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Showing posts with label Food and Beverage. Show all posts
Food and Beverage product review Reviews

Chobani Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer Review - Ingredients, Nutrition Facts, and Serving Size

Chobani is a fan-favorite brand that always has fun, exciting coffee creamer releases. Fans love the Cookie Butter (myself included), and now it has a new purple treat in time for Halloween: the Ube Sweet Cream. It comes in a festive purple carton with things like a trick-or-treat bag and even a bat.

A person holding container of Chobani Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer

How the Ube Sweet Cream coffee creamer tastes by itself

It's creamy and dreamy on its own with a lovely purple hue. It has the nutty flavor I associate with ube, but a well-rounded, creamy profile thanks to the cream. People may describe it as similar to vanilla or pistachio, so you can use it in a number of ways. 

It's not too potent and tastes really delicious. Of course, anything gets mixed reviews, but generally speaking, this hits the nail on the head for ube-flavored products. I think it hits the nail on the head in terms of taste.

Hand holding Chobani Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer

How the Chobani ube creamer tastes in drinks

Once added to coffee, it offers a very light flavor, especially if you use a strong cup of coffee and stick to the 1 tablespoon serving size. If you pour more into your cup, you'll get more flavor. While more concentrated flavor would be nice, realistically, I don't know how much stronger it could be without using some potent ingredients.

Therefore, I think it still achieves the overall flavor profile. It tastes clearer in something like a glass of milk that isn't as intensely flavored, but you could use it in things like chia pudding, too. I think it achieves an authentic ube taste, albeit somewhat light in more robust beverages and applications.

Hand holding the Chobani Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer showing the ingredients

Ingredients

The ingredients in Chobani's Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer are milk, cane sugar, cream, sweet potato concentrate, carrot concentrate (for color), ube powder, and natural flavors.

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon  (15 milliliters)

Servings Per Container: Around 47

Calories: 35 

Total Fat: 1.5 grams

Saturated Fat: 1 gram

Cholesterol: 5 milligrams

Sodium: 5 milligrams

Total Carbohydrates: 5 grams

Total Sugars: 5 grams

A hand holding Ube Creamer from Chobani

If you are interested in trying Chobani's new Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer, this is a limited-batch option, meaning it won't be around long. I saw that it is available at Target for $5.49, but it seems like it's still rolling out at other retailers. 

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Disney California Adventure Disneyland Food and Beverage

Disneyland Halloween Time 2026 Food and Drink Guide: What to Get at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure may be known for Mickey Mouse, rides, and crowds, but you might have missed out on some of their scrumptious fall Halloween Time food offerings. When I used to go to Disneyland as a kid, we might have gotten the occasional candy or ice cream. I'm sure we ate at some point, but I can't recall anything.


Disneyland DCA Halloween Time 2026


Now that I'm an adult, the Disney food is a huge selling point for me when I visit. And Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have all kinds of fall foods to enjoy. I'm a long-term food writer, and here are some top 2026 food and drink items that you should try. I got my Magic Key pass in 2025, and it has allowed me to visit the park more frequently to try things out. This is convenient since I have two small children, and it's fun to get out of the house in a place that brings such childlike wonder.


Food, however, is enticing and magical for people of all ages, so it doesn't matter whether you're visiting the park for your special family holiday, a work trip, or just a solo night out; there are so many options to pick from. I will highlight some of the best food and drink options I tried at Halloween Time at Disneyland and DCA in fall 2026. Here's a foodie guide based on items I tried.


Churro Hand Tart Pastry Market House on Main Street USA Disneyland

Market House Churro Hand Tart Pastry

Where to buy it: Market House on Main Street, U.S.A.

Available: August 18 through Jan. 6, 2027


The Churro Hand Tart Pastry is basically like a fancy Pop-Tart filled with spiced cake. It reminds me of coffee cake but with a unique exterior. I absolutely loved this treat. It's extremely crumbly, so make sure to have some extra napkins on hand. This was one of my favorite items; its familiar flavors make it so tasty. If you like cinnamon, this might be the best thing to get at Disney's 2026 Halloween Time. This is at Disneyland Resort. This is available at Market House until January 6, 2027, so you have a few months to try it.


Pym Test Kitchen at Avengers Campus BBQ Pork Muenster Grill Cheese Disneyland Halloween Time 2026

BBQ Pork Muenster Grill Cheese

Where to buy it: Pym Test Kitchen at Avengers Campus

Available: August 18 through November 12, 2026

Price: $16.79, not including taxes


First of all, how cute is this BBQ Pork Muenster Grill Cheese? It has BBQ pork belly and Muenster cheese to start. The sourdough adds a mildly tangy touch, and it also has crispy onion bits on the side of the sandwich. The jalapeño slaw has a creamy, tangy, spicy touch that offers an uplifting note. The potato bites (Experiment No. 1966), aka tater tots, are wonderfully crisp. Don't worry, it tastes good too. This is at Disney California Adventure and has a great sit-down area.


Harbour Galley Brown Butter Maple Cold Brew

Where to buy it: Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square

Available:

Price: $7.99

Located at Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, the Brown Butter Maple Cold Brew is a true delight. I wasn't sure how it would taste, but it was scrumptious. It's nothing too out of the box, but that's why it works so well. Here we see Joffrey's Beignet-flavored cold brew with a maple and brown butter syrup. It's topped with brown butter cold foam. I thought it'd be super sweet, but it was balanced with the coffee flavor. Try the cold brew, then the topper, then swirl it together. This is the perfect fall drink for Disneyland, since it's typically pretty hot during the early season.


Ube Cheesecake Churro Terran Treats on Avengers Campus Disneyland DCA Halloween Time 2026

Terran Treats Ube Cheesecake Churro

Where to buy it: Terran Treats on Avengers Campus

Available: August 18 through October 31, 2026

Price: $8


Celebrate Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure with the Ube Cheesecake Churro. The black and purple churro is an ultra-festive fall food. The new churro is rolled in chocolate cookie sugar and has ube cheesecake whipped topping and chocolate cookie crumble. The cookies impart a distinct Oreo-like chocolate flavor while the ube cheesecake topping has the faint sweet potato nuttiness of ube. It works well with the chocolate and richness of the whipped topping.


Smokejumpers Grill Villainous Wings Disneyland Halloween Time 2026 Food

Smokejumpers Grill Villainous Wings

Where to buy it: Smokejumpers Grill at Grizzly Peak

Available: August 18 through November 12, 2026

Price: $8.29


If you're in the mood for something spicy, trek over to Smokejumpers Grill for the Villainous Wings. This new menu item is drenched in sauce and tastes spicy. It's delicious and wonderfully complex thanks to the sweet and tangy gochujang sauce topped with a creamy ghost pepper ranch and a sprinkle of chives. This is one of the best Disney Halloween Time foods for spicy lovers!


Schmoozies! Matcha Mickey-Shaped Waffles DCA

Schmoozies! Matcha Mickey-Shaped Waffles

Where to buy them: Schmoozies! at Hollywood Land

Available: August 18 through November 12

Price: $10.99, not including taxes


These adorable Mickey-shaped waffles are filled with banana custard. The waffle itself is matcha-flavored, and I can taste the distinct earthiness of matcha. The banana custard is quite runny, so expect it to burst out as you eat.

I saw a TikTok where someone said the waffles were too earthy and grassy, but I loved that aspect. It tones down the sweetness and lets the matcha shine. I want a smidge more banana custard filling, but it's a tasty option in DCA. If you don't want something extremely sweet, this might be one of the best foods to get at DCA's Halloween Time 2026.


Cozy Cone Motel 5 Fantasma Agua Fresca Cocktail DCA 2026 Halloween Time

Cozy Cone Motel 5 Fantasma Agua Fresca Cocktail

Where to buy it: Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone in Cars Land

Available: August 18 through November 12, 2026

Price: $20


This new drink is incredibly refreshing, despite the tequila. The Fantasma Agua Fresca Cocktail from Cozy Cone Motel 5 Popcone has tequila and the pineapple-cucumber agua fresca. It has diced cucumber and pineapple placed over time, which is basically a salad ... Right?! It gets a chamoy and chile-lime seasoning drizzle, but the chamoy kind of sinks to the bottom, so stir it up to get the spicy burst throughout your drink. Honestly, this tasted mostly like juice, so it's great if you aren't a fan of strong drinks.


Award Wieners Oktoberfest Dog from DCA Halloween Time with fries

Award Wieners Oktoberfest Dog

Where to buy it: Award Wieners in Hollywood Land

Available: August 18 through November 12, 2026

Price: $11.99


When you want a somewhat elevated version of a hot dog, walk to Hollywood Land to get the Oktoberfest Dog from Award Wieners. It's a pork cheddar sausage topped with sauerkraut and some caraway seeds. It has a cheesy beer mustard sauce for added moisture, and it's served on a soft pretzel bun. You get a choice of fries or Cuties Mandarin Oranges. I went with the fries. It's pricy for a hot dog, but still a great price for DCA. This is hearty and feels like comfort food.


Other interesting options:

The Grand Californian Great Hall Cart has a bunch of Halloween goodies, including new 2026 options like The Mayor Chocolate Cake Pop, Sally Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake, Scary Wreath Macaron, Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat.


Returning Favorites Include

Just as a note, I tried these when I went to Disneyland and DCA for Halloweentime fun in 2025, but they are all returning for 2026. So, I still have relevant insights on their overall flavor and presentation.


Bowl of Aunt Cass Café's Chicken Pot Pie Soup Best food Halloween Time 2026 at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Carmen Varner

Aunt Cass Café Chicken Pot Pie Soup


Where to buy it: Aunt Cass Café Chicken Pot Pie Soup at San Fransokyo Square

Available: August 18, 2026 through January 6, 2027

Price: $13.99, not including taxes


Aunt Cass Café always has something tasty, and I always look forward to the seasonal items. This time around, it is Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It's making a comeback from last year. Despite being a bread bowl of soup, the little guy is actually quite filling. There's a lot of bread, which is to be expected from a bread bowl. If you can snag some butter, you can polish off the whole thing, or share it between a couple of people. Obviously it helps perfect food to get on a chilly, rainy day at the parks because it's so comforting. But it's good on a hot day, too. It's chunky, savory, and thoroughly delicious. I'm not sure if it'll get chilly enough where you would specifically need it to warm up, but it's a good option no matter what. 


Cappuccino Cart Peanut Butter Mocha Cold Brew from Halloween Time 2026 at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure


Cappuccino Cart Peanut Butter Mocha Cold Brew

Where to buy it: Cappuccino Cart at San Fransokyo Square

Available: August 18 through November 12, 2026

Price: $9.25


This popular caffeine beverage is back at Disney California Adventure. It comes with a chocolatey mocha cold brew, peanut butter whip, peanut butter drizzle, and some M&M'S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies to top it all off. You can find it at the cappuccino cart in  San Fransokyo Square, right smack dab in the middle of everything, which makes it a convenient option for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. You can find many TikToks and videos discussing the cold brew creation.


If you like a thick peanut butter latte-like drink, then this is the way to go. It's smooth, though; almost like you're sipping on thinned-out milky peanut butter. I'd say this is better for those fond of PB, as that is the strongest element. The coffee isn't too strong thanks to the mocha and peanut butter notes. It's non-alcoholic. But there's an alcoholic one with whiskey: the Peanut Butter Whiskey Cold Brew Cocktail.


Harbor Galley Pumpkin Cookies Halloween Time 2026 at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure


Harbor Galley Pumpkin Cookies


Where to buy them: Harbor Galley at New Orleans Square

Available: August 18 through November 12

Price: $8.49


The pumpkin cookies are back, and it's obvious why: people love these cookies! I wrote about them last year if you want to check that out here. They are richly spiced and considerably less sweet than the classic chocolate chip cookies - I also wrote about those tasty morsels, which you can read here. They are available in packs of six or 13 while supplies last. They travel well if you want to take them home with you on a drive or store them for the next day. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.


Galactic Grill Darth by Chocolate Halloween Time 2026 Food and Drinks: What to Get at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure


Galactic Grill Darth by Chocolate


Where to buy it: Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland

Available: August 18 through November 12

Price: $7.79


Darth by Chocolate is ideal for chocolate lovers. It has layers of rich chocolate pudding, a bit of red velvet sponge, decadent chocolate mousse, and then it is topped with crushed chocolate crème-filled cookies. I recommend ordering ahead of time on the Disneyland app; this took quite a while to receive.


Refreshment Corner Birria Potato


Where to buy it: Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A.

Available: August 18 through November 12


If you're sick and tired of sweets, this baked spud is surprisingly filling. It has beef birria and pepper jack, salsa verde, and then you also get a side of consommé. Mobile ordering is available, allowing you to plan ahead. It's perfectly salty, and the meat is juicy, particularly when you add on the consommé. Find it at Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. when you enter Disneyland.


Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante Pozole

Where to buy it: Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland

Available: August 18, 2026 through January 6, 2027


This hearty pork pozole from Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland feels like comfort in a bowl. There are a few onions, cabbage, and sliced radishes served with corn tortilla chips and a lime wedge. This is ideal for a rainy day!

Hopefully this Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Halloween Time food and drink guide for 2026 helps you decide what to get. 


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Crumbl Food and Beverage

11 Crumbl Cookie Thins, Ranked

Crumbl built its name on oversized, thick, soft cookies. They're typically very sweet with a range of icings or toppings to set them apart. Now, the bakery chain has started offering its Cookie Thins, which are a slimmer version of its signature treats. Each week, there's a new offering. Instead of thick, cake-like cookies, these are baked thinner with lightly crisp edges and a chewy center (well, that's what they are supposed to offer).

Top view of Crumbl Cookie Thins - Red Velvet, Dubai Sandwich cookie and more

The lineup rotates just like Crumbl's regular menu, so new flavors appear alongside returning favorites throughout the year. For this ranking, though, I was able to get 11 because the week featured ONLY Cookie Thins. Kind of fun, right?

I compared each Cookie Thin based on overall flavor, texture, and how well the thinner format complements the original cookie. Some flavors feel like they were made for a crisp cookie, while others lose a little of the magic or just didn't seem worth the value. Still, I think there are some winners here.

Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookie Thins on a table

11. Brownie Batter Cookie Thins

This one disappointed me. I usually love the regular-sized Brownie Batter because it's so decadent and fudgy, with an authentic brownie-like top. This cookie, however, seemed lackluster in comparison. Chocolate lovers may appreciate these thin chocolate cookies with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with a chewy brownie batter layer. The cookies were excessively floppy without much chew. This one was a literal flop.

Crumbl M&M'S MINIS Cookie Thins on a table

10. M&M'S MINIS Cookie Thins

If you're after a classic cookie, this one delivers. The thin vanilla cookie is packed with colorful M&M'S Minis, adding pops of chocolate and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Crisp edges and chewy centers keep the texture interesting; the M&M'S deliver the most intrigue, but the overall flavor is fairly simple compared to Crumbl's more creative Cookie Thins. Nothing too interesting here, but a fun option

Crumbl S'mores Cookie Thins

9. S'Mores Cookie Thins

These buttery graham cookies are baked with melty marshmallow and finished with a drizzle of milk chocolate. The thinner format works especially well here, allowing the graham cracker flavor to shine while still delivering the classic combination of chocolate and toasted marshmallow that makes s'mores so irresistible. However, they're just a bit too thin and floppy, almost like they needed another minute or two in the oven. They're too light on the marshmallow and could use more of it. I wasn't super impressed with these.

Crumbl Strawberry Cookie Thins in a Crumbl box

8. Strawberry Cookie Thins

These soft strawberry cookies are dusted with powdered sugar and dried strawberries for an extra burst of berry flavor. The strawberry comes through clearly without tasting overly artificial, while the light dusting of sugar gives each bite a sweet, slightly tart finish. It's like the strawberry comes in toward the end of the bite. Better than expected but still needs more strawberry.

Crumbl Cookie Butter Cookie Thins ft. Biscoff in a Crumbl box

7. Cookie Butter Cookie Thins ft. Biscoff

Biscoff fans will feel right at home with these cookie butter cookies rolled in crunchy Biscoff cookie pieces before baking. Every bite brings warm notes of cinnamon, caramel, and brown sugar, while the crisp texture makes them feel remarkably similar to the beloved European cookies that inspired them. That said, it still needs more Cookie Butter flavor and perhaps larger crumbles. This didn't impress me as much as I'd hoped.

Crumbl Red Velvet Cookie Thins in a Crumbl box

6. Red Velvet Cookie Thins

Red velvet is hit or miss for me, but these are a hit. These Red Velvet Cookie Thins are filled with creamy white chips and finished with a drizzle of sweet white icing. The cocoa flavor is mild but noticeable enough that it seems like a chocolate cookie. However, the white chocolate offers a creamy mouthfeel and flavor. Fans of classic red velvet desserts will appreciate the familiar flavor combination in a lighter, crispier cookie. This cookie is a surprise hit!

Crumbl Cake Batter Cookie Thins in a Crumbl box

5. Cake Batter Cookie Thins

Cake Batter Cookie Thins capture the flavor of birthday cake in a much lighter package. Rainbow sprinkles add a bit of crunch and some festive color to make things more interesting. The buttery vanilla cookie delivers plenty of cake batter flavor without becoming overly rich. They're firm but not too crunchy and hold their structure well. Not the most interesting, but still a good cookie. Fun for kids, too.

Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookie Thins in a box

4. Pink Sugar Cookie Thins

I actually think I like the Pink Sugar Cookie Thins better than the ginormous cookie because the proportions work well. Crumbl's famous Pink Sugar gets the Cookie Thin treatment with a buttery vanilla sugar cookie topped with chilled almond-flavored pink frosting. The crisp cookie balances the rich frosting nicely, creating a dessert that's sweet, buttery, and unmistakably almond-forward. This cookie was quite tasty and better balanced than the large version.

Crumbl Mallow Thin Sandwich Cookie in a Crumbl box

3. Mallow Thin Sandwich Cookie

This sandwich cookie layers fluffy cookies-and-cream marshmallow mousse and chewy brownie pieces between two thin chocolate cookies. The contrast between the crisp cookies, creamy filling, and fudgy brownie creates a dessert that's rich without feeling overwhelmingly heavy. The cookies, however, are very delicate and break when you pick them up. You can see it start to crack here in the photo. It has some flaws, but the flavor is there.

Crumbl Dubai-Style Chocolate Thin Sandwich Cookie in a Crumbl cookie box

2. Dubai-Style Chocolate Thin Sandwich Cookie

Inspired by one of the year's biggest dessert trends, this sandwich cookie pairs thin chocolate cookies with a creamy pistachio filling and crunchy toasted kataifi pastry. The buttery shredded pastry adds a welcome crunch, while the pistachio brings a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the chocolate. It's the most layered, unique, and memorable Cookie Thin Crumbl has released so far. I've tried other Crumbl Dubai-style options, but I think this one has terrific balance where you can actually feel and taste the kataifi shreds. 

Hand holding a Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins

1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins

Sometimes simple is all you need. These cookies feature caramelized edges, chewy centers, and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips. I thought perhaps they'd be boring or poorly made, but that's not the case. They capture the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie while offering a lighter, crispier texture than Crumbl's original version. The texture is fantastic, ideal if you prefer a thinner cookie. It didn't have the floppy, not fully set issues some of the others had. It's not especially inventive, but it's a fun take on a Crumbl staple. If I were to recommend one to try, I'd say get the Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins.


Which one is your favorite?

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Food and Beverage Oceanside

PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA: Prices, Hours of Operation, Address

PopUp Bagels officially opened its doors in Oceanside, California, on May 22, 2026, and brought one of the country’s most talked-about bagel brands to North County San Diego.

The East Coast-born concept (Westport, Connecticut, specifically) has built a cult following over the past few years for doing something deceptively simple: serving hot bagels fresh from the oven with whipped schmears and butter, then encouraging customers to “Grip, Rip and Dip” instead of turning every bagel into a towering breakfast sandwich.

There’s something about grabbing a warm everything bagel, tearing it apart with friends, and eating outside near the coast that fits the city’s laid-back energy almost too well. I went with my family, and it was fun to see all the opening hubbub.

People lining up for PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

PopUp Bagels Oceanside At a Glance

  • Location: PopUp Bagels
  • Address: 510 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
  • Opening Date: May 22, 2026
  • Known For: Hot bagels served whole with schmears and butter
  • Signature Phrases: Grip, Rip and Dip and Not Famous, But Known
  • Original Home: Westport, Connecticut
  • Oceanside Franchise Operators: Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall
  • Located In: Freeman Collective development
  • Popular Menu Items: Everything bagels, scallion cream cheese, seasonal schmears, flavored butters
  • Overall Vibe: Fast-paced, social, trendy, and beach-town casual

What Makes PopUp Bagels Different?

Part of the appeal is that PopUp Bagels doesn’t really operate like a traditional bagel shop.

There are no overloaded deli sandwiches stacked six inches high with bacon, eggs, and hash browns. It doesn't have endless menu boards with dozens of customizations. Instead, the focus stays almost entirely on the bagels themselves. 

Customers typically order bagels by the half-dozen or dozen alongside rotating schmears and flavored butters. You cannot buy one bagel, though. The minimum you can buy is three, which is definitely an interesting concept. The bagels arrive hot enough that steam escapes when you tear them open; I practically burned my fingers ripping into it. That tearing part matters.

PopUp Bagels built its entire identity around encouraging customers to rip bagels apart and dip them in cream cheese rather than slice them for sandwiches. It sounds gimmicky until you actually try it. The crust stays crisp, the inside stays airy, and every bite tastes fresher. It's truly best immediately; even after a few hours, it loses its softness.

The company originally started during the pandemic as a backyard pickup operation in Connecticut before exploding online and expanding nationwide. 

Close up of bagels from PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

Where is the Oceanside Location of Popup Bagels?

The Oceanside location opened inside the Freeman Collective development, taking over the former Blackmarket Bakery space near Tanner’s Prime Burgers.

That part of Oceanside has become one of the city’s busiest food hubs over the past few years. Restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and boutique food concepts continue popping up there, and PopUp Bagels slides right into that mix without feeling overly polished or corporate. It's interesting to see how this area has changed over the years; it's really trendy now.

PopUp Bagels taps into a different kind of breakfast crowd. Oceanside already has beloved local bagel shops and longtime brunch spots, but PopUp Bagels attracts people as much for food trends, social media hype, and standout textures as for breakfast itself. It’s the kind of place where people genuinely discuss the chewiness of the crust as if it were wine tasting notes.

Opening day reflected that energy. Lines formed early on May 22 as locals, influencers, curious visitors, and bagel fans packed the shop for its grand opening. The Oceanside launch even featured a special collaboration schmear created with San Diego chef Brian Malarkey: a Blackberry Jalapeño Crunch cream cheese made specifically for the Oceanside and La Jolla stores.

That flavor alone kind of captures the PopUp Bagels approach. Familiar enough to feel comforting, strange enough to make you curious.

PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

What are the PopUp Bagels Oceanside Hours of Operation?

Monday through Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

What are the Prices?

3-pack with one schmear is $15.

6-pack with one schmear is $24. 

12-pack with two schmears is $46.

PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

What’s on the Menu?

The menu is intentionally compact, which makes ordering feel less stressful. Instead of overwhelming customers with endless combinations, PopUp Bagels focuses on a handful of core bagel flavors and rotating schmears.

Bagel flavors include:

  • Everything
  • Plain
  • Sesame
  • Salt
  • Poppy Seed

Then come the schmears and flavored butters, where things get more creative. Depending on the season and location, customers may find offerings like:

  • Scallion cream cheese
  • Elote cream cheese
  • Chimichurri butter
  • Strawberry shortcake schmear
  • Hot pickle butter
  • Lemon pepper schmear
  • Blackberry Jalapeño Crunch schmear

The rotating menu keeps things interesting. You might walk in expecting a simple cream cheese situation and suddenly find a limited-edition butter that somehow tastes ridiculous and perfect at the same time.

Texture also plays a huge role in why people love these bagels so much. PopUp Bagels are known for crisp exteriors and softer, lighter interiors.

PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

The “Grip, Rip and Dip” Experience

A huge part of PopUp Bagels’ success comes from the experience itself. You can see the employees boiling the bagels and baking them in the background. There are groups of people standing around, tearing off pieces and passing schmears across the table.

Popup Bagels even has a Grip, Rip and Dip slogan.

Social media definitely helped push the brand into viral territory. Videos of steaming bagels being ripped apart have spread everywhere online, and the Oceanside opening generated excitement long before the doors officially opened.

PopUp Bagels sign in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

Is PopUp Bagels Worth the Hype?

That’s probably the biggest question surrounding any viral food opening. A lot of trendy concepts explode online, generate huge lines for a few months, then quietly disappear once the novelty wears off. But PopUp Bagels feels positioned a little differently because the actual product is genuinely strong.

At the center of everything is still a very good bagel. Just hot, fresh bread. I'd say it's a good bagel, particularly because it's so fresh.

And in Oceanside specifically, the concept makes sense. The city has become increasingly food-focused over the last several years, with locals and visitors actively seeking out destination-worthy restaurants and bakeries instead of defaulting to chains.

PopUp Bagels fits neatly into that evolution: trendy enough to draw attention, casual enough for beach-town mornings, and tasty enough that people will probably keep coming back after the opening-week excitement fades.

For now, though, the lines are real, the bagels are hot, and Oceanside officially has one more place people won’t stop talking about.

PopUp Bagels in Oceanside, CA Carmen Varner

PopUp Bagels Oceanside Information

Address: 510 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054

Located Inside: Freeman Collective development

Known For: Fresh hot bagels, rotating schmears, and the “Grip, Rip and Dip” experience

Tip: Go early. Sellouts are part of the experience.

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