I Avoid Most Frozen Waffle Brands, But These 8 Are Perfect for Families

Frozen waffles are one of those foods that feel like they’re unhealthy no matter what. Half the freezer aisle is the same product in different packaging. Refined flour, a few vitamins, and enough sugar to make The Archies jealous. The other half usually goes too far in the other direction and ends up tasting more like cardboard than anything else. 

To find something in between, something your children will eat without putting up a fight, something you can actually serve and eat without feeling guilty, takes a bit more work than it ought to.

Among the boxes that ended up partially eaten or silently binned, these eight earned their spot in my freezer. They're not all cheap and not all alike. Every single one is worth buying, though.

Kidfresh is one of the healthiest brands on this list and it doesn't get much more family-friendly than this. They are the kind of waffle you reach for when you need your picky eater to think they're eating an ordinary sugar-filled waffle. Pureed butternut squash is mixed in the batter, which may seem like something that children will easily pick out and refuse. They don't. There are 8 grams of protein in every serving, high fiber content, and just 1 gram of sugar in the Homestyle Waffles variety. No artificial colors or flavors either.

If your kid just had two waffles, but they're still hungry before 9 am, that's because typical waffle brands usually have almost no protein. Kodiak fixes that. Every serving has 12 grams of protein derived from whole grain oats and wheat. They are healthier than most options but still taste good enough that picky eaters don't notice it's different from the usual. Buttermilk & Vanilla is the safest bet for young kids. It is not exactly health food, and the sugar content isn’t as low as other options on the list, but it keeps them full until lunch.

Kashi waffles are the healthy option that doesn't feel like a punishment. Oats, rye, brown rice, barley, and buckwheat go into the mix, and what comes out is a waffle that tastes quite rich and has a subtle sweetness that doesn't need much syrup. Unlike most healthier options, you won't find yourself drowning them in syrup just to get through that god cardboard taste. The best thing about them is that they have a decent amount of fiber, roughly 5 grams per serving. Some children may take time getting used to them, but get used to it after the first couple of breakfasts.

Annie's waffles come closest to tasting like something you made yourself. No artificial flavors, organic ingredients, and a delicate vanilla taste that doesn't dry up in the toaster like cheaper waffles do. The sugar content is not as high as in similar products, and everything on the ingredient list is something you'd actually recognize. It costs a little bit more compared to regular brands, but the quality is evident from the first bite, so it's worth the extra buck.

Nature's Path's waffles are organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. The presence of flax seeds gives the product ALA omega-3 acids. These aren't easy to sneak into a school-morning breakfast any other way. Texture-wise, the waffles are slightly denser than standard frozen waffles, but they crisp very nicely and hold the toppings well without falling apart. For families with dietary restrictions, these do the work without making breakfast feel like a chore.

Van's has been making allergen-friendly waffles long enough to know their stuff. These multigrain waffles each have 4 grams of protein and fiber, and the flavor is light enough that even picky eaters won't mind having them for breakfast. Van's waffles aren't as thick as Belgian waffles, but they are easier to toast evenly. The price is reasonable for what you get, especially when you're feeding a family that tears through waffles at record speed like mine.

Birch Benders Paleo Toaster Waffles have no added sugars, are grain-free and gluten-free, and are made with cassava, coconut flour, and tapioca. This gives them a lighter and crisper texture than most other healthy options. They’re perfect for toppings like fresh fruits or almond butter, more than a heavy syrup pour, which is a nice bonus, and if you've got a kid with specific dietary needs or just want something without refined grains, Birch Benders is the one brand that delivers on that without sacrificing the taste.

These waffles come in a small serving size. That’s actually a plus if you have young children below school age. It's something they can eat without any cutlery, and it's the ideal size to pair with eggs and fruit without overloading the plate. They're both organic and tasty, but they're only available at Whole Foods, so they're worth picking up when you're there. The mini blueberry version is a hit with kids. The color wins them over.