Are Waffles Keto?

Typical waffles are NOT keto! A normal Belgian style waffle has 360 calories, 15 grams of fat, 47 grams of carbs, 45 grams of net carbs, and 8 grams of protein. This is including 11 grams of pure cane sugar. The typical ingredients for this style of waffle is white flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. These are high inflammation ingredients that are not okay on a keto diet.

Are Waffles Keto?

Typical waffles are NOT keto! A normal Belgian style waffle has 360 calories, 15 grams of fat, 47 grams of carbs, 45 grams of net carbs, and 8 grams of protein. This is including 11 grams of pure cane sugar. The typical ingredients for this style of waffle is white flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. These are high inflammation ingredients that are not okay on a keto diet.

Almond Flour Waffles

Like we said above, normal waffles need white all-purpose flour. This is definitely not keto so we needed to find a tasty sub that would still make light and fluffy waffles. The best keto waffles use a blend of a few flours with a base of almond flour. It ensures the gluten free keto waffles are not dense and bready. For this waffle recipe we used a blend of almond flour, coconut flour, and xanthan gum.

Almond flour is the main bulking agent of our blend. Almonds are high in fat and magnesium an electrolyte that’s super important on a keto diet. Deficiencies in magnesium have also been linked to insulin resistance. It’s possible that consuming this blood sugar blunting food can be helpful on a low carb diet(1). Coconut flour also works well with almond flour to thicken the batter so you don’t need as much. Finally coconut flour is nut free so you don’t have to worry about eating a cup of almond flour in one waffle.

If you’re completely nut free and want more coconut flour waffle options try our keto protein waffles. They are flourless and use protein powder to make a high fat and high protein treat. Or check out our coconut flour chocolate keto waffles for a decadent dessert waffle recipe.

What’s Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum is a low carb thickener that is commonly used in keto sauces and milks. Similar to cornstarch this ingredient works with heat to thicken and emulsify liquids. In the case of this recipe it keeps the ingredients in the waffle together so you don’t have a crumbly keto waffle. Xanthan gum also helps to create a light and fluffy texture similar to gluten. While it is technically optional, if you want a delicious light waffle recipe you’ll need to use a little xanthan gum.

Are These Waffles Paleo?

These waffles are paleo depending on how you look at it. All the dairy based ingredients like butter and cream cheese can be subbed for low carb dairy free alternatives. The erythritol can also be subbed for stevia or coconut sugar. The original recipe technically isn’t paleo, but can be easily adapted to create delicious paleo waffles.

Making Dairy Free Keto Waffles

As mentioned above these waffles can be made paleo with a few subs, some of those being dairy. There are two dairy based ingredients in this recipe, butter and cream cheese. Simply swap the butter for coconut oil and the cream cheese for coconut cream (the thick part of a can) or dairy free cream cheese. Dairy free cream cheese will work best, but if you can’t find any paleo approved versions you can used coconut cream.

Making Keto Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To make your keto waffles recipe start by mixing together the dry ingredients. You can sift the almond flour, but simply mixing it well to ensure that there are no clumps works just as well. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed so there is no chance of an uneven rise.

Now in a separate bowl combine all of the wet ingredients. This is your eggs, butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. If your butter and cream cheese are coming from the fridge, microwave them for 15-20 seconds to soften. The batter should be uniform and fairly easy to mix if everything is softened.

Now add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. You can do this half at a time, but we just added it all in at once

Measure 1/2 a cup of batter and evenly distribute it into your waffle maker. Feel free to spread it out a bit if you want perfectly shaped waffles. Now’s the time to add in a few berries or chocolate chips if you’d like.

Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Give them a moment to cool before pulling them out. Serve and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Store Bought Keto Waffles

Don’t have a waffle iron, but still want waffles? Thanks to brands like Birch Benders you can now buy pre-made keto frozen waffles! Go to your local health food store, Target, or Walmart and one of them should have the Birch Benders waffles. They make a keto buttermilk and a keto chocolate chip toaster waffle. Both are grain free and only have 6 grams of net carbs per TWO waffles!

Keto Breakfast Ideas

Need some more breakfast variety? Check out some of our sweet and savory keto breakfast ideas to create your perfect Sunday brunch:

• Keto Crepes – Crepes are a classic breakfast recipe and this one can be filled with either sweet or savory ingredients.

• Low Carb Blueberry Muffins – Low carb recipes that use berries are my favorite. When baking, the berries become jammy and sweet. The first time you make this recipe you’ll be hooked and start meal prepping them every week. Better yet, try our free 7 day meal plan that uses these low carb blueberry muffins for Saturday brunch!

• Sheet Pan Pancakes – These are some of the easiest keto pancakes out there. They use vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and almond flour to make a fluffy meal prep pancake. The nutrition facts speak for themselves because there are only 5 net carbs and 28 grams of fat per massive piece!

Grocery Store Breakfasts

If you’re always on the go and want some quick and easy grocery store breakfast ideas try some of our favorites:

• Real Good Foods Breakfast Sandwiches (4-3g net carbs)- These low carb sandwiches are filling and easy to pop in the microwave before a busy day of work. They have bacon, sausage, and turkey sausage so you can start the day right.

• Birch Benders Pancake Mix– If you have a little extra time in the morning definitely try these keto pancakes from Birch Benders. They are 5 net carbs per serving and only require water to make. Pro tip- Make them with half water half egg whites for an extra light and fluffy keto pancake. Top with some almond butter and you have a high fat and high protein meal. Make sure to check out our list of the best keto pancake mix you’ll definitely love!

• Jimmy Dean Egg- Which– It may not be the highest quality food, but it is a lazy keto option for those wanting a keto breakfast sandwich. These can be found pretty much anywhere from Costco to Walmart. They clock in at 7 net carbs per sandwich and around 250 calories.

Obviously the Birch Benders frozen waffles are a great idea for a grab and go breakfast, but if you’re looking to go down the savory route these are some great options. Easy keto meals are super important to stay on track. Know yourself, and if these products might benefit you they are well worth the cost!

Keto Waffles

This keto waffle recipe makes a thick, fluffy, low carb breakfast that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Pair this keto waffle recipe with all your favorite toppings to make a delicious and healthy meal. Plus feel free to freeze the extras so your kids have a great grab and go breakfast that makes easy keto possible. If your kids love them (and we know they will), they’ll already be taking care of their health! This upcoming weekend relax, wake up late, and make a waffle brunch!