The Best (And Worst) Waffles To Buy Slideshow

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."

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. 

Like the whole-grain iteration, Van's Natural Foods "Organics" is on the lower end of the list with a score of 69.6 percent. The panel's general consensus was that the waffle was too "cardboard-y" and the aftertaste was unpleasant. One editor said, "it smells like plastic, with a horrible aftertaste — like flames in your mouth, but burning chemical ones." Ouch. 

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. 

Considered the "most waffle-like" by the editors, this iteration of Eggo still found itself in the middle of the list at number four. It has both a fluffy texture and pleasant crunch along the outer ridges, while tasting a little of corn. Overall, the editors agreed that it had a good balance of crunch and chewiness. 

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. 

The only so-called "healthy" waffle to score high on the list, Eggo Nutri-Grain Waffles scored a solid 76.5 percent. The waffle crisps up nicely, with wafer-like ridges that were balanced in crunchiness and fluffiness. There was a "regular" waffle sweetness to this one compared to the other "whole-grain" waffles on the list. One editor differed from the pack, though, calling it a "toast point, not a 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.