National Bagel Day 2022: Where to get freebies and deals

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.

The Takis bagel at The Bagel Nook, which has locations in Freehold Township and Princeton.
The Takis bagel at The Bagel Nook, which has locations in Freehold Township and Princeton.

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