Both United Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines serve stroopwafels onboard their flights. The all-important question of the day: which airline has better waffles?
A stroopwafel is a “waffle made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle”.
United introduced stroopwafels last year onboard morning flights in economy class. It even offered a video on how to properly enjoy them:
I’ll ask for these even if I am flying in first class…they are great.
And of course, the stroopwafel is a Dutch invention: it originated in Gouda in the Netherlands (also famous for its cheese). Therefore, it is not surprising that these treats are served on KLM.
But which one is better? I recently flew KLM from San Francisco to Amsterdam in World Business Class and took a couple stroopwafels with me to perform this all important taste test.
The Stroopwafel Taste Test
On my kitchen table are two stroopwafels–the left one from KLM, the right one from United. Both are Dutch made:
In opening each cookie, the United stroopwafel (from Daelmans) looked like it had a bite out of it, but the two were nearly identical in shape and size. The KLM cookie was 32g while the United cookie was 29g:
In breaking a piece of each stroopwafel for the test, I noticed the United version was a bit more brittle.
But how about taste? The United stroopwafel was sweeter, with a stronger caramel taste. It proved to to be the better stroopwaffel in my opinion, though some may prefer the less sweet KLM version.
In comparing ingredients, we understand why the United version was sweeter: sugar was the number one ingredient. Wheat flour was #1 ingredient in the KLM version. Neither can be described as a healthy snack.
CONCLUSION
I liked the United version better, but both were delicious. I love these waffles!
I LOVE the United Stroopwafels. So much so that when I first had them on a United flight, I immediately ordered a case from Amazon when I landed. They are delicious! Best in-flight snack ever (and I’m in the food business)!
Great test — thanks!
The ones at UA are not the real ones. The original stroopwafel should not be that sweet. The UA version has added caramel. In the shops in Holland they sell all different ones. The original stroopwafels at Albert Heijn are the best. I will bring a pack when I am flying UA to FLL and do a test onboard.
You must not be Dutch, because if you were you would know better and not made that comment. I am Dutch — The United version is authentically Dutch as they are also made in Holland! I think KLM’s Eat “Dutch” Waffles are made in Canada, because I did notice that on their packaging when I found them in the States one time. But Daelmans is a Dutch company, and one of the largest makers of stroopwafels in Holland and (and the world!) and their stroopwafels are found everywhere in Holland.
Both are made by Daelmans…The Brand Passport is the distributor in the US. Great Product.
Using a cup of coffee to heat them doesn’t work that great for me– not enough heat, and steam from cup makes them soggy.
If you have a window seat on the sunny side of the plane just pull up the window shade, place wrapped stroopwafel against glass, pull down shade, and wait for 5 minutes.
As a Dutchman, I can assure you that the United stroopwafel tastes superior, and is authentically Dutch!
It is clear from the nature and quantity of the imitation articles that you have no commercial intentions.
Love this post. Huge fan of the stroop, both UA and KL. I do prefer KL because… well… they Dutch. Also, delft blue houses on transcon J. Gots me a collection!