Mac and cheese is a very popular food that many kids in America grow up eating. No doubt that mac and cheese is delicious; however, the real question is: what’s the best brand? To find out what truly is the best, I looked at the taste, health, price, and convenience of three popular brands.   

Annie’s Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Cost:  $2-3 for a 6 oz. box (2.5 servings)

Health Information: 9 grams of protein, 7 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of total fat

The first thing I judged was health. I noticed that Annie’s uses organic pasta and has no artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or preservatives. It is also made with real cheese. I also noticed that even though I didn’t get gluten-free or vegan, they did have options for those with food allergies. As far as taste, I’m not going to lie – Annie’s was not my favorite mac and cheese. However, that being said it was most likely the healthiest. The problem was it needed a cheesier flavor. I also noticed it had an odd aftertaste that I wasn’t a big fan of. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Kraft Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Cost:  $1 for 7 oz. box (3 servings)

Health Information: 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of sugar, and 3 total grams of fat

For health, Kraft Mac and Cheese used no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives, and no artificial dyes.  I realized that this brand is not particularly allergy friendly. Finally, I tried it, and I’m happy to say this was the best tasting mac and cheese. Overall, it had a great taste. This mac and cheese brand was not the healthiest, so I took away points.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

H.E.B. Cheddar Mac and Cheese (low sodium)

Cost:  $1.50 for a 14 0z box

Health Information: 1.5 grams of fat and 7 grams of sugar. 

HEB Mac and Cheese does not use yellow #5 and yellow #6, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This mac and cheese also uses real cheese, but it is not allergy friendly. The taste of this brand was not too bad. I would say it’s not as good as Kraft, but not as bad as Annie’s. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommendation

As for convenience, all the brands took about 30 or fewer minutes to prepare. Even though they all were very close, Kraft was the winner. If you want a more healthy option, I would go for Annie’s; but if you want the best tasting one, I would go for Kraft.