Let me start by saying, I was genuinely surprised by these Happy Belly Mini Vanilla Wafers. At first glance, they seem like your average vanilla wafers, but the price point is what caught my attention. For an Amazon brand, they’re incredibly affordable—perfect for stocking up when you’re on a budget.

The flavor is decent, though not as rich as name-brand options like Nabisco Nilla. The vanilla taste is subtle, almost muted, which might disappoint those expecting a bold vanilla punch. That said, if you're using them in recipes (like pie crusts or parfaits), they blend in nicely without overpowering other ingredients.

One thing I loved? The mini size! They’re perfect for portion control—great if you’re like me and tend to mindlessly snack. I found myself grabbing a handful during work breaks or packing them in my kid’s lunchbox. They’re also kosher-certified and free of high fructose corn syrup, which is a nice bonus for health-conscious buyers.

Now, the downside: shipping can be hit or miss. Some reviewers (and my own experience) noted crushed boxes due to flimsy packaging. If you’re ordering for a recipe that requires intact wafers, this could be frustrating. Also, texture-wise, they’re lighter and airier than traditional wafers, which might affect recipes like rum balls (as one reviewer discovered).

Overall? If you’re looking for a budget-friendly snack that gets the job done, these are worth a try. But if you’re a vanilla wafer purist or need them for specific recipes, sticking to name brands might save you some disappointment.