Can't speak for CA, but in NJ, you can pretty much ask: "Is it bulk?" If you buy it in bulk, it's not taxed. If you buy 6 bagels, it's bulk - no tax. If you buy less than 6 bagels, it's not bulk - you pay tax.
PSA: If you have a coupon for 3 free bagels and ask for 6, you are buying 3 bagels and you will owe tax. Pay the 9 cents and don't harangue the PFY working the counter. He's not even old enough to vote on these taxes. He's paying into a social security fund that will be in the casino coffers before he is even old enough to think about retirement.