-free, because not even traces of gluten enter this local mom-and-pop.

Go: 179 Glenridge Ave., Montclair; 973-509-7586, plumbakerygf.com.

Everything Bagel, Paramus

Everything Bagel in Paramus may be a normal (wheat) bagel shop, but they've certainly gained a reputation over time for boasting one of the largest gluten-free menus — in addition to their regular one — around. Every day, the team serves items from Cinnamon Buns to Tiramisu, all made without wheat. Given the spot's name, however, it comes as no surprise that its allergen-friendly bagels are best-sellers.

Offered in rotating flavors from French Toast to Rainbow, each of Everything's fresh creations are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and made with a notable amount of care. When it comes to gluten-free bagels, they are probably the closest thing you'll find to a "real" bagel in the state.

Go: 483 Route 17 S, Paramus; 201-599-9999, everythingbagel.net.

Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, Randolph

Most Jersey residents argue over whether that salty breakfast meat is called Taylor Ham or pork roll, but gluten-free residents don't give a damn — because they're not eating THECs or PECs. Generally served on bagels and bread, the sandwich is a major no-no for the wheat-sensitive.

At Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, however, THECs are an everyone thing.

Locally famous for serving some of the meatiest breakfast sandwiches around, the Morris County brunch spot recently added gluten-free bagels to its menu. Soft and spongy, the option allows those with sensitivities to focus on what to call their iconic Jersey sandwich — instead of whether or not they should eat it.

Go: 517 Route 10, Randolph; 862-244-9073, brooklynbagelnj.com.

Victoria's Bagel Bistro, Mt. Laurel Township

Down in South (or is it Central?) Jersey, Victoria's Bagel Bistro whips up some of the tastiest, most indulgent bagels in the state. Visit the spot on any day, and find yourself drooling over the scent of fresh-baked Jalapeno Cheddars, or Honey Oat with Walnuts. Recently, the team even rolled and sold some cheesy Cacio e Pepes.

But, if you think those flavors are all gluten-full? Think again. Alongside those wheaty creations, the team also crafts plenty of artisan, gluten-free specialties. Some varieties they've offered in the past include a vibrant Blueberry, and a warm-spiced, sugar-dusted Pumpkin Crunch.

Topped with homemade cream cheese — in flavors from Cinnamon Honey Butter to Sundried Tomato — you'll hardly notice the missing ingredients.

(Note from the restaurant: Please call ahead to confirm the availability of gluten-free bagels, or to make a large order, they are very popular and often sells out).

Go: 3131 Route 38, Mt. Laurel Township; 856-222-1200, victoriasbagelbistro.com.

Bagel Barn & Deli, Princeton

A Princeton staple, Bagel Barn & Deli is a true New Jersey bagel joint. With virtually no social media presence, the spot serves all of the state's iconic flavors, at all of those famous hole-in-the-wall deli prices. Pick up a cinnamon raisin with cream cheese and pay less than $4. And for an egg and cheese on sesame? You're looking at $5. In many ways, the classic little gem epitomizes the best parts of the Garden State food scene.

Despite its charming, historic attributes, however, Bagel Barn is still up to date with the times. Recognizing the dietary needs of the 21st century, therefore, the shop added a gluten-free bagel option to its menu. Order it with butter (or scallion bacon cream cheese, or lox), and enjoy a cheap, wheat-free bite of nostalgia.

Go: 1225 State Rd., Princeton; 609-497-9555, bagelbarndeli.com.

Starseed Bakery, Rockaway

Some of you are gluten-free because you have severe allergies, but we know there are plenty of you who ditch the wheat for "health reasons."

And, if you're in the latter camp? Then Starseed Bakery — a dedicated health food bakeshop in Rockaway — is the place for you.

Crafting wholesome products by hand in a gluten, dairy, soy and GMO-free atmosphere, the bakery is all about making treats that are as good for you as they are delicious.

In the past, we enjoyed the team's nutrient-packed Everything Bagels. Dense and doughy, they are remarkable (health food or not) when topped with a melty pillow of dairy-free butter.

Go: 100 Hibernia Ave., Rockaway; 973-957-0500, starseedbakery.com.

Hot Bagels & More, Atlantic City/Somers Point

We don't know why you're at the shore this time of year, but, if you are? You deserve a bagel.

Hot Bagels & More has gluten-free ones, and — according to the internet — they're great.

Go: Various locations in Margate, Atlantic City, Northfield and Somers Point; hotbagelsandmore.com.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: National Bagel Day 2024: Where to get gluten-free bagels in NJ