Rating the store brands to see who'll be 'top nog'

By Randah Griffiths

December 12, 2005 | Every year around mid-October the dairy case is stocked with a delightful holiday treat that can be found only a few months of the year -- eggnog. For as far back as my mind remembers, I have been an eggnog connoisseur. I've tasted about every type non-alcoholic eggnog there is.

For the occasional eggnog drinker, I think it could be overwhelming trying to select which type of eggnog to purchase. As a service to those who don't understand eggnog as much as I do, I have decided to taste three different brands and evaluate them on creaminess/thickness, flavor and nutrition information (i.e. fat grams and calories).

Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice eggnog -- I had never tried this brand until this year. I had to double check to verify that it is alcohol-free. Despite the brand name, a whiskey company, this eggnog is indeed, non-alcoholic. I bought this because of a recommendation from my mother. I found this blend of vanilla and spice to be extremely enjoyable. There is a little more pizazz to this concoction, a little more nutmeggy flavor. I would dare say that Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice eggnog is my brand of choice. For those who are looking for more than just the average eggnog, here it is.

Nutrition Facts per 1/2 cup:
Fat: 9 grams; Calories: 210; Sugars: 22 grams
Creaminess/Thickness: 5 stars
Nutrition Facts: 1 star
Flavor: 5 stars

Silk Soymilk Nog -- I love Silk Vanilla Soymilk. In fact, I don't drink regular milk at all any more. I thought I would love the soy eggnog as well. Wrong! I found this eggnog to be too thin and flavorless. Now I'm stuck with a whole carton of it. I had a hard time swallowing down more than a few mouthfuls. Honestly, I was disappointed by Silk's attempt at eggnog. The flavor did not capture what eggnog should taste like. Silk Soymilk Nog is a healthier option than other eggnogs.

Nutrition Facts per 1/2 cup:
Fat: 2 grams; Calories: 90; Sugars: 12 grams
Creaminess/Thickness: 1 star
Nutrition Facts: 5 stars
Flavor: 1 star

Meadow Gold eggnog -- Yummy. This is what eggnog has always tasted like. This is the taste of Christmastime and memories of childhood. This traditional tasting eggnog is extremely thick and creamy with a rich flavor. For those who want to stick to what they're used to in eggnog, then Meadow Gold is everything one would expect. Meadow Gold eggnog is comfort in a cardboard carton.

Nutrition Facts per 1/2 cup:
Fat: 9 grams; Calories: 190; Sugars: 22 grams
Creaminess/Thickness: 5 stars
Nutrition Facts: 1 star
Flavor: 4 stars

Overall Decision -- It was tough to choose between Meadow Gold and Southern Comfort. Meadow Gold is traditional, normal eggnog. Southern Comfort offers something more unique: a twist on the traditional. Though the nutrition facts clearly indicate that Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice Egg Nog is the least healthy choice of eggnog, my taste buds tell me it is the best. I decided that since eggnog is only available a few precious months of the year, it's all right to splurge and allow myself a few extra calories. Everything considered, Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice eggnog is worth every calorie!

NW
MS