Dave's Killer Bread Brings Back Fan Favorite Bagels After 7 Year Absence

Seven years after pulling them from store shelves, Dave’s Killer Bread is bringing back its Pumpkin Spice Madness bagels.  The seasonal five-packs began arriving in supermarket bread aisles this week and will remain stocked through November, depending on inventory and carry a suggested retail price of $6.49.

The popular Oregon-based bakery, known for its whole wheat, heavy seeded loaves, originally introduced the pumpkin spice line to tap into fall food trends before shelving the flavor in 2017. The decision to bring back the product comes as more brands are bringing limited edition products into stores earlier each year to entice shoppers ready for cooler temps and the ever-popular pumpkin spice season.

To provide more context for the rollout, the company released a brand-funded survey of 2,000 U.S. adults which highlighted morning eating habits. The data showed a clear split in how shoppers choose breakfast foods: 54% prioritized flavor above all else, while only 34% cited nutritional content as their top concern.  The survey also noted that one in three respondents rank bagels among their top breakfast choices—beating out oatmeal, muffins, and crepes.

“BreadHeads have been clamoring for the return of this iconic, organic favorite,” senior director of brand management at Dave’s Killer Bread Cristina Watson, said in a statement, framing the relaunch around customer demand.  The bagels are baked with organic brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, delivering 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving. Like the rest of the company’s product line, they carry USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project certifications.

Dave’s Killer Bread got its start selling whole-grain breads at Portland farmers markets in 2005. The business grew rapidly on its store footprint and its commitment to second-chance hiring practices, employing individuals with criminal records.  In 2015, baking giant Flowers Foods acquired the company for $275 million. That acquisition expanded Dave’s Killer Bread from a regional favorite into the nation’s top-selling organic bread brand, opening distribution across major supermarket chains, Target, and wholesale clubs.

The limited-run bagels are available now at major retailers nationwide while supplies last.