American lifestyle icon Martha Stewart has ignited a fiery online debate after revealing what she called a 'radical' method for eating a bagel. The 84-year-old entrepreneur's Instagram post, shared on Monday 15 December 2025, drew swift and severe criticism from followers who branded the approach 'unhinged'.
The Controversial Bagel Technique
Stewart detailed a specific technique taught to her by her daughter, Alexis Stewart. Instead of simply spreading cream cheese on a halved bagel, the method involves breaking the bagel half into several smaller pieces before applying the topping. Stewart presented this as a novel way to enjoy the classic bakery item, but the internet quickly interpreted it differently.
The post rapidly attracted comments accusing Stewart of promoting restrictive eating habits. Many users saw the act of breaking the bagel apart as a symbol of 'boomer diet culture', a term used to critique older generations' often problematic attitudes towards food and body image. The criticism was pointed, with commenters directly urging Stewart to 'eat the bagel' normally and even to 'repent for your sins'.
Stewart's Defensive Response
Faced with the mounting backlash, Martha Stewart later returned to the post to edit its caption. In a move that shifted the tone entirely, she reframed the whole episode as a humorous misunderstanding. Her updated caption read, 'CAN'T ANYONE TAKE A JOKE?????? YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!!!!'
This attempt to deflect criticism as an overreaction to a joke did little to quell the discussion. The incident highlights the intense scrutiny public figures face on social media, where every action is analysed. For a personality like Stewart, who has built a brand on domestic perfection and lifestyle advice, even a seemingly innocuous post about a breakfast item can trigger a major conversation about cultural norms.
The Bigger Picture of Food and Culture
Beyond the immediate online spat, this event taps into broader, ongoing dialogues about food, consumption, and generational perspectives. The strong reaction against what was perceived as 'diet culture' reflects a modern, particularly younger, audience's rejection of food rules and their embrace of intuitive eating. The episode serves as a case study in how quickly a personal habit can become a public talking point when shared by a celebrity with millions of followers.
Ultimately, whether a joke or a genuine tip, Martha Stewart's bagel method has cemented itself as a minor but memorable moment of internet drama. It proves that in today's digital age, even the way you eat your breakfast can become a headline.
