Best Packaged Macaroni & Cheese of 2026

"For me, this is a pantry staple because of how fast and effortless it is to make. I just need a microwave and a bit of water, and in minutes, I have a bowl of warm, cheesy comfort food. Whether it's for a quick lunch, a snack for my kids, or a late-night craving, it always delivers that classic, nostalgic taste I crave. It's perfect for anyone from busy parents to college students."

"I appreciate the smaller packets since I don't always want to cook a whole box. The minimal packaging is great, and I can use my own bowl without worrying about spills. The taste is just as satisfying as the bigger versions, so it's my go-to whenever I want a nostalgic mac and cheese treat without the fuss."

"I use these all the time because they're affordable, filling, and ideal for quick meals. As long as I cook them long enough, they turn out well, and I like that I can make just one serving at a time. It's a great option to have on hand when I need something cheap and tasty fast."

"Whenever I need a fast, comforting meal, these Velveeta shells & cheese cups are perfect. I love how simple they are to make in the microwave, and the cheese sauce is always creamy and delicious. I usually add some frozen veggies to make it more filling. The portion is just right for a snack or a light meal."

"I’m a repeat buyer because this is a dependable, tasty option that's always well-packed and sealed. Each cup is just right for a quick dinner when I don’t feel like cooking. If I want something more substantial, I just add some fruit or vegetables on the side. Great value for the price."

"I love the rich, gooey cheese in these cups. They’re perfect for an easy snack or side dish, especially on cold days. Just be careful not to add too much water so the sauce stays thick. My only wish is that the portion was a bit larger, but for the price and convenience, it’s hard to beat."

"For me, the unmatched convenience of these Kraft Mac & Cheese cups makes them a pantry staple. In under four minutes, I have a hot, comforting snack that tastes just like the original blue box. The single-serving size is perfect, and my kids love the independence of making it themselves. I always keep the 8-pack handy for quick meals or snacks."

"I find these cups to be a delicious, creamy option for a quick side dish or snack. All it takes is a little water and a minute in the microwave to enjoy cheesy, gooey goodness. My only small gripe is the occasional overflow during microwaving, but using a paper towel underneath solves that easily."

"Whenever I stock up on this product, I feel like I’m getting the cheesiest, thickest texture compared to other brands. It’s a great choice for fast meals, though I try to buy ahead to avoid paying higher convenience store prices."

"I absolutely love having this creamy, classic shells & cheese on hand—it's a lifesaver during busy days with my preteen and pets. The price for the 3-pack on subscription is unbeatable, and I never have to worry about running out. Smooth, cheesy, and always a hit, it's the kind of easy comfort meal that makes life easier and tastier."

"For my family, Velveeta Shells & Cheese is pure comfort—kids and adults both look forward to it. Preparation is super simple and quick; just cook the pasta and mix in the cheese pouch for a rich, velvety meal in minutes. I love that it's easy to customize with veggies or chicken, and it always brings us together for a cozy meal. It's more than food; it's a little moment of joy that reminds us to savor the simple things."

"This product is reliable and convenient; the shells cook up perfectly and the cheese sauce is always smooth and creamy. Great as a quick dinner or side, and having a bulk pack means we're always stocked. It's a must-have for anyone who loves comfort food that's quick and satisfying."

"I've tried lots of boxed mac and cheese, and this is by far the best-tasting and most affordable one out there. It's such a good value that I've started buying cases for friends and family, especially for holiday gifts. With prices going up everywhere, giving food people actually want feels more thoughtful than socks or other useless stuff. The kids love it, too, and shipping is always fast."

"I usually buy the variety pack from Costco, but the white shells are my favorite, so I love that Amazon sells them in bulk and for less. The flavor is great, especially with a sprinkle of pepper. The only downside is that the cheese powder can be a bit chunky, so I knead the packet before mixing. If I’m really hungry, I can eat the whole box, but usually it stretches to two meals. I’m thinking about trying Annie’s protein version next."

"For us, Annie’s Mac & Cheese is a pantry staple. I whip up a quick batch in my hot pot with no hassle, and it always tastes natural and not artificial like the orange stuff. Sometimes I add butter, cream, or veggies if I want a little extra. One box isn’t huge, so I usually eat it all if it’s my full meal. I love knowing I always have some on hand."

"I've tried a lot of mac and cheese, and this White Cheddar mix is hands-down my favorite. The versatility is awesome—I like to toss in some diced ham or sprinkle parmesan on top, and it’s even better with bacon bits. Best I've had yet!"

"What I really appreciate is that this mac and cheese is all-organic and super easy to make. The shells hold up perfectly if you follow the instructions, and it's a great value. Even though it took a while to arrive, I still think it was worth the wait."

"My 11-year-old and I both think this is better than regular mac and cheese. It's organic, but it doesn't have any strange aftertaste. Tastes great and feels healthier—we’re both fans."

"I've been searching for a gluten free mac and cheese that actually tastes good, and this totally fits the bill. The flavor is spot on and the pasta isn’t mushy—it stays firm, just like the regular version."

"After my husband’s Celiac diagnosis, we thought he’d have to give up his favorite comfort food. But this gluten free version is a winner—no weird texture, just delicious, creamy shells and cheese that make him feel like nothing’s missing from his meals."

"My son with celiacs is so happy to have found a comforting, gluten free pasta side that tastes great and heats up quickly. It’s become a staple for our family dinners."

"I really appreciate how quick and easy these cheese sauce packets are to use. They're perfect for topping nachos or baked potatoes, and I always keep them on hand for a fast meal or snack. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, making it a staple in my kitchen."

"For me, the best part is that these cheese packets don't need refrigeration until opened and are affordable in bulk. The packaging is secure and convenient, and although the sauce is a bit salty, it has that classic Velveeta taste I expect. I'll keep buying as long as the price and quality stay the same."

"Having this cheese sauce available has been a game changer for my family. My kids love Mac and cheese, and I can adjust the consistency easily for different recipes. It holds up great in everything I've tried, and adds a nice pop of color to simple dishes."

"I've sampled a lot of brands, but this one truly stands out. The cheese's texture and taste are top-notch, and the whole meal feels like a step above the rest. It’s easy to make, offers great value, and the aroma and presentation make the experience even better."

"Kraft mac and cheese is my go-to comfort food. It’s so tasty and customizable—sometimes I use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option, and it’s still delicious. Super quick to prepare and always hits the spot when I want something easy."

"I absolutely love this deluxe cheesy dinner. The only drawback is that I can’t always find it in supermarkets, but I’ll keep buying it wherever I can because the quality is unbeatable."

"After going gluten free over a decade ago, I thought I'd never get to enjoy Kraft mac and cheese again, but this gluten-free version tastes exactly like I remember! It's rare to find a gluten-free substitute that's this good—great texture and works well with add-ins like tuna or peas. I absolutely recommend it for anyone missing their favorite comfort food."

"I sampled seven different gluten-free boxed mac and cheeses, and this one from Kraft is hands down my favorite. The cheese flavor is spot-on and not overly buttery, with a nostalgic, classic taste. It's perfect for days when I need something quick and easy, and I love adding veggies and vegan sausage for a full meal."

"I never thought to check Kraft for gluten-free mac and cheese until a friend mentioned it. Now I'm thrilled Amazon carries it since my local store doesn't. The texture and flavor are excellent, and I'm so glad I can finally enjoy an easy, tasty mac and cheese again."