As a devoted fan of breakfast treats, English muffins have long been a staple in my kitchen. Their irresistible combination of a crisp, golden exterior and light, airy interior makes them the perfect base for a variety of toppings—whether it’s a slather of creamy butter, a spoonful of tangy jam, or a perfectly poached egg. What’s even better is the wide range of options now available, from the classic and whole wheat to gluten-free varieties, ensuring there’s a muffin for every taste and dietary preference.
With such a diverse range of options, it’s no wonder English muffins have become a cherished breakfast staple worldwide. Whether you prefer the classic version or love discovering new takes on this timeless treat, there’s an English muffin to satisfy every craving.
So, how do you discover the English muffin that’s truly toast-worthy? I, along with my team of testers, toasted and tasted our way through 10 popular brands to find the best English muffin out there. I went to lots of grocery stores and grabbed some online options too to make sure we had a wide array of brands to try. In the end, we found a lot to love, so whether you're topping it with butter and jam, using it to build a sandwich, or as the anchor of your weekend eggs Benedict, there's a great English muffin option for you here.
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So many choicesTheresa Greco
Despite its name, the modern English muffin wasn't originally from England, but rather popularized in the United States by Samuel Bath Thomas, a British immigrant. In the late 19th century, Thomas moved to New York City, where he began baking and selling a type of muffin that was firmer than traditional British crumpets. He initially called them "toaster crumpets" because they were designed to be split and toasted, unlike the soft, round crumpets found in Britain.
Thomas' muffins became especially popular in hotels, where they were served as a more refined alternative to bread or toast. Over time, the term "English muffin" became widely used in the United States to differentiate Thomas' product from American muffins, which are typically sweeter and cake-like in texture.
Today, Thomas' English Muffins remain one of the most recognizable brands of this product in the United States.
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What Sets English Muffins Apart?
What makes English muffins unique is their distinctive cooking method. Unlike traditional bread, they’re cooked on a griddle instead of the oven, which gives them their signature crisp, golden exterior and soft, chewy interior.
To preserve this signature texture, English muffins are traditionally split with a fork rather than a knife. The rough, uneven interior allows them to better capture butter and other toppings. Using a knife would create a smoother surface, which is less effective at holding spreads.
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Split English muffinsTheresa Greco
The next time you're on the hunt for the perfect English muffin, keep these tips in mind to ensure you find the one that best suits your tastes.
Freshness Always check the expiration date or sell-by date to ensure you're buying fresh muffins. The fresher the muffin, the better the texture and flavor.Ingredients Look for muffins with simple, high-quality ingredients—flour, water, yeast, milk or buttermilk, and a pinch of salt. Avoid those with excessive preservatives, artificial colors or sweeteners. Quality ingredients make a big difference in taste.Signature Texture (Nooks and Crannies) One of the trademarks of a good English muffin is its rough, uneven interior—those beloved nooks and crannies. This isn't something you can really check before buying, but when you split them at home, you want to see that airy, open crumb that's perfect for holding butter, jam, or toppings.Brand Reputation Some well-known brands, like Thomas', have established a reputation for quality, but don’t be afraid to try other brands or options from local bakeries. Sometimes, smaller or store-brand English muffins surprise you with great flavor and texture.Related: We Tried 10 Aldi Coffees and the Winner Tastes Way More Expensive Than It Is
How We Tested These English Muffins
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To help you find the perfect English muffin for your next breakfast or brunch, my team and I conducted a blind tasting to rank some of the most popular and widely available English muffin brands. We evaluated each muffin based on texture, flavor, overall appeal and how well they held up when toasted. We also took into account factors like freshness, crumb structure and packaging, offering you a thorough and honest ranking to guide your next grocery run. To keep things consistent, each muffin was toasted and sampled both plain and with Kerrygold butter—because, let’s be real, everything’s better with butter!
While we know that popular brands offer various options (such as whole wheat, multi-grain, or gluten-free), we focused on classic or original varieties for this test to keep the comparison fair and consistent. By the end of this ranking, you’ll know which classic English muffin takes the crown, making it easier than ever to choose the best one for your morning routine.
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English muffin tasting dayTheresa Greco
10 Popular English Muffin Brands, Ranked Worst to Best
10. Panera Bread Classic English Muffins
Panera BreadTheresa Greco
The team was eager to try this bakery-brand English muffin and immediately noticed a distinct tang on the first bite. While some enjoyed the flavor, others weren’t as fond of it.
What stood out more, however, was the texture. It was denser and doughier than some of the other muffins we sampled, lacking the classic "nooks and crannies" that help absorb butter and toppings. This made the muffin feel more substantial, but also heavier and less light and airy.
Though they didn’t quite match the classic English muffin in terms of texture, their density makes them well-suited for holding up to thicker spreads, such as cream cheese or nut butter.
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9. Wildgrain Artisan English Muffins
WildgrainTheresa Greco
Wildgrain is a subscription box that offers a curated selection of artisanal breads, pastries, and pasta, all made with high-quality ingredients. After trying and loving several of their other baked goods, I was excited to sample these English muffins.
Unfortunately, the muffins lacked the signature airy pockets we've all come to expect from English muffins. That said, the team agreed they did offer a satisfying and tasty experience. Overall, I’d definitely recommend giving their products a try.
8. Whole Foods Market 365 Classic English Muffins
Whole Foods Market 365Theresa Greco
When toasted, Whole Foods' English muffins have a texture that tends to cling to your teeth. While they’re good, they’re more bread-like than a traditional English muffin, which landed them toward the bottom of the list. They may not be the best choice for eggs Benedict, but they pair wonderfully with butter, providing a simple yet satisfying option.
Priced at $4 for a pack of four, they're on par price-wise with other mainstream brands. However, their high-quality, natural ingredients make them a good option for those seeking a more wholesome alternative.
7. English 'Em Muffins English Muffins
English EM MuffinsTheresa Greco
Mile Hi Bakery’s Em English muffins are available at select retailers, such as Sprouts Farmers Market, offering an easy option for purchasing the breakfast bread.
While the flavor was mild and pleasant, the overall texture of EM muffins left the team with mixed impressions. One notable difference was the absence of the signature "split" that allows for a clean, even slice. Instead, these muffins are a bit uneven when cut through, leading to irregular halves.
The team also observed that the muffins didn’t achieve the expected crispness when toasted. Instead, they remained dense and bread-like, lacking the light, airy texture that’s typically a hallmark of a good English muffin. As a result, they’re not the best choice for dishes like Eggs Benedict, which rely on a firmer, crispier base. However, for those who prefer a softer, more doughy muffin, these could still be a satisfying, though less traditional, option.
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6. Dave's Killer Bread Classic English Muffins
Dave's Killer BreadTheresa Greco
What stood out most about Dave's Killer Classic English Muffins is that, despite being labeled "classic," they’re made with a blend of five super grains—quinoa, spelt, rye, millet and barley—delivering 8 grams of whole grains per muffin. The muffins also had a noticeably darker color than the others and a texture full of larger holes, where are perfect for soaking up melted butter. The team especially enjoyed the nutty flavor from the whole grains, which added a rich, hearty depth to each bite.
Overall, Dave's Killer Classic English Muffins are a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier muffin option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, offering a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.
5. Oroweat Extra Crisp English Muffins
OroweatTheresa Greco
The team found Oroweat English Muffins to have a soft, airy texture with plenty of nooks and crannies to capture butter.
The muffins toasted evenly and delivered the classic English muffin flavor you'd expect. Made with whole grains, Oroweat English Muffins also offer a good source of fiber, with 5 grams per serving. We enjoyed them and agreed they’re a reliable and solid choice.
4. Great Value Original English Muffins
Great ValueTheresa Greco
Great Value English Muffins from Walmart had a wonderfully crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, tender interior—exactly what we were looking for in this taste test. The team appreciated the overall flavor, noting they would be a perfect choice for an egg sandwich. If you're looking for a solid, budget-friendly English muffin, this might be the one for you.
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3. Thomas' Original English Muffins
Thomas'Theresa Greco
Thomas’ English Muffins are a timeless favorite, famous for their signature nooks and crannies that perfectly capture butter, jam and other toppings. The team appreciated their ultra-soft, airy texture and familiar taste.
Additionally, the traditional fork-split method ensures a surface that toasts beautifully, adding to the eating experience. As a brand synonymous with the term "English muffin," Thomas’ offers a classic choice that’s ideal for breakfast or any meal.
2. Bays Original English Muffins
BaysTheresa Greco
Bay's English Muffins have been a longtime favorite in my house, so this was definitely a tough decision! Bay's muffins offer a fantastic texture, with a satisfying crunch when toasted. However, it was noted that they have fewer nooks and crannies compared to other brands, making them slightly less ideal for holding butter.
Despite that, the flavor balance when toasted is still exceptional, and some tasters even called them amazing. It's easy to see why Bay's muffins have earned their place as a staple in my household!
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1. Rudi's Organic English Muffins
Rudi'sTheresa Greco
Rudi's English Muffins received excellent feedback from the tasting team, who found them to have a great, mild flavor that wasn't overpowering. They toasted perfectly, offering a delightful balance of crispness on the outside while staying soft and airy inside.
The muffins were noted to be slightly thinner than some other brands, but this was seen as a positive. Overall, the team had nothing but good things to say, enjoying the wholesome and well-balanced taste. In addition to the classic variety, Rudi’s also offers gluten-free options, which the tasters appreciated.
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