For generations, the recipe for classic eggnog was as deliciously simple (eggs, milk, sugar, cream) as it was sinful (eggs, milk, sugar, cream).
But now, revelers have all sorts of options to pour into their mugs: low fat, no fat, almond, soy, even coconut.
To help you navigate your choices, we offer this Holiday Nog Log with selections found in the dairy case at a local grocery (all values based on a half-cup serving):
Reiter Dairy Creamy Egg Nog: Sip, don’t chug, because this has 170 calories, 8 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat (25 percent of daily value). It also has 65 milligrams of cholesterol and 19 grams of sugars. First four ingredients: Milk, high fructose corn syrup, cream, sugar.
C.F. Burger Creamery Custard Nog: Maybe don’t finish this one – 180 calories, 8 fat grams, 5 saturated fat grams. Cholesterol climbs to 75 mg (25 percent daily value). Top four ingredients: Milk, sugar, cream, nonfat dry milk.
C.F. Burger Creamery Light Egg Nog: Calories down to 140, and 3 grams of fat, with just 1.5 grams of saturated fat. Sugars climb to 20 grams. First four ingredients: Milk, sugar, nonfat dry milk, corn syrup.
C.F. Burger Creamery Fat Free Nog: Calories down to 100, with zero fat and saturated fat. Only 5 mg of cholesterol. 22 grams of sugars. First four ingredients: Nonfat milk, sugar, nonfat dry milk, egg whites.
Horizon Organic Lowfat Eggnog: 140 calories but only 3 fat grams (1.5 grams saturated fat). First four ingredients: Organic grade A nonfat milk, organic cane sugar, organic grade A cream, organic egg yolks).
Silk Almond Nog: Just 45 calories in a half cup, and one gram of fat, no saturated fat and no cholesterol. Eight grams of sugars. Top four ingredients: Almond milk (filtered water, almonds), cane sugar, and less than 2 percent of sea salt, natural flavor.
Silk Original Nog: 80 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, no saturated fat, no cholesterol, 8g sugars. Top four ingredients: Soy milk (filtered water, soybeans), cane sugar, natural flavor, sea salt.
So Delicious Coconut Milk Holiday Nog: 90 calories, 2.5 fat grams (2 grams saturated fat). No cholesterol, 15g sugars. Top four ingredients: Organic coconut milk (filtered water, organic coconut cream), cane sugar, natural flavor, guar gum.
Some other eggnog facts to keep at the top of your noggin:
- For those of appropriate age who like a little more added cheer, remember that adding alcohol will also add calories. A 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey or rum will tack on about 100 calories.
- If you like the taste and festiveness of dairy eggnog, but you don’t want all the costs to your diet plan, why not add some to your morning coffee or espresso. Just an ounce mixed with your morning beverage can get you in the holiday spirit without the guilt. But don’t get too excited, the classic eggnog latte will be packing a lot more than caffeine.
