Pop Tart vs Toaster Studel – The Great Debate

Ok this debate is heated.  Just Google it and see the Breakfast Pastry Warfare!  It is like Coke vs Pepsi, Cubs vs Sox, Wine vs Coffee!  So lets break down the arguments and do the comparisons.  Down and Dirty.

So the biggies for moms out there are Nutrition, Price, and Ease.

Nutrition:  Although the Pop Tarts are slightly less healthy, they are both really horrible nutritional choices, especially for children at breakfast.  They are full of sugar and processed ingredients with little to no  vitamins/protein.  They are basically sugar bombs. Sugar bomb + Morning + Kid = Teachers Nightmare.  Toaster Strudel has less over all calories, carbs and more than half the sugar than a Pop Tart.  The Strudel also has slightly more protein.  And the debate of PT baked vs TS fried is complete bunk.  It was deceptive marketing trying to claim that Pop Tarts were healthier because they are baked.  They got their hands slapped for that false advertising.  All in all, nutritionists will be the first to tell you to ban both of them from your diet entirely.  But who are we kidding, we are moms.  What’s next?  No mac n cheese?  No nuggets?  No hot dogs?  That is maddness!

Price:  While at first glance the Pop Tart appears cheaper, they are not cheaper by much when you take a look a the price per ounce.  Pop Tarts at $2.18/box of 8 (14oz) = 15.6 cents per ounce.  Meanwhile, Toaster Strudel at $3.87/box of 12 (23oz) = 16.8 cents per ounce.  Pop Tarts are only cheaper by about 1 cent per ounce.

Ease:  Lets face it, moms have enough to deal with in the morning.  They want something fast and easy to serve and clean up after.  Pop Tarts seem to win that race.  They do not technically need to be toasted, they have no sticky frosting or filling, and are easier to clean up after.  Toaster Strudel on the other hand must be toasted, are filled with sticky stuff, and more often than not require clean up.  Pop Tarts need no refrigeration or toasting and are less messy so they tend to be more portable for moms on the go.  Toaster Strudel have none of those attributes and a mom sure as heck wouldn’t put one in her purse!

Lets talk about what kids care about for a second.  They care about Taste.  Now this is where the most heated part of the debate comes in.  Which tastes better?  Which do kids like better?  Pop Tarts have more flavors.  Toaster Strudel have the novelty of do it yourself frosting.  Pop Tarts served cold.  Toaster Strudel served warm.  Honestly – it is a toss up.  Each kid is going to have a different answer.  Lets put it to the test!

Comment below which your kid prefers to eat:  Pop Tarts (PT) or Toaster Strudel (TS)

So my research has led me to more questions.  Perhaps you can answer.

1. Why are Pop Tarts packaged in foil?
2. Why are Pop Tarts packaged in sets of 2?
3. Why are Toaster Strudel not packaged individually?
4. Which tastes better a toasted or non toasted Pop Tart?

What are the strangest things you have seen eaten with a Pop Tart or Toaster Strudel?  As I mentioned above, Body Builders are known to crumble Pop Tarts and use it as a topping on oatmeal and other foods.  Helps with carb loading I guess.  People also commented that they put peanut butter on their strawberry PT or TS for a makeshift PBJ.  Strangest thing I heard was that there is a following for people who top their pastries with American Cheese!

So much to consider when choosing a breakfast pastry!  Food for thought.  It will all make you think twice when serving up a toasted pastry!