I Asked 2 Experts To Name the Best Store-Bought Eggnog—Both Said the Same Thing

There’s no doubt about it ... the holidays can bring on a lot of stress. Yet, while I rarely look forward to the travel or seemingly endless to-do lists, I am always thrilled to roll up my sleeves and take on a full menu of holiday eats and drinks. From festive cocktails to glazed ham, the more time I can spend in the kitchen, the better!

There’s one classic holiday recipe that I have yet to master, and that’s eggnog. I like the stuff, but I just haven't had much luck finding a reliably delicious recipe. This year, instead of churning out a less-than–top-notch eggnog, I’ve decided to shift my efforts to buy a carton of the very best eggnog available. I contacted two professionals to get their insights on which brand to purchase and why.

The Eggnog Experts

• Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND: Food editor and recipe developer for Taste of Home and blogger behind The Healthy Epicurean

• Abbie Romanul: Co-founder of Raising the Bar, a zero-proof cocktail platform and subscription kit

The Best Store-Bought Eggnog, According to Experts

Andrews and Romanul agreed that Hood Golden Eggnog is far and away the best brand to buy.

“I am pretty picky when selecting a store-bought eggnog,” admits Andrews. “I always choose Hood. It’s the OG, and for good reason.” In business since 1846, Hood has been whipping up eggnog, using a secret recipe, for over 50 years. The company just knows what it’s doing with nog. Its version checks off all the non-negotiables: creaminess, flavor balance, and that perfect pinch of spice.

The texture of eggnog should be creamy, but not so thick it is difficult to drink, say the pros. Romanul explains that “the perfect eggnog is just thick enough and rich.” The cream and egg yolks in Hood’s eggnog make for a silky, substantial nog that never feels cloying or overly heavy. Or, as Andrews puts it, “It clings to your glass with just the right amount of viscosity.”

Flavorwise, Hood nog is “sweet, but not so sweet that it is overpowering. It’s custardy with a hint of spice,” notes Romanul. Andrews calls its clove-and-nutmeg profile “simply perfect" and praises the “undertones of vanilla extract” that balance the warm spices and creamy base. All in all, she says, “It tastes homemade and just right.”

Though Hood Golden Eggnog is easily enjoyed on its own, you can also fashion it into a nightcap with the addition of brandy, rum, or whisky. Or, if you’re looking for a boozy taste without the effects, follow in Romanul’s footsteps: “As a zero-proof cocktail enthusiast, I love to add an ounce or two of a bourbon alternative to my eggnog, like Spiritless Kentucky 74, along with a fresh grating of nutmeg on top.” I, for one, plan on enjoying the holiday staple in as many ways as I can: as a cocktail, in my coffee, and as a special twist on my favorite breakfast, French toast.

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