Healthy Eggnog: Best and Worst Picks | Ochsner Health (2024)

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Healthy Eggnog: Best and Worst Picks | Ochsner Health? ›

Plant-Milk Eggnogs Can Be Lower in Sugars and Saturated Fat

'Nog made from nut, oat, or soy milk will give you the flavor of the season, and it tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat because it doesn't contain cream, eggs, or milk. (That means that these types of eggnog are lower in protein and calcium too.)

Plant-Milk Eggnogs Can Be Lower in Sugars and Saturated Fat

'Nog made from nut, oat, or soy milk will give you the flavor of the season, and it tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat because it doesn't contain cream, eggs, or milk. (That means that these types of eggnog are lower in protein and calcium too.)

Eggnog is loaded with saturated fat and sugar. It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.)

Skip sugary drinks.

Beverages such as soda, punch and eggnog contain high amounts of sugar, which will also raise your blood glucose. To ensure you're staying hydrated while also keeping blood sugar levels in mind, choose water, herbal tea, coffee or diet soft drinks.

“Eggnog is made with 'heavy' ingredients that, eaten in exclusion of anything else, might cause stomach distress,” registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs said. “Cream is full of fat and that takes longer to digest.

It has a lot of flavor, nutty but still sweet/ I also love it is plant based and healthy. Definitely recommend for kids and grown ups especially if you don't want your kids having so much unwanted sugar.

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

"Store-bought eggnog tends to have lower calories and fat because it is made with skim or low-fat milk, but it does have extra artificial ingredients like artificial coloring, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

“Think what's in it: heavy cream, milk, sugar, whipped eggs and alcohol.” And with the recommended serving size a paltry half a cup, eggnog is easy to over-indulge. High in fat and sugar, a single serving contains one-third of the fat Americans should eat daily.

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

Is eggnog anti inflammatory? ›

The spices can be anti-inflammatory – Eggnog commonly contains nutmeg, which has anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Downing a glass of it isn't the same as popping an Advil, but it's something.

Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill bacteria.

But be aware that a single cup can pack in 400 calories and 40 grams of sugar. So, if eggnog is a daily indulgence throughout the holiday season, it pays to find a better-for-you nog that you truly enjoy. Fortunately, there are a few lower-sugar eggnog options out there that taste pretty good, too.

Califia Farms Holiday Nog: Made with almond milk: Califia Farms Holiday Nog has just 50 calories and 8 grams of sugar per half-cup, about 75 percent fewer calories and two-thirds less sugar than traditional eggnog. Trader Joe's Almond Nog is nearly identical in nutrition stats and ingredients.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

Eggnog high fat content makes it an important heartburn trigger beverage especially when alcohol is added. Houston reflux specialists recommend consuming Eggnog in moderation to enjoy a heartburn free holiday. Alcohol and fatty foods weaken the lower esophageal sphincter.

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.

The drink's wintry spices, and the preference for serving it hot, made nog a Yuletide mainstay. As milk, eggs, sugar and rum became more affordable and abundant, eggnog became accessible to everyday Americans. Today, people around the world enjoy it, often putting regional spins on the recipe.

What is best in eggnog? ›

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

The old-fashioned eggnog is made with raw eggs, milk, cream, bourbon, and sugar. Usually, compared to classic eggnog, this version is stronger and creamier in taste and texture.

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.