How many Cal is 2 waffles?

Quick Answer

The number of calories in 2 waffles depends on the type and brand of waffle. On average, 2 standard-size frozen waffles contain about 200-400 calories. Homemade waffles can range from 150-500 calories for 2 waffles, depending on the recipe.

Calories in Different Types of Waffles

Frozen Waffles

Most frozen waffles contain around 100-200 calories per waffle. Here are the calories for some popular frozen waffle brands:

Frozen Waffle Brand Calories per Waffle Calories in 2 Waffles
Eggo Original Waffles 140 280
Kashi 7 Grain Waffles 120 240
Van’s 8 Whole Grains 150 300
Nature’s Path Organic Waffles 130 260
Kellogg’s Eggo Nutri-Grain 170 340

As you can see, 2 frozen waffles contain 200-400 calories depending on the brand. Plain frozen waffles like Eggo tend to be around 140 calories each, while heartier options with whole grains or protein are 160-170+ calories per waffle.

Homemade Waffles

Homemade waffles can vary more in calories since recipes differ. On average, 2 homemade waffles made from scratch contain about:

  • 150-300 calories for buttermilk waffles
  • 200-400 for yeast waffles
  • 300-500 for malted waffles or waffles with mix-ins

The calories depend on the specific ingredients used, such as:

  • Flour: Whole wheat or grain flours add more calories than all-purpose white flour.
  • Fat: Waffles made with oil or butter have more calories than those made with nonfat yogurt or milk.
  • Sweeteners: Waffles made with honey, maple syrup or sugar have more calories than unsweetened versions.
  • Mix-ins: Adding fruits, chocolate, nuts or other mix-ins increases calories.

So a plain buttermilk waffle may have only 150 calories, while a sweet yeast waffle with mix-ins could be 250+ calories.

Waffle Chain Restaurant Waffles

Waffles served at chain restaurants also vary in calorie content. Here are the calories for waffles from some popular chains:

Restaurant Waffle Type Calories
Waffle House Plain Waffle 330
Waffle House Chocolate Chip Waffle 500
IHOP Original Buttermilk Waffle 290
IHOP Strawberries & Cream Waffle 510
Perkins Belgian Waffle 260

Restaurant waffles tend to be higher in calories, with most regular or original waffles clocking in around 300 calories. More elaborate flavors or toppings can bring a restaurant waffle up to 500+ calories.

So in summary, 2 standard frozen or homemade waffles contain 200-400 calories, while restaurant waffles are around 500-600 calories for 2 waffles. The more elaborate the waffle, the more calories it will have.

Factors Affecting Waffle Calories

As discussed above, many factors influence the calories in a waffle, including:

Ingredients

  • Flour: Whole grain flours are higher in calories than white flour. Wheat or oat flour add about 20-30 calories more per ounce than white flour.
  • Fat: Oil and butter have around 120 calories per tablespoon. Nonfat yogurt or milk have less than half those calories.
  • Sweeteners: Maple syrup has about 60 calories per tablespoon, while powdered sugar has around 16 calories per tablespoon.
  • Mix-ins: Nuts, chocolate chips, and fruits boost the calories significantly.

In general, the more fat and sugar a waffle contains, the higher the calorie count.

Cooking Method

Waffles cooked with oil or butter in the waffle maker will be higher in calories than those cooked with nonstick spray.

Size and Thickness

Larger, thicker Belgian-style waffles contain more calories than thin, round silver-dollar waffles. Read labels or weigh waffles to compare portion sizes.

Serving Size

Pay attention to serving sizes, as they affect calorie content. For example, Eggo waffles list 2 waffles as a serving, even though many people eat 4 waffles.

Restaurant vs Homemade

Restaurant waffles tend to be higher in calories, sugar, and fat compared to homemade. They may use more oil or butter in cooking, as well as toppings.

Brand and Specific Type

The brand and specific name of a waffle impacts its nutrition profile. For example, Kashi 7-Grain Waffles have less calories than Eggo Chocolate Chip Waffles.

Lower Calorie Waffle Ideas

If you’re looking for lower calorie waffle options, here are some ideas:

  • Choose plain frozen waffles rather than sweet flavors
  • Make waffles from scratch using low-fat milk and a reduced-fat recipe
  • Use vanilla Greek yogurt instead of oil or butter in waffle batter
  • Top waffles with fresh fruit rather than syrup, chocolate or cream
  • Look for whole grain or protein-enriched waffles for more nutrition
  • Share a portion by splitting waffles in half or thirds
  • Select silver dollar or mini waffles for smaller servings

With some simple substitutions and smart toppings, you can enjoy waffles while controlling calories and nutrition.

Nutrition Comparison of Waffles

Waffles can range widely in calories, carbs, fat, and other nutrients. Here’s a nutrition comparison of 2 standard-size waffles from 3 popular brands:

Nutrition Facts Eggo Original Kashi 7 Grain Nature’s Path Organic
Calories 280 240 260
Fat 8g 3.5g 6g
Carbs 44g 41g 41g
Protein 5g 7g 5g
Sugar 8g 6g 9g

As you can see, calories, fat, and sugar content varies based on the brand and type of waffle. Heavier whole grain waffles provide more protein and fiber. Lighter waffles have less fat but also less nutrition.

Health Impact of Waffles

Waffles can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, but they are high in refined carbs and calories. Here is the health impact of regularly eating waffles:

  • High calorie intake can lead to weight gain if consumed frequently
  • Refined flour waffles lack fiber and affects blood sugar
  • Sugar and maple syrup toppings spike blood sugar levels
  • Most lack protein compared to whole grains or eggs
  • Oil and butter increase unhealthy fats for heart health
  • Eating 2 or more per sitting can quickly exceed meal calorie needs

To make waffles a healthier choice:

  • Enjoy in moderation as a treat or occasionally
  • Choose whole grain varieties with less sugar
  • Top with fruit instead of syrup
  • Consume alongside protein like eggs or yogurt
  • Limit portion to 1 waffle and fill half your plate with fruit/veggies

Ultimately waffles are fine in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Be mindful of ingredients, portions, and frequency to keep calories, sugar, and refined carbs in check.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 2 waffles depends greatly on the type and ingredients, ranging from about 200-600 calories. Standard frozen waffles are around 200-400 calories, while homemade or restaurant waffles vary more widely. Pay attention to serving sizes, ingredients, and preparation methods. While waffles can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, portion control and ingredient quality is key to keeping waffles a healthy choice. Select whole grain varieties with less sugar and fat when possible, and top with fruit instead of syrup. With mindful choices, waffles can still be part of your healthy routine.

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