Waffles can taste awesome, but they can also be not that awesome. “Leggo my Eggo” is a campaign that has captivated the imaginations of the American audience since the 1960s. But just because Eggos are the most popular frozen waffle, that doesn’t make them the best or the best tasting — or does it? Newer waffles are hitting grocery aisles around the nation and providing everything from gluten-free to healthier grain varieties.
People are reluctant to give up the Eggo waffle batter dispensers and wholesale supplier with the familiar yellow box label for many reasons. The first is that Eggo just feels like “home.” With America growing up on them, they have earned a prominent place in both the hearts and minds of the American consumer. Not only is the marketing memorable, they are now adding things like chocolate, cinnamon and blueberry to corner every taste and fancy. But are they the best in the industry?
Everyone has heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So it would make sense that you put a lot of thought and energy into finding the best fuel to get your body burning in the morning. The problem is that most people live such hectic lives that getting anything in their belly before heading off on the school bus or commuting to work is an achievement, which is why frozen foods are such a great convenience.
They’re not just for breakfast anymore; the newest in the frozen waffle craze has made the “breakfast for dinner” not just a real thing, but a treat. Everyone from college students to grown adults are popping waffles in the toaster, dressing them up and making them a meal. With prices all over the board and different brands covering the frozen food section of your local grocery market, someone had to come up with a ranking of the best to worst frozen waffles out there. These are the best and worst that the frozen waffle industry has to offer.
The Worst
Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains
It isn’t that they aren’t good for you. In fact they are highly nutritious, but then so are crickets and other things found out in the woods. The problem with the Nature’s Path brand is that they taste, well, awful. If you are going to purchase them, be prepared to douse them with syrup, which kind of defeats the whole “nutritious” thing. Also, don’t think that your little ones will partake in any, anytime soon. They are most likely going to take a pass.
Whole Foods 365 Homestyle
The Whole Foods 365 brand is made specifically for Whole Foods, which is a good thing for anyone who doesn’t have one nearby. No doubt they have more “good” ingredients, but goodness is in the eye of the beholder. The good nature of these waffles will no doubt be undone by the fact that you have to dress them up with enough flavor to give them any flavor at all.
Nature’s Promise Organic Homestyle
Making our way up the good food chain, the Nature’s Promise brand is slightly better than their healthy alternatives. Although they’re made from whole grain, they actually taste like a waffle. As they’re harder to chew, they might be a good happy medium for someone who is looking for the nutrition and is okay with not having all the flavor of traditional waffles.
The Best
Earth’s Best Organic Mini
It might be organic and good for you, but it also tastes pretty good. Targeting kids looking for a quick breakfast, the Earth’s Best brand put some thought into their audience and made their waffles taste pretty okay, while still allowing parents to feel good about letting their kids eat them before starting their day.
Target Brand Homestyle
One of the few store-brand waffles on the “best” list, Target is doing something right with their homestyle waffle brand. With a taste just like Mom used to make, or at least fairly close, Target scored with their brand of waffles
Eggo Homestyle
Should it come as a shock that Eggo, the creator of the frozen waffles, is still topping the “best” list? Are they the most nutritious? Absolutely not, but they also don’t need all the unhealthy things like whipped cream and syrup in order to taste good. You can eat them as-is and still enjoy them just like you used to.
Waffles are an American icon; frozen waffles are a great convenience and the best of all worlds. You can feel good about serving them up out of the toaster for breakfast or dinner.
