Traditional nog sips the smoothest
Don’t be afraid to try a new nog this holiday season – just be careful which one you pick.
Tasters on the Spokesman- Review’s Reader Food panel weren’t impressed with most efforts to dress up the holiday staple with different seasonal flavors.
The majority of panel members picked Darigold’s traditional nog as their favorite at our recent pre-holiday tasting, but Hood Gingerbread flavored eggnog was a close second. Hood Cinnamon nog had a few fans, but Hood’s Sugar Cookie eggnog left everyone cold.
“Blech! Don’t leave this for Santa or you’ll end up with a lump of coal in your stocking,” Skip Hubbard said of the sugar cookie-flavored drink.
However, Hubbard said he might like to cozy up to a mug of gingerbread eggnog:
“Grab a blanket, a loved one and snuggle up by the fire with a glass of this.”
Larry Inman agreed. “Excellent flavor,” he said. “I could sip on this throughout the party.”
Vicki Deschaine said she’ll be adding it to her shopping list. “A nice difference,” she said.
Nancy Robinson said even an anti-eggnog person might give the gingerbread a whirl: “If you can get by the color, you might like it.”
Marilyn Moore won’t be reaching for anything but the traditional eggnog this Christmas. She used the words “awful,” “diluted” and “powdered mix” to describe the other flavors we tried.
We purchased the eggnogs in the refrigerated section of the Rosauers supermarket on 29th Avenue. Check with your favorite store for availability.
Darigold Egg Nog
Price: $3.79 per half gallon
Nutrition per 1/2-cup serving: 190 calories, 9 grams fat (5 grams saturated), 4 grams protein, 24 grams carbohydrates, 65 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 100 milligrams sodium.
Taste: • • • 1/2
Value: • • •
Comments:
“Can see the nutmeg. Can taste the nutmeg. My idea of eggnog.” – Marilyn Moore
“Nice flavor. You can see the nutmeg. Thick and rich, mellow flavor and good color.” – Nancy Robinson
“Fairly bland but could be spiced up nicely if you know what I mean.” – Skip Hubbard
Hood Gingerbread Egg Nog
Price: $2.99 per quart
Nutrition per 1/2-cup serving: 180 calories, 9 grams fat (5 grams saturated), 4 grams protein, 21 grams carbohydrates, 60 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 115 milligrams sodium.
Taste: • • •
Value: • • •
Comments:
“Too sweet. Awful. Never would have guessed gingerbread.” – Marilyn Moore
“If you can get past the color you might like it. Different spices, not nutmeg flavored, an anti-eggnog person might like it. Took a few tastes to accept it.” – Nancy Robinson
“A little rum could make it perfect.” – Peggy Kazanis
Hood Cinnamon Egg Nog
Price: $2.99 per quart
Nutrition per 1/2-cup serving: 180 calories, 9 grams fat (5 grams saturated), 4 grams protein, 21 grams carbohydrates, 60 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 115 milligrams sodium.
Taste: • •
Value: • •
Comments:
“I know it’s eggnog, but what did they do to it?” – Marilyn Moore
“Classic nutmeg and cinnamon flavor. Not too runny.” – Skip Hubbard
“I’m not a fan of eggnog, but this is special.” – Larry Inman
Hood Sugar Cookie Egg Nog
Price: $2.99 per quart
Nutrition per serving: 180 calories, 9 grams fat, 5 grams saturated, 4 grams protein, 22 grams carbohydrates, 65 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 110 milligrams sodium.
Taste: • 1/2
Value: • •
Comments:
“Not your typical eggnog taste. A little thinner consistency and could use more nutmeg. Flavored milk? It is very sweet.” – Nancy Robinson
“Blech! Don’t leave this for Santa or you’ll end up with a lump of coal in your stocking.” – Skip Hubbard
“No, thanks. Too sweet and bland.” – Vicki Deschaine