Love It, Like It, Hate It – Boxed Mac & Cheese!

Written By Molly Kimball

Macaroni and cheese typically isn’t what we’d call “healthy.”  But we’ve got great news for mac & cheese fans, the boxed stuff has come a long way, nutritionally speaking!  What used to be our only “love it” options are now bumped down to “like its” as newer, better-for-you varieties have hit the market – so today we’re Getting the Skinny with Molly on the current best and worst bets when it comes to boxed mac & cheese.

LOVE IT!

Banza Chickpea Mac & Cheese – GF

  • Pasta is blend of chickpeas and pea protein. Classic Cheddar, White Cheddar, Cheese & Pepper.

  • Per serving: 300 calories – 5 grams sat fat – 36 grams carbs – 8 grams fiber – 3 grams soluble fiber – 18 grams protein

LIKE IT!

Whole Wheat Mac & Cheese (e.g. Annie’s Mac and Cheese with Whole Wheat Pasta)

  • Made with 100% Whole Wheat Shell Pasta and White Cheddar

  • Per serving: 260 cals – 560 mg sodium – 46 grams carbs – 5 grams fiber – 10 grams protein

Ancient Harvest Macaroni & Cheese – GF

  • Made with 100% whole grains: Corn flour, quinoa flour)

  • Per serving: 270 cals – 430 mg sodium – 58 grams carbs – 2 grams fiber – 4 grams protein

HATE IT!

Horizon Organic Cheesy Deluxe + Annie’s Organic Mac & Cheese

  • Organic, but still just white pasta + cheese sauce

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Velveeta Shells & Cheese with 2% Milk

  • Made with white pasta

  • Velveeta brand has 980 g sodium per serving  (Kraft has 940 mg sodium per serving)

To catch the full segment on WGNO.com, click here.

Molly Kimball
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