Waffles aren't just for weekends, thanks to all the toaster-ready choices in the freezer case. The options range from classic "homestyle" to ones that tout being high protein, high fiber or even gluten-free and vegan.
We compared nutrition labels and taste-tested more than 20 varieties of waffles. Here's what to look for when shopping for the best waffles, a list of all our faves and some tasty sweet or savory waffle combinations to try.
See More: All of Our Healthy Waffle Recipes
How to Pick a Healthy Frozen Waffle
Follow these simple guidelines for finding the healthiest frozen waffles in the freezer section.
Go with Whole Grains
Check the ingredient list to make sure the first flour listed is a whole grain—like whole-wheat flour or brown rice flour (as opposed to just "rice flour" or "white rice flour"). And remember that "enriched," "unbleached" or "wheat" flours are all sneaky ways of saying "white flour." Be wary of promises on the package, too. Terms like "multigrain" or "ancient grain" don't guarantee that the majority of the flour used is whole grain.
Be Mindful of Added Sugars
Finding waffles with the least amount of added sugar is a good move health-wise, and it gives you the most versatility to switch up between sweet or savory meals—like chicken-and-gravy-topped waffles for dinner and maple-yogurt-and-berry-topped waffles for breakfast. Look for brands with no more than 6 grams of sugar per serving (2 waffles).
Favor Higher-Fiber Options
Choosing a waffle with a fair amount of fiber makes the meal more satisfying and helps you reach that goal of 25 to 30 grams per day. Opt for those that deliver at least 2 grams of fiber per serving. If you want to pack more into the meal, top your waffles with fiber-rich ingredients like berries and nuts.
The Best Healthy Waffles to Buy
Here are our editors' picks of the best healthy frozen waffles to buy for a delicious and quick breakfast, lunch or dinner. Look for these brands and flavors the next time you're at the store.
Kodiak Cakes Power Waffles Cinnamon
Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, this delightfully spiced-up option comes with a bonus 12 grams of protein per serving from added wheat and whey protein.
Nature's Path Flax Plus Waffles
Looking for fiber? This choice has the most of all our picks with 4 grams of fiber coming from whole wheat and flaxseeds—which give it a delicious nutty flavor.
Nature's Path Chia Plus Waffles
Brown rice, quinoa and amaranth flours team up with chia to boost the fiber in this crispy gluten-free waffle. It's lightly sweet and no one in the blind tasting guessed it was lacking gluten. Looking for more flavor? The pumpkin spice variety is sure to get you in the fall spirit.
Kashi Golden Goodness Waffles
A roster of spices—cinnamon, ginger and turmeric—combined with sweet potato and brown rice, chickpea and quinoa flours, make these aptly named "golden" waffles a unique pick. We also loved the Berry Bliss flavor, which (like these) are gluten-free.
Our Favorite Waffle Toppings
Dressing up frozen waffles is as easy as spreading or sprinkling whatever you're craving at the time—just about anything goes with waffles. Start with a few of our favorite topping combos or get creative with your own—sweet or savory. Scootc over, syrup!
- Cream Cheese + Plums + Granola
- Bacon + Fried Egg + Chives
- Nut Butter + Banana + Mini Chocolate Chips
- Sautéed Spinach + Tomato + Feta Cheese