Best Packaged Macaroni & Cheese of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Packaged macaroni and cheese is a staple comfort food for many Americans. It typically consists of elbow macaroni pasta and a powdered cheese sauce mix that is quick and easy to prepare. While it may not be the most nutritious option, it is a convenient and affordable meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Some popular brands include Kraft, Annie's, and Velveeta. Many variations of the classic mac and cheese recipe can be found, including gluten-free and organic options. Packaged mac and cheese is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal at home or on the go.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kraft Easy Mac Original Macaroni and Cheese Meal (18 Pouches) Cover #TOP 1
Kraft Easy Mac Original Macaroni and Cheese Meal (18 Pouches)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Kraft Easy Mac Original Flavor (8 Microwaveable Cups) Cover #TOP 2
Kraft Easy Mac Original Flavor (8 Microwaveable Cups)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kraft Original Macaroni and Cheese Cover #TOP 3
Kraft Original Macaroni and Cheese
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Packaged Macaroni & Cheese

#TOP 1

Kraft Easy Mac Original Macaroni and Cheese Meal (18 Pouches)

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18 Pouches
Kraft Easy Mac Original Macaroni and Cheese Meal (18 Pouches) Cover
Kraft Easy Mac Original Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Dinner Microwavable Dinner, 18 ct Packets

Kraft Easy Mac Original Macaroni and Cheese Meal is a quick and easy meal that everyone can enjoy. You can prepare the meal in 3.5 to 4 minutes by adding water and microwaving it. The macaroni noodles are mixed with cheddar cheese sauce made with real cheese, and it contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. This meal is perfect for both kids and adults, and you can stock up your pantry with a variety of convenient Kraft Mac & Cheese microwavable bowls, cups, and packets. By subscribing to automatic deliveries, you can save up to 15% on your favorite mac n cheese.

What We Like
Convenient and quick preparation
Great taste, consistent quality
Individually packaged servings
Good value for the price
What We Don't Like
Potential for microwave overflow
Not the healthiest option
#TOP 2

Kraft Easy Mac Original Flavor (8 Microwaveable Cups)

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Yellow
8 Cups
Kraft Easy Mac Original Flavor (8 Microwaveable Cups) Cover
Kraft Original Mac & Cheese, 8 ct Box, 2.05 oz Cups

Kraft Easy Mac Original Flavor is a pack of 8 microwaveable cups of macaroni and cheese that can be ready in 3.5 minutes. Each cup includes macaroni pasta and original flavor cheese sauce mix with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes. The individually sealed cheese sauce mix provides convenience and easy preparation, making it a great meal idea for kids and adults. This food item is also SNAP & EBT eligible.

What We Like
Easy to prepare
Great nostalgic taste
Convenient for quick meals
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Cooking time may vary
#TOP 3

Kraft Original Macaroni and Cheese

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Kraft Original Macaroni and Cheese Cover
Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni and Cheese Dinner (7.25 oz Boxes (Pack of 35))

Kraft Mac & Cheese offers you a quick and simple meal solution with its thirty-five 7.25 oz boxes. You can easily prepare this creamy dish, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute dinners. Enjoy the classic taste of elbow macaroni paired with a rich cheddar cheese sauce made from real cheese, ensuring a delicious experience without any artificial flavors or preservatives. This product is not just for kids; it brings smiles to adults too, making it a versatile option for the whole family.

What We Like
Cost-effective option
Quick and easy preparation
Great taste
Convenient delivery
Bulk purchasing available
What We Don't Like
Price has increased
#TOP 4

Velveeta Shells & Cheese Microwavable Cups

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4 Count (Pack of 1)
Velveeta Shells & Cheese Microwavable Cups Cover
Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwaveable Shell Pasta & Cheese Sauce, 4 ct Pack, 2.39 oz Cups

Velveeta Mac & Cheese Cups are perfect for satisfying your cravings with creamy, cheesy, and melty goodness. The Velveeta cheese melts to a creamy texture, offering you an outrageously delicious taste experience. Instantly calm your cravings with the cheesy, melty goodness of these single-serve cups. Enjoy the convenience of preparing these shells and cheese cups in just 5 minutes in the microwave, providing you with instant cheesy gratification.

What We Like
Quick and easy preparation
Good taste with butter
Fresh pasta and cheese
Affordable price
Great for kids' meals
What We Don't Like
Smaller pasta shells
Limited serving size
#TOP 5

Annie's Real Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese

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Annie's Real Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese Cover
Annie’s Real Aged Cheddar Shells Macaroni & Cheese Dinner with Organic Pasta, 6 OZ (Pack of 12)

Annie's Mac & Cheese offers a creamy and cheesy meal made with organic pasta shells and real aged cheddar cheese. This delicious option contains no artificial flavors or synthetic colors, making it a healthier choice for your family. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal. You can enjoy it as a side dish, incorporate it into recipes like baked bacon mac and cheese, or pair it with chicken nuggets for a complete dinner. It's a delightful way to bring comfort food to your table.

What We Like
Delicious and creamy flavor
Organic and natural ingredients
Easy and quick preparation
Variety of flavors available
Great for picky eaters
What We Don't Like
Higher price than some brands
#TOP 6

Stouffer's Supreme Shells and Cheese

Stouffer's Supreme Shells and Cheese Cover
Stouffer's Supreme Shells And Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Boxed Mac & Cheese, Dinner Kit 12 oz

Stouffer's Shells & Cheese is the ideal solution for busy nights when you're unsure about dinner. This creamy mac and cheese comes with 10% more cheese sauce than competitors, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying. Preparing it is a breeze; within just 10 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal without any extra fuss. Plus, having this pantry staple on hand means you're always ready to whip up a comforting dish for your family, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable. With quality ingredients and no artificial additives, you can feel good about serving this to your loved ones.

What We Like
Kids enjoy it
Easy to prepare
Fun shape
Quick meal solution
Better taste than some alternatives
What We Don't Like
Lacks some flavor
Texture may not satisfy everyone
#TOP 7

Velveeta Original Shells & Cheese (Pack of 3)

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Yellow
Velveeta Original Shells & Cheese (Pack of 3) Cover
Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Shell Pasta & Cheese Sauce, 3 ct Pack, 12 oz Boxes

Velveeta Original Shells & Cheese is an easy, quick and outrageously delicious meal that satisfies your cravings with unrestrained pleasure. This pack of 3 boxes contains 9 servings of shell pasta and creamy cheese sauce that melt the creamiest, cheesiest, and melty goodness you love best. Simply boil the shell pasta according to the directions, drain and add the cheese sauce for instant cheesy gratification. It’s SNAP & EBT eligible, which makes it more accessible to all.

What We Like
Great taste
Easy to prepare
Affordable price
Convenient packaging
Childhood nostalgia
What We Don't Like
Not as gourmet as others
#TOP 8

Annie's Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese

01044940
Annie's Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese Cover
Annie's Classic Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese with Organic Pasta, 6 oz (Pack of 12)

Annie's Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a quick and delicious meal option, ready in just eight minutes. This creamy dish features organic pasta and real cheddar cheese, ensuring a tasty experience for you and your family. With no artificial flavors or synthetic colors, you can feel good about serving this to your kids. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into recipes like baked bacon mac and cheese, making it a convenient choice for any meal.

What We Like
Reduced sodium option
Outstanding flavor and creaminess
Easy to prepare
Customizable dish
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
Perceived decrease in pasta quantity
#TOP 9

Kraft Deluxe Original Mac & Cheese

00021000070022
8 Count (Pack of 1)
Kraft Deluxe Original Mac & Cheese Cover
Kraft Deluxe Original Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Dinner Microwavable Dinner, 8 ct Box, 2.39 oz Cups

Kraft Mac & Cheese Cups offer a warm and comforting meal option that is perfect for any time of day. Each cup is filled with hearty elbow macaroni and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from real cheese, ensuring a delicious experience. You can enjoy a quick snack or a satisfying side dish, as each cup is individually sealed with its own cheese sauce packet. Plus, with no artificial flavors or dyes, you can feel good about indulging in this feel-good food that lifts your spirits and brings a smile to your face.

What We Like
Delicious, gooey cheese
Quick and easy preparation
Better than powdered cheese
Good for picky eaters
What We Don't Like
Price slightly higher than Walmart
#TOP 10

Kraft Deluxe White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Dinner

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Kraft Deluxe White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Dinner Cover
Kraft Deluxe White Cheddar & Garlic & Herbs Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (11.9 oz Box)

Kraft White Cheddar Mac is a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese dinner made with real white cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs. The comforting bowl of creamy cheese-covered noodles will put a smile on your face and lift your spirits. Enjoy the delicious real flavor without any artificial additives. Customize your meal by adding your favorite ingredients like veggies or protein. This easy meal idea contains 4 servings and is rich in calcium and iron, making it a quick and satisfying meal or side dish.

What We Like
Quick and easy meal
Good quality ingredients
Staple in many households
Creamy and delicious
What We Don't Like
Too much garlic flavor
Not enough pasta per box
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to make packet mac and cheese better?

To elevate packet mac and cheese, you can experiment with different add-ins. Adding cold butter to the sauce and baking it in the oven can enhance both texture and flavor. You can also incorporate additional ingredients like real cheese, bacon, or leftover veggies to transform boxed mac and cheese into a more substantial meal.

2. Is packet mac and cheese healthy?

Packet mac and cheese is not considered a healthy option. It contains refined flour macaroni, ultra-processed cheese sauce, and high levels of sodium. Popular brands can contain over 700 milligrams of sodium in a cup serving, offering limited nutrition.

3. What can you add to box mac and cheese to enhance the flavor?

There are several ingredients you can add to box mac and cheese to enhance its flavor. Some options include broccoli and shredded chicken, bacon and peas with an egg, garlic and pickled jalapeños, mushrooms and thyme with grated Gruyère, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, kimchi and bacon with chopped scallions, and cherry tomatoes with basil and mozzarella.

4. What is the most flavorful cheese for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is commonly regarded as the most flavorful cheese for mac and cheese. It has a low melting point, which helps create a smooth texture. It provides the classic taste that is expected in mac and cheese. It is recommended to buy cheddar in a block and grate it yourself for the best flavor.

5. Which is healthier Kraft or Velveeta?

Neither Kraft nor Velveeta mac and cheese options are particularly healthy. Both are non-organic, contain cow milk, and are highly processed. Kraft mac and cheese has 350 calories, 720 milligrams of sodium, and nine grams of protein per serving, while Velveeta has 360 calories, 880 milligrams of sodium, and 13 grams of protein per serving.

Editor's Notes

During our packaged macaroni & cheese research, we found 24 packaged macaroni & cheese products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 680,491 customer reviews through our big data system to write the packaged macaroni & cheese list. We found that most customers choose packaged macaroni & cheese with an average price of $3.91.

The packaged macaroni & cheese are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of packaged macaroni & cheese, including Kraft Mac & Cheese, Velveeta, Stouffer's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Packaged Macaroni & Cheese Comparison Table

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Brand Kraft Mac & Cheese Kraft Mac & Cheese Kraft Mac & Cheese Velveeta Annie’s Stouffer's Velveeta Annie’s Kraft Mac & Cheese Kraft Mac & Cheese
Item Weight 1.1 Kilograms 2 Pounds 18.33 Pounds 0.76 Pounds 6 Ounces 12 Ounces 2.46 Pounds 0.52 Pounds 2.66 Ounces 0.74 Pounds
Package Information Box,Packet Box Box Pack Box - Box,Pack Box Box Bowl
Flavor Original Macaroni & Cheese, Original - Original (Pack of 4) - Cheddar cheese Original 3 Pack - Original Cheddar Whide Cheddar & Garlic
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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