Eggnog is the holiday beverage everyone either loves or hates. While the homemade variety has its charm, store-bought eggnog is more convenient. When searching for the best egg nog, the key qualities to look for include a buttery and sweet profile enriched with a well-balanced blend of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The texture should be thick and creamy, capturing the essence of the traditional eggnog recipe, which typically involves a rich mix of raw eggs, cream, and sugar. Whether you enjoy it plain or spiked, we’ve uncovered the best store-bought options, so you don’t have to waste money trying them all.
The decision to fortify your eggnog with a bit of bourbon, rum, or brandy might be influenced by how you feel about holiday gatherings. Interestingly, a study found that it takes an average of three hours and 54 minutes for people to start feeling overwhelmed by family time. Conversely, another survey points out that in about two-thirds of families, there’s often a relative who overindulges in alcohol at these events. How come there is always that one?
While preferences vary, a quality egg nog should possess certain key characteristics:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The best eggnog boasts a thick, custard-like consistency that coats the tongue without being overly heavy.
- Balanced Spice Profile: Warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger should be present but not overpowering. The ideal eggnog strikes a balance between sweetness and spice, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for eggnog made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like real dairy and eggs. Avoid artificial flavors and preservatives whenever possible.
- Natural Color: A natural, pale yellow color indicates the use of real eggs and dairy. Steer clear of eggnog with an overly bright yellow hue, which might suggest the presence of artificial coloring.
Navigating the Nog Aisle:
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore the different types of store-bought eggnog available:
- Traditional Eggnog: This classic variety features a rich, creamy base with a pronounced spice profile. Perfect for those who enjoy the full-fledged eggnog experience.
- Light Eggnog: A lighter version with reduced fat and sugar content, ideal for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.
- Flavored Eggnog: Options like pumpkin spice, peppermint mocha, and even rumchata offer exciting twists on the traditional recipe.
- Non-Dairy Nog: Plant-based alternatives made with almond milk, coconut milk, or even oat milk cater to vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
If you choose to spike your eggnog, it’s wise to begin with a modest amount of alcohol and adjust to your preference. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of one part alcohol to five parts eggnog. It’s also a good idea to start with a tasty base. So, which are the best egg nogs you can find at the grocery store? Find out below!
The List: Best Egg Nog, According to Foodies
1. Southern Comfort Traditional Egg Nog
The team at Taste of Home universally agree that this eggnog is the best. Even before even taking a sip, the pros could tell it would be good. “It has a lovely golden color with small flecks of grated nutmeg,” says Mark Neufang in the Test Kitchen. “With one sip, this eggnog had our team wanting to jingle bell rock. The texture is creamy and custard-like,” according to the Test Kitchen’s Shannon Norris.
Sporked agrees saying it’s “rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of sweetness.”
“It has a soft yellow and deep ivory color, which is very pleasing when poured out into a cup or mug,” according to The Food Network. “Vanilla and cinnamon were the key flavors here, with spicier notes of nutmeg in the background.” Add some Southern Comfort Whiskey and you’re good to go!
2. Turkey Hill Egg Nog
Food Network writes, “It tastes exactly like what you think eggnog should taste like, but you somehow forgot. It’s perfectly classic — not too thick or sweet — and has a lush butterscotch taste that almost makes it seem boozy right out of the container (even though there’s no booze in it!) To truly get the most out of this nog variety, steam it and pour it over a shot of hot espresso for an at-home latte. It thickens up beautifully, and holds its own against a hearty splash of brandy, too, if you want a more spirited drink.”
PureWow says this is “cream and lush without being too overwhelming.” But the website does think adding liquor would round out this nog’s slightly astringent flavor.
“Turkey Hill Nog is way above average and certainly worth the price,” according to Best Store Bought. “Even though it’s alcohol-free, this eggnog tasted as if rum was poured into a bowl of eggs.”
3. Ronnybrook Egg Nog
It may be hard to find this New York favorite in the grocery store, but if you find it, Best Store Bought says buy it immediately. Why? “It has a quality taste without artificial colors or flavors.”
PureWow adds, “Its flavor is a bit more nuanced, thanks to nutmeg and natural flavors. (We appreciate that the spices are visible in your glass; it gives the bev a more rustic, homemade look.) A much shorter ingredient list than some of its competitors, this nog is made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, nutmeg, and common thickeners, like guar gum and carrageenan. Its eggy sweetness would pair beautifully with vanilla whiskey or aged rum.”
Eat This, Not That! writes, “Ronnybrook is the most natural of the bunch, with no artificial flavors or colors. If you like a traditional, thick, nutmeg-forward eggnog, this is the drink for you. This thick beverage could definitely use a shot of whiskey.”
4. Hood Golden Egg Nog
PureWow writes, “This pick from Hood is creamy and custardy with the nostalgic decadence of melted vanilla ice cream. You can’t miss the nutmeg flavor, but it doesn’t bash you over the head either, so this nog can pair with basically any partygoer’s palate. Made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and high fructose corn syrup (along with a few artificial dyes that give it its signature golden hue), it’s easy to drink despite its richness, and we’d argue that its flavor is approachable enough to convert even the staunchest eggnog haters.”
Blink and you’ll miss it! Join us and @Magic1067 at Faneuil Hall for Blink!, a free Holiday light & sound experience on Dec. 14th, from 2 to 4. Did we mention there’s free #eggnog? See ya there! pic.twitter.com/hXzueNx6F9
— HP Hood (@hphood) December 12, 2019
“When you pour Hood Golden Eggnog into a glass, you’ll be sure that you’re getting something completely exclusive,” according to Best Store Bought. “As the name implies, this eggnog has a golden hue due to the egg yolks added to it and the creamy milk included in the recipe.”
Eat This, Not That! says, “The flavor was well balanced between vanilla, spices, milk, and egg.”
5. Almond Breeze Almond Nog
Sporked says, “Almond Breeze Almond Nog gets a passing grade here, and it actually edges out a lot of the full-fat eggnogs. The almond flavor actually provides some really excellent flavor. It’s made with cane sugar, rice starch, and almond milk, and it really maintains that fatty, spiced nog flavor that we were looking for.”
“Almond Breeze’s eggless nog is marvelous at creating the texture and taste of real eggnog while omitting dairy,” according to Best Store Bought. “The best part is that it’s dairy and soy-free as well, making it perfect for those who aren’t able to consume other types of egg nog because of food restrictions or allergies.”
Camille Styles writes, “While this isn’t a top favorite it gets the job done if you can’t find anything else.”
Beyond the Shelf:
Remember, the ultimate best egg nog isn’t always found on the store shelf. Consider:
- Homemade Eggnog: Making your own eggnog allows for complete control over ingredients and flavor. Numerous recipes offer varying levels of difficulty and customization.
- Spiked Nog: Adding a splash of your favorite liquor, like rum, bourbon, or brandy, can elevate your eggnog experience to a whole new level.
- Creative Nog Variations: Get creative with your eggnog! Use it as a base for milkshakes, ice cream floats, or even waffles.
No matter your preference, there’s a perfect eggnog out there waiting to be discovered. By understanding what makes a quality egg nog and exploring the options available, you can embark on a festive journey of delicious indulgence this holiday season. So raise a glass, embrace the “nog”stalgic spirit, and enjoy!
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Sources:
- Food & Wine
- Food Network
- Taste of Home
- Camille Styles
- Sporked
- Best Store Bought
- PureWow
- Eat This, Not That!
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.