Taste test: The best (and worst) frozen waffles
Which frozen waffles are the best, and which can you "leggo"?
MORE FROM The Daily Meal:
Are there any breakfast goods as heartwarmingly delicious as waffles? Think back to your childhood, when you eagerly anticipated the "pop" of the toaster, with steaming, crispy waffles cheerily ejected from the slots, ready for a deluge of syrup.
Oh, the memories.
Whether you instinctively say "leggo my Eggo" or wax nostalgic about Aunt Jemima's waffles, truth is, there are a myriad number of brands of waffles out there these days. Many also purport to be "homestyle," which is dubious at best, considering they are found in the frozen section. That said, who has the time to make fresh waffles, let alone actually owns a waffle maker?
(See more: Best-tasting generic food brands)
Eight Daily Meal editors blind-tasted eight popular frozen waffle brands readily available in most frozen-food sections. From the aforementioned Eggo waffles of your childhood to the health nut's go-to (Kashi 7 Grain Waffles), editors made notes dissecting each waffle's texture, flavor, smell, and overall pleasantness. Was the waffle too dry? Crispy? Could it hold up to a healthy smothering of syrup?
Lowest Score: Van's Natural Foods Whole Grain Waffles (Pictured above left)
Van's Natural Foods Whole-Grain Waffles had the lowest score in the pack. From their coarse, chalky texture to the lack of flavor, these waffles were mostly disliked for tasting "too healthy."
As one editor put it, "Why does it taste healthy? Waffles shouldn’t taste healthy. It’s like you could never have a delicious, healthy cupcake. Delicious, healthy waffles don’t exist."
Best Aroma: Kashi 7 Grain Waffles
From the comments the editors made, the Kashi 7 Grain Waffles had the best smell, citing the sweet, honey-like scent. There's no accounting for taste, however; this waffle was grainy and bland, except for the slightest hint of sweetness.
It definitely looked like a whole-wheat waffle, though it was a little thin compared to the other brands. This thinness did contribute a crunch, however.
Average Taste: Eggo Homestyle Waffles
At 72.5 percent, Eggo Homestyle Waffles made an average showing in this tasting. This thinner waffle was also crunchier, especially in the cross-hatches of the waffle. It would probably hold up to syrup, and it's eggy flavor was definitely noted. It had a pronounced yellow color, and was generally considered on par with Aunt Jemima's Homestyle Waffles in terms of taste. It's a good middle-of-the road brand.
Third-place: America's Choice Buttermilk Waffles
With its soft, fluffy texture and hints of fruit-sweetness, America's Choice comes in third. Some editors noted it smells and tastes of blueberries, while two noted an entirely different quality — they described it as having an "animal feed" and "rabbit pellet" smell and taste. They were in the minority, however, as most of the panel enjoyed this waffle's light sweetness.
Aunt Jemima's Homestyle Waffle
Topping the list is Aunt Jemima's Homestyle Waffle. It has an eggy, buttery flavor with a slight salty aftertaste. It's yellow color had many of the panelists wondering if this brand was actually Eggo.
Though not the most crunchy (in fact, it skewed towards chewy), it was considered the best waffle with syrup. It also tasted the "least healthy," which seems to be the ultimate standard for what makes a good waffle.
Click here to see More of the Best and Worst Waffles
More from The Daily Meal:
America's Healthiest Fast-Food Breakfast Items
America's Best Brunches
America's 12 Best Donut Shops