13 Mac and Cheese Brands That Taste Better Than Homemade

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that's been loved, requested and recreated for generations and while we can't argue with how delicious homemade macaroni and cheese is, sometimes you don't have the time (or energy) to make it from scratch. That's when boxed mac and cheese comes in handy.

With so many brands on the market, knowing which ones are the best can be hard to narrow down, however. So to help you out, we've compiled a list of the top boxed mac and cheese brands—plus some chef-approved hacks that'll take your dish to the next level.

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Related: 39 Best Mac and Cheese Recipes

What's a good boxed mac and cheese?

The answer to this question is tough because it really depends on your own personal taste. For many people, there's nothing like the nostalgia of the boxed mac and cheese they grew up eating, so it becomes their go-to. Those looking for a healthier option with higher nutritional value may opt for a box of organic mac and cheese or one made from more fiber-rich ingredients. That said, we assembled this list to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and preferences after conferring with food experts and dieticians, so there's something for everyone.

Can you make boxed mac and cheese with just water?

If you're in a pinch, technically, yes. However, as Kate Reeder, RDN, explains, you'll be missing out on that creamy texture that adding milk or butter—per the boxed instructions—gives to the dish. "If you were to omit the milk and butter and only use water, I would recommend using some of the reserved pasta water," she explains. "This will contain some of the starches from the pasta that will help the cheese powder stick to the noodles and result in a creamier sauce." If milk and butter aren't staples in your fridge, opt for one of the boxed options with a cheese sauce rather than a powder. More on that later.

Is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese healthy?

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has cleaned up its ingredient list over the past few decades, eliminating artificial ingredients and food dyes in 2015. While this boxed mac and cheese lacks protein and fiber, Reeder says adding ingredients can help make the meal more nutritious and balanced. "If I want to eat something like boxed mac and cheese, I'll try to think about how I could add some fiber and protein," she says. "Adding veggies like broccoli, and protein like grilled chicken, are tasty options."

How To Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Better

If you want to take your boxed mac and cheese to the next level, here's some expert advice for what to add, plus cooking suggestions.

• Add pasta water for a thicker, creamier sauce. The starches in the pasta water help the sauce to thicken, hold the ingredients together, and adhere to the noodles better," Reeder explains. Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water before draining, then add back in when mixing the cheese packet and other ingredients.

• Use whole milk or heavy cream for a richer flavor. Reeder says that if your boxed mac and cheese calls for milk, using whole milk or heavy cream will make the sauce richer thanks to the higher fat content.

• Add cheese. If that packet of cheese powder isn't cutting it, Reeder recommends adding shredded Gouda cheese since it melts well and is creamy. Mix all ingredients, including the added Gouda, transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs for more gourmet-style mac and cheese. Broil on high until breadcrumbs turn golden brown and enjoy!

• Throw in some veggies. Reeder suggests adding veggies like roasted broccoli, asparagus or peas for a more balanced meal. "If you're feeling adventurous, try adding finely chopped kimchi, which gives a nice crunch and acidity to complement the rich creaminess of the mac and cheese," she suggests.

• Cook it with cream. Boiling the pasta with some milk or cream added helps enhance the flavor. Steele suggests adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the cooking water before adding the pasta for best results.

• Throw on a garnish. "A go-to trick of mine in the kitchen is to add in fresh herbs such as chopped chives at the end of the macaroni cooking process," says Tashman. "You can even top it with freshly grated parmesan."

• Include more protein. Randhawa suggests adding cooked and seasoned chicken, ground beef, bacon, ham, tuna or chopped hot dogs to make boxed mac and cheese even more protein-packed.

• Add some heat. If you like spicy, why not kick your boxed mac and cheese up a notch? Reeder suggests adding hot sauce, chili crunch oil, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for more heat.

Related: 8 Best Mac and Cheese Recipes Ever

12 Best Boxed Mac And Cheese Brands

1. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is the undisputed king of boxed mac and cheese. It's been a staple in pantries for over 80 years and continues to be a go-to for many. The cheese powder creates a creamy and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the elbow macaroni. It's also easy to customize by adding your favorite ingredients, like bacon or veggies. "Nothing beats the classic, original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese," says Reeder. "If I'm craving boxed mac and cheese, I'll choose this one. It's perfectly cheesy, salty and buttery. It's definitely a nostalgic thing for me."

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

2. Annie's Shells & White Cheddar

Annie's Shells & White Cheddar is a favorite among health-conscious consumers. The mac and cheese is made with organic pasta and real cheese, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. The shells are slightly larger than traditional elbow macaroni, which helps hold the creamy sauce. The white cheddar gives the dish a mild yet tangy flavor. "My family's favorite boxed mac and cheese is always Annie's," says Jessica Randhawa, owner and head chef of The Forked Spoon. "I love that it has simple organic ingredients without food coloring and that it has a great base flavor right out of the box."

Annie’s White Cheddar Shells Macaroni & Cheese Dinner with Organic Pasta, Kids Mac & Cheese Dinner, 6 OZ (Pack of 12)

3. Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Known for its delicious restaurant-style cheese, Cracker Barrel's Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese doesn't disappoint. "It feels fancy to me since it uses white cheese instead of the neon orange that we all associate with the Kraft boxed version we all ate in college," explains Lisa Steele, author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook. If you're often short on milk or butter, this option comes with a squeezable cheese pouch for that added richness. This boxed mac and cheese also contains no dyes or artificial flavors.

Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese, Sharp Cheddar (PACK OF 3)

4. Banza Chickpea Mac And Cheese

If you're looking for a plant-based mac and cheese, Banza Chickpea Mac and Cheese is healthy and tastes great. The pasta is made with chickpea flour, plus the cheese sauce contains real cheddar cheese, so you're getting the real deal. It's also gluten-free, non-GMO, and has twice the protein and four times the fiber of traditional mac and cheese. "If you are looking for a more health-conscious brand that is a bit more unique, I really love Banza," says chef and founder of Churn Foods, Michael Tashman. "I really like the chickpea pasta because it gives you an added boost of fiber and nutrients without compromising the cheesy flavor we all love."

Banza, Chickpea Shell Mac & Aged Cheddar Cheese, 5.5 Ounce

5. Great Value Macaroni & Cheese

Great Value Macaroni & Cheese, Walmart's store brand of mac and cheese, is surprisingly delicious and extremely budget-friendly. The cheese sauce is made with real cheese and has a thick, creamy texture. Are you craving mac and cheese in a hurry? The elbow macaroni is slightly smaller than traditional elbow macaroni, which helps it cook faster. If you're looking for a tasty option at an affordable price, this box of mac and cheese delivers.

Great Value Original Macaroni & Cheese, 7.25 ounces, 6 pack

6. Wacky Mac Macaroni & Cheese

This playful boxed mac and cheese features fun pasta in four wacky shapes and a creamy cheese sauce made with real cheese. Wacky Mac is made with real cheese and without preservatives. A perfect pick for parents who want a natural and playful mac and cheese for their kids—or adults who want to have some fun with their food.

Wacky Mac Macaroni & Cheese, 5.5 Oz,Pack of 24

7. Trader Joe's Organic Shells & White Cheddar

Trader Joe's Organic Shells & White Cheddar is another healthier mac and cheese option made from organic wheat flour. The bold, cheesy flavor comes from the real white cheddar used to make the cheese sauce. The shells are slightly larger than traditional elbow macaroni, which helps hold the sauce.

Trader Joe's Organic Shells & White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese 6oz, 6 Pack

Related: Best Sheet-Pan Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

8. Velveeta Shells & Cheese

Another household staple, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, is known for its creamy and indulgent sauce. The cheese sauce comes in a pouch instead of a powder, which gives it a more authentic cheese flavor—plus, it doesn't call for butter or milk. It's a solid choice for those who favor shell pasta over the traditional elbow shape.

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

9. Daiya Deluxe Mac & Cheez

Are you in the market for a dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan boxed mac and cheese? Daiya Deluxe Mac & Cheez checks all the boxes. The pasta is made with gluten-free brown rice and the "cheeze" sauce contains a signature blend of coconut oil, tapioca starch and pea protein. It's tough to nail the cheesy consistency without dairy, but Daiya delivers on taste and texture.

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

10. Cheetos Bold And Cheesy Mac 'N Cheese

What do you get when you combine the ultimate cheesy snack with your all-time favorite comfort food? Cheetos Bold and Cheesy Mac 'N Cheese taste exactly how you'd imagine. Somehow, this boxed mac and cheese captures all the cheesy, yeasty goodness of the puffed snack in pasta format. The spiral pasta shape even feels like a nod to the Cheeto itself.

Cheetos Mac'n Cheese - Bold & Cheesy Flavor (Pack of 4)

11. Goodles Cheddy Mac

Goodles Cheddy Mac nails the taste and look of nostalgic boxed mac and cheese but with a ton of health benefits. Packed with a whopping 14 grams of fiber and packed with plant nutrients, this boxed mac and cheese contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or food dyes—just a ton of flavor.

Goodles Cheddy Mac Creamy Cheddar and Macaroni Pasta - Nutrient Packed with Real Cheese, Fiber, Protein, Prebiotics, Plants, & Vegetables | Non-GMO, Organic Ingredients [Cheddy Mac, 6 oz. 1 Pack]

12. 365 by Whole Foods Market Macaroni And Cheese

This revamped recipe from Whole Foods Market hits the spot. 365 by Whole Foods Market Macaroni and Cheese is organic, affordable and tasty. Made with real cheese, the sauce is rich and creamy, with a satisfying and comforting flavor.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Macaroni And Cheese Organic, 6 Ounce

13. Signature Select Macaroni & Cheese

This boxed mac and cheese may look underwhelming but don't judge a boxed mac and cheese by its cover. Signature Select Macaroni & Cheese is a budget-friendly option that tastes extra cheesy and comes out extremely creamy. Made with real cheese, this boxed mac and cheese may easily become your new favorite.

Next: Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe