What brand of vanilla wafers is traditionally used in Southern banana pudding?

The brand of vanilla wafers traditionally used in Southern banana pudding is Nilla Wafers.

Banana pudding became popular across the United States in the late 19th century, but it developed especially strong associations with Southern gatherings, including church suppers, family reunions, and barbecues. Early recipes often used sponge cake or ladyfingers; vanilla wafers began appearing in banana pudding recipes by 1920.

Nabisco helped establish Nilla Wafers as the familiar choice by printing a banana-pudding recipe on its packaging beginning in the 1940s. The cookies soften as they absorb custard, creating the dessert’s characteristic layered texture alongside sliced bananas and vanilla pudding or custard.

“Nilla Wafers” is a brand name, while “vanilla wafers” is the broader generic description. Other cookies can be substituted, but Lorna Doone, graham crackers, and Oreos are not the traditional answer. The product was originally sold as Nabisco Vanilla Wafers and was renamed Nilla Wafers in 1967.