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 a blend of chickpeas and pea protein
- Varieties include Classic Cheddar and White Cheddar. Not yet available locally; only online
- Per serving: 360 calories – 620 mg sodium – 3 grams sat fat – 36 grams carbs – 8 grams fiber – 3 grams soluble fiber – 18 grams protein
Modern Table Meals Homestyle Mac & Cheese – GF
- Made with lentil rotini (green lentil flour, oat fiber), cheddar cheese sauce
- Per serving: 390 calories – 610 mg sodium – 51 grams carb – 5 grams fiber – 24 grams protein
CookSimple Alfredo – GF
- Made with bean pasta (garbanzo beans, pea protein, green lentil flour), parmesan cheese sauce
- Per serving: 335 calories – 330 mg sodium – 20 grams carbs – 4 grams fiber – 11 grams protein
LIKE IT!
Annie’s Mac and Cheese with Whole Wheat Pasta
- Made with 100% Whole Wheat Shell Pasta and Organic Cheddar Cheese
- Per serving: 300 cals – 650 mg sodium – 46 grams carbs – 7 grams fiber – 12 grams protein
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Macaroni & Cheese
- Made with 100% Whole Wheat Shell Pasta and Organic Cheddar Cheese
- Per serving: 400 cals – 490 mg sodium – 50 grams carbs – 6 grams fiber – 11 grams protein
Annie’s Quinoa Rice Pasta & White Cheddar – GF
- Made with Quinoa and White Rice Pasta with Cheddar Cheese
- Per serving: 320 cals – 510 mg sodium – 57 grams carbs – 4 grams fiber – 9 grams protein
HATE IT!
Horizon Organic Cheesy Deluxe + Annie’s Organic Mac & Cheese
- Organic, but still just white pasta + cheese sauce
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Velveeta Shells & Cheese with 2% Milk
- Made with white pasta
- Velveeta brand has 880-980 g sodium per serving (Kraft has 570 mg sodium per serving)
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