I’m a huge fan of French toast.
But I’ve always struggled to make it at home.
Waffles are easy: Pour the batter on the griddle and wait for the light to come on.
Photos: The brands. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Pancakes can require some flipping skill; otherwise, they’re pretty straightforward.
Yet, French toast is tricky.
For one thing, there’s no readily available just-add-water mix to whip up.
Photo: Jillian Pretzel/Eat This, Not That!
Plus, this centuries-old favorite has so many variations and recipes, all calling for different ingredients.
That’s where the frozen food aisle comes in.
I sampled them with syrup and judged them each on flavor, texture, and appearance.
Photo: Jillian Pretzel/Eat This, Not That!
The brand and its waffles have been a clear leader in the industry for decades.
But Eggo isn’t exactly known for its French toast.
The box boasts that these toaster sticks are made with no artificial flavors and nine vitamins and minerals.
Photo: Jillian Pretzel/Eat This, Not That!
It comes complete with a cute smiley-face animation to remind buyers that this breakfast is probably intended for kids.
A package of eight slices (32 sticks) cost me $3.69.
The look:These toasts consist of one piece of bread divided into four sections.
Photo: Jillian Pretzel/Eat This, Not That!
So, if the toaster is your preferred appliance, that may be a nice perk.
But nostalgia alone doesn’t make a good breakfast.
These toasts are flat, limp, and generally unexciting.
Photo: Jillian Pretzel/Eat This, Not That!
Overall, there are other, better options.
The health-conscious brand specializes in breakfast but has a wide range of products, from burritos to oatmeal.
It also has the lowest amount of fat of all the toasts I tried.
Photo: Jillian Pretzel/Eat This, Not That!
The package of six cost me $5.29.
Still, the product doesn’t make a good first impression.
While other products are thick and decadent, these are essentially thinly cut sandwich slices dipped in batter.
The taste:I’d call the taste of these “just okay.”
These sticks cost $6.49the highest price on this list.
The French toast came out looking fluffy and battered, with a good cinnamon aroma.
These sticks are sweet and cinnamony, with a nice battered texture on the outside.
However, I liked the original version better.
It just tasted more balanced and sweeter, like what you’d get in a restaurant.
Since then, it’s expanded to other snack products, like jalapeno poppers and goat cheese bites.
Still, the packaging is nice, with bright colors and a large picture of the toast sticks.
A box of theoriginal flavorcost me $4.19.
The look:Nothing to complain about here!
The sticks have a soft, battered texture and dark brown edges.
Some sticks vary in size but I liked that.
Some slight imperfections make it seem less processed and, perhaps, suggests they’re fresher.
So far, so good.
Still, they seemed a little limp, even when I tried cooking them for another minute or so.
My one other critique is they’re perhaps a touch too sweet, especially with syrup.
But overall, I was impressed.
The look:Again, this is a good-looking toast!
These sticks have a heavy batter, giving the exterior a good texture.
Plus, you’re able to see the dark sprinkling of cinnamon on every stick.
When it comes to Market Pantry, I came to a decisive “yes!”
The cinnamon flavor is heavy and perfect.
The Kroger brand produces 13,000 items, from bottled water to fruit to sardines.
So, it’s no surprise the company also makes frozen breakfast products.
These French toast sticks cost me $4.39.
The look:These sticks look exactly how French toast sticks should.
They look just like they do in the picture on the box, which is always appreciated.
The taste:To this French toast I give no notes.
It’s crispy with not too much sweetness and the right amount of cinnamon.
I must admit that I was surprised.
After all, Kroger isn’t a dedicated frozen breakfast brand.
But alas, Kroger impressed.
Like Farm Rich, they’re crunchy on the ends with a soft center.
Like Kodiak, they’re sweet but not overwhelming.
And like Market Pantry, they have a restaurant-worthy richness.
Overall, I say this is a perfect French toast to satisfy your cinnamon cravings.
Why TrustEat This, Not That!
