Waffles are a wonderfully delicious treat that can make any morning delightful. However, waffles aren’t made to be enjoyed only in the morning. Waffles are so versatile that you can use them as dessert and can even incorporate them into your lunch or dinner if you want.
However, waffles contain a lot of calories, and the most common kinds of toppings are usually those that have an insane amount of sugar. For those looking to cut calories or wanting to consume less sugar, consuming this amount of sugar can be detrimental to their health.
To replace common unhealthy sugary toppings, this article will list all the healthy toppings that you can use. These healthy toppings will also add flavor and fun to your waffles. These toppings include savory and sweet toppings so you can enjoy waffles exactly how you like them.
Sweet healthy toppings
When one hears sweet toppings, their mind immediately goes to those extremely sweet syrups and creams. However, there are many natural and healthier alternatives that taste just as nice. Let us take a look at some of them.
Healthy Peanut Butter
Store-bought peanut butter is often full of ingredients such as oil and sugar. There are many healthier options also available that use only peanuts. Another great tip is to use peanut flour. This flour is mixed with greek yogurt or even almond milk to make healthier peanut butter.
This kind of mixture is free from added sugar and oil. Due to this, it is perfect for those avoiding excess sugar that most regular toppings have. Additionally, it is also super creamy and delicious. This kind of peanut butter has way fewer calories when compared to normal peanut butter. Hence, it is a great alternative.
Almond Butter
Other than peanut butter, almond butter is also a healthy topping for waffles. Raw almond butter is a great morning treat that can be applied to waffles and enjoyed. This kind of butter is great for people avoiding sugar as raw almond butter is made using almonds only. It is also super easy to digest as it is high in fiber. Thus, it is a great topping for those looking to maintain or reduce their weight.
Fresh Berries
Fresh fruits work great as waffle toppings because they are naturally sweet and elevate the taste of waffles. Fresh berries are extremely healthy for us because they contain minerals and nutrients that are necessary for us. These berries are rich in fiber and also low in sugar. Hence, they are perfect for those looking to cut down on sugar. Additionally, these berries also have a lot of antioxidants which are extremely beneficial for us. You can use fresh berries as is, but you can also puree them and use them as a spread. These pureed berries also work as a healthy jam alternative.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a wonderful topping that perfectly compliments the sweetness of waffles. Plain Greek yogurt itself is not sweet, but you can add in sugar-free sweeteners such as stevia to give it a sweeter taste. You could also use it alone as it adds a creamy texture to your waffles, which makes them taste even more decadent and luxurious. Greek yogurt also has many health benefits, such as helping stabilize your blood sugar through the high amounts of protein in it.
Strawberries and Cream
Although this topping may sound like a super fancy and calorie-rich option, it is actually not. This topping is made using ricotta cheese, coconut sugar, and chia seeds. Each of these ingredients is natural and has many health benefits. Additionally, this combo tastes way better than any strawberry syrup or jam.
Apple Butter
Apple butter is another butter alternative that is sweet yet creamy. Hence, it is perfect to go on your waffles. As it is made of apples, it is low in calories and has a lot of health benefits such as high amounts of fiber and more. Apple butter is also naturally sweet, so there is little to no added sugar. Low sugar helps prevent an insulin and blood sugar spike that is healthier for you in the long run.
Peaches and Honey
Peaches and honey include having sliced peaches placed on top of your waffles with a drizzle of honey. As it uses all-natural ingredients, this combo has a lot of health benefits. Peaches add a bit of softness that perfectly compliments the crunch of the waffles. Both peaches and honey add in sweetness which makes the waffles extremely delicious. You can also replace peaches with just about any fruit.
Fruit Salad
Fruits on top of waffles are pretty common as it adds sweetness and some health benefits at the same time. You can pair waffles with just about any fruit, such as apples, pears, berries, and so much more. Fruits have high fiber content and low sugar content. Thus, they are perfect for most people on a diet. Due to their low sugar level, they do not spike your blood sugar level. As a result, you can keep your insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in check.
You don’t have to add just one fruit either. You can add a variety of different fruits at the same time and enjoy them all with your waffles.
Dark Chocolate
When looking to become healthy, chocolate is one of the first things people cut out from their diet. However, dark chocolate is considered a healthy topping for waffles. Dark chocolate is very beneficial as it is extremely nutritious and contains high amounts of antioxidants. It is also known to improve blood flow and hence helps in lowering blood pressure. This topping also aids in reducing the risk of heart disease and is also beneficial in protecting your skin from skin burns.
Chia Seed Jam
Jams are a great topping on waffles as they add a change of texture that elevates the taste of waffles. However, many jams have a lot of added sugar that can be very detrimental to your health. Since chia seed jam is made using just chia seeds, the lack of added sugar makes it a perfect topping for your waffles. Chia seed jam also has a high amount of soluble fiber which makes the seeds super absorbent. Thus, they are perfect for making jam. Chia seed jam is also super versatile and can be added with various mashed fruits to make a flavored chia seed jam.
This jam has many minerals and nutrients that the body needs. It also has insoluble fiber, which is perfect for maintaining good gut health. Additionally, chia seed jam is super satiating, so you feel full long after you have eaten it.
Honey Syrup
Regular syrups are usually highly processed and are made using ingredients that are high in sugar. These syrups also have a high glycemic index, which is quite detrimental to your health if ingested in high quantities. Honey syrup, on the other hand, is a healthier option. It contains only natural sugar and is just as sweet as sugar. You can use it generously on your waffles if you want without worrying about the effect it may have on your blood sugar level.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that has some health benefits if consumed in moderation. It contains numerous antioxidants and also has a low score on the glycemic index. This low score shows that it does not have a drastic effect on your blood sugar level. Additionally, it also helps fight inflammatory diseases and even cancer. Maple syrup is also proven to show improvements in digestion.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an amazing spice that can elevate the taste of your waffles and have them taste extremely delicious. It adds warmth to your body and also aids in reducing inflammation and promoting good digestion. Cinnamon also helps regulate your blood sugar level and prevents it from going too high. You can also mix cinnamon with a small amount of stevia to make cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin also tastes delicious when paired with waffles. When pureed, it makes a creamy spread. You can lather it onto waffles, and even use it on other foods such as pancakes. This creamy textured paired with the crunch of the waffles makes for a delightful treat. You can also add some stevia to your pumpkin to make them sweeter. Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin A, which is why pumpkin and pumpkin spreads are considered healthy toppings for waffles.
Savory healthy toppings for waffles
Other than being a great sugary breakfast, waffles can also have savory toppings that can alter the taste of waffles and make them more than a sugary breakfast item. Here are a few healthy toppings for waffles that are on the savory side.
Salsa
Salsa, although a controversial topping, is a great topping for waffles. It is savory and pairs extremely well with the sweetness of waffles. Salsa gives your body a generous amount of vitamin C, among other minerals like potassium. Additionally, it is great at managing blood sugar levels and can also help stabilize them. This topping is also super hydrating and can also help you burn fat. Because salsa is low in calories, it ensures that you stay within your allowed calories.
Eggs
Eggs are a breakfast staple and taste good with just about any food. If you are an egg lover, you can also add eggs to your waffles. There are many ways that you can cook eggs so that they make a good topping for waffles. You can fry them sunny side up, and you can scramble them, you can poach them. Whichever way you like your eggs, you can probably cook and serve on top of waffles.
Eggs are highly nutritious and supply you with almost every nutrient you can think of is in them. Additionally, they promote good heart health as they contain decent amounts of betaine and choline. Eggs are also known to be great at supporting weight management as it contains protein and is considerably low in calories.
Conclusion
Waffles are well-loved by everyone, but the calories in both the waffles and toppings can add up to a lot. Hence, healthy toppings for waffles are a must for people looking to manage their weight. By choosing healthier toppings, you are also lowering your sugar intake. Syrups and other common waffle toppings often have a lot of sugar. Additionally, these toppings are also high in glycemic index.
This article lists many healthy toppings for waffles in both the sweet and savory categories so you can be healthy and have delicious food.