There was a time when cooking frozen waffles was as simple as heating them up. But times change, even waffle times, which is why I wrote Van’s for a whittle help…

Dear Waffle Makers:

I’m confused about how to cook Van’s frozen Lite Waffles. Maybe it’s because I’m not Belgian. Then again, I’m not even sure if your waffles are Belgian either. Are they? Or are they just Vernon Waffles because that’s the city in California where you make them?

The Oven or Toaster Oven Cooking Directions say to cook for at least 10 minutes after preheating the oven to 400°F. The Toaster Cooking Directions say to toast the waffles on medium for at least 2 minutes. Isn’t heat heat? Why do the waffles take at least 10 minutes to cook in the oven or toaster oven versus at least 2 minutes in just a toaster? When I cook them for more than 2 minutes in my toaster oven they look like they were used as a scouring pad to clean tires.

The scary part is there’s a warning above the cooking directions that states: PRODUCT MUST BE COOKED BEFORE EATING. COOK THOROUGHLY. What could happen if they aren’t thoroughly cooked? Will it make you double-over to the point you’ll just be waffling around on the floor with stomach cramps?

Please provide factual Van’s Waffles cooking information without any of the corporate syrup.

Van’s Customer Service responded with:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us. Please follow the directions on the package. We appreciate all the feedback and suggestions and we will share them with our team.

Very best, The Team at Van’s  www.vansfoods.com

Final Thoughts: Come on Team, follow the directions on the package? If it were that simple why would I have requested clarification for the directions ON the package? At 10 or even 8 minutes in my toaster oven Van’s Lite Waffles aren’t looking very Lite anymore. They’re sporting first-degree burns. Waffles are much tastier with jam or peanut butter spread on them than Aloe Vera gel or Neosporin.

The Oven or Toaster Oven cooking directions not only say to cook for at least 10 minutes, they go on to advise: “If waffle is not golden brown after 10 minutes, cook for additional time.” Then it  states: “While individual oven temperatures & times may vary, waffles must be cooked for at least 10 minutes.” So, if a fan of Van’s isn’t cooking the waffles at least 10 minutes in a toaster oven, and doesn’t own a toaster to see whether cooking them for at least 2 minutes works better—all while worrying about whether they’re thoroughly cooked—there’s nothing left to do other than waffle around wondering what to do.

Getting a waffle iron is one solution. However, the waffles would probably end up all creased since I’ve never been able to successfully iron anything that isn’t permanent press. Plus, I’m trying to cut down on starch. On a positive note, Van’s frozen waffles are very convenient if you don’t have time to make waffles from scratch even though cooking them often leaves me scratching something.

Here’s where you can spend tons of time getting to know Van’s Waffles. The website is room temperature and doesn’t appear to freeze up. Finally, keep in mind that waffles aren’t the only things battered. Sometimes consumers are too. Therefore, if any product ever gives you a difficult time, it may or may not be a waste of time to Write The Company.

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