Healthy alternatives for eggnog (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for eggnog? ›

If you are really looking to knock out some calories, consider purchasing soy nog or rice nog. These alternatives to regular eggnog contain less fat and nearly half the calories of regular store-bought eggnog. Vanilla chai tea is also a great holiday alternative for those with non-dairy diets.

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

Whatever the specifics of your coquito, though, don't be fooled into thinking that the coconut base makes it somehow a healthier option. While the cream and whole milk in eggnog are high in saturated fat, so are the coconut milk and evaporated milk used in coquito.

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. 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.

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

While traditional eggnog is made with eggs and dairy, Oat Nog is made from whole grain oats, making it a vegan-friendly eggnog alternative. The drink contains 90 calories per serving and only three main ingredients, as well as natural flavors and preservatives.

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.

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.)

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

“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.

Why can you eat mayo but not raw eggs? ›

The United States Department of Agriculture does not recommend eating raw shell eggs that are not cooked or undercooked due to the possibility that Salmonella bacteria may be present. However, homemade mayonnaise can be safely made if raw, in-shell pasteurized eggs or pasteurized egg products are used.

If a recipe calls for folding raw, beaten egg whites into the eggnog, use pasteurized eggs. It has not been proven that raw egg whites are free of Salmonella bacteria. If you purchase eggnog from your local grocery store, the eggnog has been prepared with pasteurized eggs. You do not need to cook it.

Typically made around Christmastime, the Tom and Jerry is a classic co*cktail that looks and tastes a lot like eggnog. Its exact origins are unclear, but there's evidence to suggest that the Cognac and rum-spiked drink's roots date back to England in the 19th century.

What does eggnog taste like? It's sweet, rich, and very creamy. Think of a glass of custard or melted vanilla ice cream! But it also has a slightly spiced flavor thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Or add a little holiday cheer to pancakes or waffles by simply swapping out the regular milk with the same amount of eggnog. It's a good thing maple pairs so well with the flavors of eggnog! If you just want to keep it simple, use up some of that eggnog by swapping it for your usual coffee creamer.

Non-alcoholic homemade eggnog is thick, sweet, creamy, and smooth. This popular Christmas drink is cooked on the stove, made without alcohol, and loaded with eggs for that classic holiday flavor.