We have said it before and we'll say it again: Most food "holidays" are a sham.

There are days dedicated to cold cuts, corn chips and mustard. Marzipan, gumdrops and sponge cake. Tartar sauce, peanut clusters and chia seeds.

According to National Today, a website that tracks these dates, a different food is celebrated nearly every day of the year. Most are not worthy of fanfare – go ahead and skip National Sardine Day – but some are, especially in New Jersey.

First up is National Bagel Day on Jan. 15, then National Pizza Day on Feb. 9, National Doughnut Day on June 3 and National Coffee Day on Sept. 29.

The Shore's bagel shops will get in on the fun this Saturday: Here is a roundup of freebies and specials they plan to offer.

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Bagel Nook, Freehold Township: Known for its over-the-top and overstuffed bagels, the store will introduce its fiery Takis bagel on National Bagel Day. 51 Village Center Drive; 732-866-4446, thebagelnook.com. The bagel also will be available at Bagel Nook's Princeton store.

Belmar Bagels: Buy one dozen bagels, get four bagels free. Buy a bagel with butter or cream cheese, get half off a second. 703 Belmar Plaza; 732-681-2019, facebook.com/belmar.bagels.

Hot Bagel Bakery, Ocean Township: $3 off per dozen; 65 Monmouth Road in the Oakhurst section; 732-870-6262, hotbagelbakery.com.

Joe's Bagel and Grill, multiple locations: Buy one dozen bagels, get four bagels free. joesbagelandgrill.com.

Manhattan Bagel, multiple locations: 99 cent bagel with cream cheese; in-store offer only.

New York Water Bagel Company, Toms River: On Jan. 15, customers will be entered into a raffle; at day's end, four winners will be chosen to receive one dozen free bagels each week for a year. 542 Fischer Blvd.; 732-279-6846, facebook.com/nywbc.

Round Dough With A Hole, Point Pleasant Beach: One free bagel with any purchase. 400 Richmond Ave.; 732-899-0750, rounddoughwithahole.com.

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: National Bagel Day 2022: Freebies, specials from NJ Shore bagel shops