Mac & cheese is a classic mealtime favorite, whether you’re pressed for time or just want some warm cheesy bliss. We’ve picked together favorite kinds of microwave mac and cheese brands, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives made from imaginative plant-based components.
Microwave Mac and Cheese Brands
Nothing compares to the taste of handmade mac & cheese. When you start craving them, the reality is that you really don’t have the time to sit and make a plate. When that happens, microwaveable mac and cheese come to the rescue. Which one, though, should you pick? It’s crucial to know which microwave mac and cheese brands are worth investing in. Meanwhile, some of the most popular brands were put to the test. You can let these reviews serve as your guide or you can also go ahead and try other microwave mac & cheese brands. Below is our list of microwave mac & cheese brands.
#1. Sharp Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner from Cracker Barrel
This choice is certainly a touch costly at four times the cost of a Kraft cup. But, in this opinion, it’s well worth it. The breadcrumb topping adds a lovely touch to the cheese flavor, which is neither fake nor faint. Noodles that are slightly thicker have a texture that is closer to oven-baked. If you want a microwaveable mac that is more suited to adult taste sensibilities, this mac and cheese brand is worth giving a trial.
#2. Annie’s Macaroni & Cheese with Real Aged Cheddar
Annie’s has a fantastic cheese flavor that’s almost as good as Cracker Barrel’s. And at a third of the price of our top recommendation, it’s hard to complain. Furthermore, the pasta is organic. It’s definitely deserving of a place in your pantry.
#3. Original Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
The product by Kraft has developed into many flavor variations and formulations, including the Easy Mac. Original kraft macaroni and cheese are single-serving products designed specifically for microwave ovens. The product is thus a simple-to-prepare, affordable, and meatless family dinner. All other commercial macaroni and cheese are tested against Kraft. Even if the cheddar flavor is fake and lacks complexity, we wouldn’t change a thing.
#4. Cheese with Velveeta Shells
Velveeta deserves credit for making a delightfully creamy mac and cheese. However, once you get past the lovely mouthfeel, there isn’t much here. The shells don’t add much contrast to the slightly mushy, extremely soupy accompanying sauce, and there’s no flavor. This is for you if you already enjoy Velveeta.
#5. Macaroni and Cheese from Muscle Mac’s
Muscle Mac is a decent post-workout food with 20 grams of protein per serving.
Vegan Mac and Cheese Brands
For kids and adults alike, macaroni and cheese will always be a popular all-American dish. The oldest recipe for this ultimate comfort dish dates back to the 13th century, and it has proven to be a timeless classic. The quick-and-easy boxed vegan mac and cheese brands on this list may be bought at many grocery stores and online, whether you’re in a hurry or just want to satisfy a cheese desire without any of the cruelty or cholesterol inherent in dairy “products”:
#1. Vegan Organic ‘Under the Sea’ Mac ‘n Cheese from Pastabilities
This mac and cheese are fantastic for youngsters because the noodles are fashioned like aquatic creatures. Pastabilities’ Vegan Organic Mac ‘n Cheese Pasta Ruffles and Vegan Organic Springtime Mac ‘n Cheese with carrot- and flower-shaped pasta are also worth checking out.
#2. Banza Plant-Based Mac with Chickpea Pasta
Banza’s chickpea-based pasta shells, which provide 13 grams of protein per serving, are a good source of protein. It’s also gluten-free and vegan, of course! it is worth trying in this list of vegan mac and cheese brands.
#3. Daiya Veggie Deluxe Cheezy Mac in White Cheddar Style
This healthful recipe combines a vegan white-cheddar sauce with elbow macaroni and veggies to help contribute to a balanced diet. Another healthy vegan mac and cheese in our list of brands to try.
#4. Deluxe Cheezy Mac Daiya Bac’n & Cheddar Style
Daiya’s Cheddar Style Cheezy Mac comes with vegan bacon bits made from textured pea protein as if that should be enough to tempt you.
#5. Deluxe Cheezy Mac Daiya Cheddar Style
In a rich, creamy “cheddar” sauce, these gluten-free whole-grain noodles are served. In addition, one serving provides 20% of your daily calcium and vitamin B12 requirements.
#6. Field Roast Mac N’ Chao Cheese
The vegan mac and cheese from Field Roast come in two flavors: creamy and chili. Look for it in the freezer section of the supermarket!
Read Also: SAUSAGE BRANDS: 19+ Popular Brands in 2021 (Updated)
Healthy Mac and Cheese Brands
We have compiled a list of healthy mac and cheese brands, based on reviews from customers.
#1. Gluten-Free Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese from Evol
When it comes to frozen foods, Evol is a fair-weather option. Their Gluten-Free Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese were the first of the alternative macs sampled. The rice noodles were not mushy, which is an almost unavoidable reality with other pasta substitutes, and the gouda has just the right amount of bite. Caramelized onions and chives are also listed on the packaging. Evol’s mac and cheese, in any case, is a fine gluten-free and healthy mac and cheese in this list of brands.
#2. Macaroni and Cheese with Banza Chickpeas
The most appealing aspect of Banza is how virtuous it feels. The mac and cheese dish has 8 grams of fiber and 18 grams of protein, which is quite impressive for a meal that doesn’t need to use a cutting board. However, to keep things from becoming too squishy, you must be very accurate with the timing. Banza is for people who have it together (that’s why they’re eating healthy mac and cheese).
#3. Amy’s Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (Vegan) Mac & Cheeze is a dairy-free, gluten-free (vegan) macaroni and cheese.
Amy’s Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Mac and Cheeze, on the other hand, has a perfect—firm noodles and rice-base, like Evol’s choice.
#4. Vegan Shell Pasta with Creamy Sauce by Annie
Annie’s has a gold standard for boxed mac & cheese. This was without a doubt the best dairy-free option.
#5. Gluten-Free Annie’s Vegan Elbow Pasta with Creamy Sauce
Annie’s vegan mac is also available in a gluten-free version with the whitest noodles. You may mistake them for shards of some strange root vegetable or the little plastic corner pieces designed to be lost when assembling IKEA furniture if you looked at them from afar. It takes a bit to get used to the long, tubular shape, but the consistency is appealing—not too mushy, not too chewy. Because the noodles clump together so quickly, mixing in the sauce is a bit of a challenge though. But it’s a good choice you can try.
Gluten-free Mac and Cheese Brands
Gluten-free mac and cheese box mixes are available from Annie’s and Kraft. Let’s look at which gluten-free mac and cheese brands are available and where you can get them.
#1. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese from Kraft
Kraft ultimately launched their gluten-free mac and cheese mixes in grocery stores across the country in 2020, with little fanfare or warning.
Gluten-free pasta (made from a blend of corn and brown rice flour) and Kraft’s distinctive cheese sauce go into Kraft’s gluten-free mac & cheese.
#2. Annie’s Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese is a delicious gluten-free option.
While Kraft is set to take the lead in the gluten-free mac and cheese market, Annie’s gluten-free mac and cheese mixes have always been available to the gluten-free community.
Other gluten-free mac and cheese brands include:
#3. Banza: Banza manufactures gluten-free and high-fiber chickpea mac & cheese. It doesn’t quite taste like the mac and cheese you’re used to because the noodles are chewier and less soft, but it’s a far healthier alternative.
#4. Daiya manufactures a dairy-free, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free mac & cheese mix. Daiya products are popular among vegans, and they will continue to support the company.
#5. Pamela’s makes a vegan mac & cheese with white rice flour and pea protein, which is gluten-free.
DISCLAIMER!
This article should NOT be used as a guide for purchase, it’s solely for informational purposes. We thereby emphasize that we do NOT endorse any of the brands in this post. They are subject to your choice of decision and verification. We are not sponsored by any of the brands and the information provided here is to the best of our knowledge.
FAQ
What is the most popular brand of mac n cheese?
- Velveeta Shells & Cheese.
- Cracker Barrel Macaroni & Cheese Dinner.
- Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
- Annie’s Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese.
Is Velveeta mac and cheese good?
Velveeta is the ultimate nostalgic cheese.
