Cool Whip, the whipped topping created by Kraft foods, is a popular ice cream topping and dessert ingredient. Some people also like to put Cool Whip on top of waffles as a sweet topping alternative to butter, syrup, or fruit. But is Cool Whip actually good on waffles? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Putting Cool Whip on Waffles
There are a few potential benefits to topping your waffles with Cool Whip:
- It provides a sweet, creamy flavor that pairs well with the crispy, fluffy texture of waffles.
- Since it is lighter than ice cream, it may be a lower-calorie option for those watching their sugar and fat intake.
- It spreads easily onto waffles without dripping off the sides.
- Cool Whip is inexpensive and easy to find in any grocery store.
- It comes in different flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry that add variety.
The sweet vanilla or fruit flavors in Cool Whip can complement and enhance the flavors of waffles nicely. The whipped texture also contrasts nicely with the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior of waffles. Some people find that the sweetness and creaminess of Cool Whip satisfies a craving for dessert, but with fewer calories than ice cream.
Cons of Putting Cool Whip on Waffles
However, there are also a few downsides to consider when topping waffles with Cool Whip:
- It lacks nutritional value, being high in sugar and low in protein.
- The flavor is relatively one-note and artificial compared to fruit, nut butters, Greek yogurt, or other toppings.
- Some people find the sweetness overpowering when paired with an already sweet waffle.
- It melts and slides off waffles easily, creating a mess.
- The chemicals and preservatives in Cool Whip may be unhealthy, especially for children.
While Cool Whip does provide a quick sweet fix, it does not offer much nutritional value. The high sugar content may lead to an energy crash later. It also cannot match the complexity of flavors offered by fresh fruit, chocolate spreads, or nut butters. For some people, the artificial taste is also unappealing. Cool Whip’s soft texture causes it to drip off waffles easily, potentially creating a sticky mess.
How Does Cool Whip Taste on Different Waffle Styles?
The experience of pairing Cool Whip with waffles can vary depending on the type and flavor of waffle it is used on:
Belgian Waffles
The pronounced sweetness and dense texture of Belgian waffles stands up well to Cool Whip’s creamy sweetness. The crispy exterior also provides contrast to the soft whipped topping.
Buttermilk Waffles
Buttermilk waffles have a subtle tanginess that can get drowned out by very sweet Cool Whip. A lighter drizzle enhances buttermilk flavor better than a dense topping.
Chocolate Waffles
Cool Whip can complement and add extra sweetness to the intense chocolate flavors of chocolate waffles. Flavored options like chocolate or vanilla Cool Whip pair especially well.
Blueberry Waffles
The fruit flavor of blueberry waffles may clash with the artificial taste of plain Cool Whip. But a blueberry or vanilla flavored whipped topping enhances the fruit flavors nicely.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Cool Whip can accent the warm spices of pumpkin waffles nicely. Opt for cinnamon, vanilla or pumpkin spice flavored Cool Whip to complement the other flavors.
In general, Cool Whip pairs best with sweeter waffle varieties and flavored options enhance the other fillings. Cool Whip complements rather than overpowers on sweeter, denser waffles.
Nutrition Information
One of the biggest nutritional cons of using Cool Whip on waffles is that it adds sugar and fat without much protein, vitamins or minerals. Here is the nutrition information per 2 tablespoon serving of Cool Whip:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, Cool Whip provides calories largely in the form of sugar and fat, without beneficial protein, vitamins or minerals. This contrasts with more nutritious waffle toppings like Greek yogurt, nut butter, or fruit.
Healthier Alternatives to Cool Whip
For those seeking a sweet topping for waffles while avoiding the artificial flavors and unhealthy fats found in Cool Whip, here are some healthier alternatives to consider:
- Greek yogurt – Provides protein, calcium, and probiotics. Choose unsweetened and mix in your own fresh fruit.
- Cottage cheese – Has protein, calcium, and a mild flavor that pairs well with sweet toppings.
- Ricotta cheese – Lower in fat than cream cheese but with a similar creamy texture.
- Nut butters – Look for natural options without hydrogenated oils. Almond or cashew butter offer healthy fats.
- Mashed banana – Provides potassium and natural sweetness. Mash ripe bananas with a fork before topping waffles.
- Applesauce – Offers fiber, vitamin C and natural sweetness. Select unsweetened varieties.
These alternatives provide more nutritional value through proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Their flavors also tend to be more natural, highlighting the flavors of the waffles rather than overpowering them. Of course, plain whipped cream is another lighter option if you still want that creamy texture.
Ways to Make Cool Whip Healthier
If you want to enjoy Cool Whip on top of your waffles occasionally but are concerned about the nutritional value, there are a few ways to make it a bit healthier:
- Use half the amount of Cool Whip and top with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to add nutrients.
- Mix Cool Whip with lower-sugar whipped cream or Greek yogurt to cut the sugar.
- Opt for sugar-free Cool Whip to reduce the amount of added sugars.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for flavor over added sugar.
- Purchase Cool Whip in small, single-serve containers instead of a large tub.
Portion control is key, since Cool Whip is lacking in nutrients. But enjoyed occasionally in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. Just be mindful of how much you use each time.
Conclusion
Cool Whip can provide a quick, sweet topping for waffles, with a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchiness of the waffle. However, it is high in sugar and low in nutritional value compared to alternatives like fresh fruit, yogurt or nut butter. Cool Whip pairs best with sweeter Belgian or chocolate waffles rather than subtle flavored buttermilk waffles. If enjoyed in moderation, Cool Whip can be part of a healthy diet. But it is probably best reserved for an occasional treat rather than an everyday breakfast option. Try mixing with fruit or other natural flavors and keeping portions small to keep calories and sugar in check.