REVIEW: Lemon Nilla Wafers

Lemon Nilla Wafers

Nilla Wafers are boring. I’d actually say they’re a historically boring cookie.

Here’s the thing, I don’t mind a boring cookie. Sometimes ya just want a boring cookie.

I always have a “boring” snack hidden in the back of my pantry. Whether it’s Ritz or Saltine crackers, a bag of Goldfish, or some good ol’ Nilla Wafers, I have a weird affinity for what I refer to as “desperation snacks.”

You’re probably wondering what the heck I’m even talking about. These are snacks I buy intentionally for when I run out of all the primo stuff and I’m too lazy to get more.

That’s where Nilla Wafers come into play. They’re never my top choice, but when everything else is gone, a few of those can curb a sugar craving. I’m never gonna eat a whole box in one sitting. But then again, with a new lemon flavor on shelves, maybe that’ll change?

Nah, that won’t change.

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When I popped open the foil bag of Lemon Nilla Wafers, there wasn’t much of a departure from what I remember. I’d say there’s a minuscule lemon Pez scent. The smell did resonate with me though.

I never realized how much Nilla Wafers smelled like those little boxes of Barnum’s Animal Crackers. It makes sense since they’re both Nabisco staples, I just never noticed. It really brought back fond childhood memories.

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Nilla Wafers always have a texture that makes them seem borderline stale even when they’re fresh. These were no different. I’ve always preferred to let them melt in my mouth.

They didn’t taste far off from the originals. There’s a hint of lemon flavor at best. As a fan of lemon desserts, I was disappointed, but in terms of Nilla Wafers I actually think I prefer these. I could definitely see myself eating more of them at once, but they’d still fall into my desperation snack category.

Just for fun, I used Mystery Oreo creme to make Lemon Nilla Wafer Sandwiches.

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Turns out, the Lemon Nilla Wafer worked better with the (my dark horse guess) Fruity Pebbles Treat-flavored creme than the chocolate Oreo cookie did. Take note, Nabisco.

All in all, I’d say Lemon Nilla Wafers make a strong case for “back of the pantry desperation” snack. That’s if I don’t use them all to make more sandwich cookies first.

(Nutrition Facts – 8 wafers – 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 115 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.)

Purchased Price: $4.29
Size: 11 oz. box
Purchased at: Stop & Shop
Rating: 6 out of 10 (8 out of 10 with Mystery Oreo creme)
Pros: One of the all time great “desperation snacks.” Melt in your mouth. Better than the originals. Excellent Mystery Oreo cookie substitute. Animal Cracker nostalgia.
Cons: Lemon is faint at best. Better supporting player than standalone cookie. No actual lemon in the ingredients. A little pricey.

10 thoughts to “REVIEW: Lemon Nilla Wafers”

  1. Kroger has had a store brand version for a while. Bought a box and they were completely stale. Was a real bummer. Maybe lemon wafer cookies are all cursed?

  2. I bought a box of Lemon Nilla’s Waffers a week or so ago. They tasted pretty good while eating them but then I noticed an odd after taste. The following day, I did the same with the same result. I also noticed that they seemed a bit stale even though I wrapped them tightly in the box the prior night. I then asked my wife to try them, and she agreed. She said the same thing about them. They leave an odd after taste. My guess is that it is the artificial flavor that they are using. I won’t purchase them again.

  3. Couldn’t find a box of the Lemon Nilla Wafer brand so I picked up a box of the Kroger brand lemon ones. Outstanding! Strong lemon flavor and a nice crunch. I’m kinda glad I didn’t find the brand name ones now, because from the sound of it, I dodged a bullet!

  4. I picked up Lemon Nilla Wafers at the dollar store because they looked yum and the price was definitely right. I thought they were great.

  5. I bought these by accident. I love plain, regular, Nilla Wafers. The packaging is not obvious enough that it’s different. It’s gross and I want a refund!

  6. I thought these were wonderful !! This is my new travel snack. And my new late night snack. Can’t wait to try them in lemon pudding or crushed on vanilla ice cream. This is just my opinion.

  7. I bought a box of the Lemon Nilla wafers and I really enjoyed them..but now I can’t find them anywhere. Got the first box at Walmart, but they don’t sell them anymore and the originals are horrible. I live in Columbus, Ohio? Any siggestions!.

  8. Hi I had the exact same problem as you did and I’m also in Ohio. So I decided to try the Kroger brand of the lemon wafers and they are very good. Try em out!

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