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Consumer Reports' Buffalo Wing Test Results

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - It's almost game time and you're probably already planning your Pittsburgh Steelers tailgate or watch party.

It wouldn't be complete without some buffalo wings, but will the store-bought frozen wings fill the bill?

The testers at Consumer Reports had the not-so-difficult task of taste-testing seven different brands.

"Football and finger food, it's as simple as that. I mean I think Super Bowl day, just the day alone, we went over 8,000 pounds," restaurant owner John Traci said.

But if you don't have a favorite wing joint for game time, how good are frozen buffalo wings?

Consumer reports just tested seven brands including: Tyson, T.G.I. Friday's, and even these from the drugstore Walgreens.

Testers sampled more than 800 wings to find the best.

"You want moist, tender chicken with a crispy coating, and you want spiciness, but not so much that it overpowers the wings," Adam Kaplan from Consumer Reports said.

Consumer Reports said some came up a little short.

"They didn't have that kind of crispy fried impression you get in a restaurant-quality wing," Kaplan said.

Some didn't taste that great, either.

The Weaver buffalo wings had a fake butter flavor. The Great Value buffalo wings from Walmart had chewy chicken and rubbery skin.

The clear winner was Bell and Evans Buffalo Style Chicken Wings.

"The Bell & Evans had a nice browned impression. They tasted roasted, and they had good heat and some cumin flavors that really came through," Kaplan said.

They go for about $7 for a 16-ounce box. So, if you don't have a favorite restaurant, Consumer Reports said to give them a try.

For a little less money, Consumer Reports said the Walgreens wings are worth a try.

They weren't quite as tasty as the Bell and Evans wings, but testers said they were very good overall, with a slight vinegar, paprika, and red pepper flavor.

A 10-ounce bag costs about $3.

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