In the world of quick and easy comfort food, mac and cheese reigns supreme. We put three popular brands to the test: Kraft, Annie's, and Goodles, comparing their taste, nutrition, and value.
Taste:
When it comes to flavor, Goodles and Annie's are in a league of their own, offering a rich, cheesy taste with a hint of sharpness, especially in Goodles. Both brands cooked up al dente, giving them a superior texture to Kraft's softer noodles. Kraft, on the other hand, fell short with a more cream-like sauce that lacked the cheesy punch we were looking for.
Nutrition:
Health-wise, Goodles and Annie's leave Kraft in the dust. Both boast a lower calorie count of 280 compared to Kraft's 440, and significantly less saturated fat and sodium. While Annie's slightly edges out with 140mg less sodium, Goodles packs a protein punch with 6 more grams and a variety of vitamins from its special noodles.
Value:
Price-wise, Kraft is the most wallet-friendly at around $1 per box, followed by Annie's at $2, and Goodles at $3. While Goodles is the priciest, its superior taste and nutritional benefits make it worth the splurge.
Verdict:
If you're looking for a balance of taste, nutrition, and value, Goodles is our top pick, followed closely by Annie's. Kraft, while easy on the budget, doesn't quite measure up in the flavor and health departments.