We can thank the tiny country of Belgium for at least three contributions to civilization: fine chocolate, the literary detective Hercule Poirot and the Belgian waffle.
Frozen versions of the breakfast food have been around for decades, but mostly they've tasted like cardboard. But with several brands touting whole grains and low fat, we decided to pop a few in the toaster (the regular variety of waffle, not the Belgian).
The taste -- and, to an extent, the nutritional value -- are improved. But as Poirot might say, you must use ''the little grey cells'' when scanning the freezer case. Products ''made with'' whole grains might actually have refined flour as the main ingredient, with some bran and/or whole-grain flour thrown in.
Eggo Nutrigrain Low-Fat Waffles
Cost: $2.89 for 10 waffles
The label says: Low Fat. 50% Less Fat. Made with 6 g of Whole Grain. Good Source of Fiber.
Nutrition: For 2 waffles: 140 calories; 2.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated, 0 g trans fat); 430 mg sodium (18 percent daily value); 3g fiber (11 percent daily value); 4 g sugars, 5 g protein.
The verdict: These won the taste test, with a ''buttery'' flavor and good texture -- neither too crisp nor too soft. But, despite the ''made with whole grain'' labeling, the first ingredient is enriched flour -- a refined product. And though it is made with 6 grams of whole grain, as the package says, each serving has only 3 grams of fiber.
Grade: A for taste
Kashi GoLean Original 7-grain
Cost: $2.79-$2.99 for 6 waffles
The package says: All-natural frozen waffles. Protein 8 g, Fiber 6g, Low Fat 3g.
Nutrition: For 2 waffles: 170 calories, 3 g fat (0 saturated and trans fat), 330 mg sodium (14 percent daily value), 6 g fiber (24 percent daily value), 4 g sugars, 8 g protein.
The verdict: A whopping 6 grams of fiber comes from red wheat bran, oat and chicory root fibers, but there is still more wheat flour than whole wheat. Tasters liked the texture: crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. All but one taster liked the slightly sweet flavor.
Grade: A for taste
Van's Gourmet Multi-Grain
Cost: $2.99 for 6 waffles
The package says: No trans fat, whole grain, dairy free, eggless, no cholesterol. Has Whole Grains Council seal for providing 16 g or more whole grains per serving.
Nutrition: For 2 waffles: 190 calories, 6 g fat (10 percent daily value), 0.5 g saturated fat, 306 mg sodium (13 percent daily value), 5 g fiber (20 percent of daily value), 4 g sugars, 5 g protein.
The verdict: Van's was the only one of the products tested with whole-wheat flour as its main grain ingredient. And tasters got what was advertised: One said that it was like eating ''a slice of whole-wheat bread.'' It also lacked the crispy exterior but soft interior of the other brands.
Grade: B- for taste, A for clear labeling.
Note: Available at Whole Foods only.
The bottom line: If you want full whole-grain benefits, look for whole-wheat flour as the first ingredient. (The Sleuth was fooled today, too.)
