Cleveland, Ohio National Waffle Day is August 24. Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian, members of Cleveland.com’s Best of Cleveland team, taste-tested 25 different frozen waffle brands and ranked them from worst to best based on consistency, flavor, and texture. Here are some possibilities for you if you’re browsing your local store’s frozen freezer area. Here is the original article if you would like to view the complete rankings.
1. Eggo s Thick & Fluffy variety claimed the top spot
With its Thick & Fluffy variant ranked #1 and its Homestyle version coming in at number two, Eggo dominated the competition. The reviews noted that the Thick & Fluffy waffles fulfilled all of its promises and that they were delicious and substantial, living up to their name. These waffles, which were made with whole wheat and Madagascar vanilla as the primary ingredient, so delighted the judges that they said the 50 million Eggo enthusiasts couldn’t be incorrect!
2. Protein-focused waffles had mixed results
With differing degrees of success, a number of protein-enhanced waffle types made an appearance throughout the rankings. Protein choices from Kodiak Cakes did well, ranking #3 and #5, while 365’s Buttermilk Protein waffles took #9. Premier Protein waffles, on the other hand, came in at number 20, disappointing reviewers who said they were dry and grainy, had no taste, and had a slightly amusing aftertaste. Chickpea-based Banza’s Homestyle Protein waffles came in at number 25, dead bottom.
3. Store brands offered surprisingly good value options
A number of store-brand waffles did well in the rankings; Meijer Homestyle (#7) and Food Club Homestyle (#4) both made it into the top 10. While Meijer’s version was hailed as an excellent grab-and-go alternative despite being a little crunchy and on the thin side, Food Club’s offering was regarded by the reviewers as thick, fluffy on the inside, and a good store brand option. At number 12, Giant Eagle’s Homestyle waffles also performed admirably.
4. Gluten-free options can be hit or miss
A number of gluten-free choices were included in the taste test, with differing outcomes. Van’s Gluten Free Original did a great job at number six. Reviewers said they liked that they were crispy on the outside but still soft inside, and they couldn’t tell they were gluten-free. The Whole Foods 365 Gluten Free Homestyle waffles were rated as a solid waffle with a good size and texture, and they came in at number eleven. Target’s Good and Gather Gluten Free Homestyle waffles, on the other hand, fell short at number twenty-four, being characterized as thick but dry and lacking in flavor.
5. Price points varied significantly across brands
The frozen waffles in this taste test ranged in price from luxury options (Banza Homestyle Protein) at $6.99 to more affordable options (Aldi’s Breakfast Best Homestyle and Sav a Lot’s Morning Delight) at $1.99. It’s interesting to note that price and quality weren’t always related; the Eggo Thick & Fluffy waffles, which came in first place, cost $3.19 for six waffles, while the Banza waffles, which came in bottom, cost $6.99. Despite being among the more expensive options, Premier Protein ($6.49) and Birch Benders Protein ($5.99) came in at number 20 and 10, respectively.
