Boxed Macaroni And Cheese, Ranked From Worst To Best - Tasting Table

"Take a stroll down the macaroni and cheese aisle of your favorite grocery store, and one thing is clear - the boxed marriage of noodles and cheese isn't just for kids. Sure, the classic macaroni in orange-tinted sauce is still widely available, but there are varying noodle shapes and sizes, and cheese sauces that are spicy, smoky, and extra sharp."

"I sampled 16 nationally available boxed macaroni and cheese brands and ranked them from worst to best. When possible, I chose the classic combination of noodles and cheddar cheese sauce. And while the terms macaroni and mac are emblazoned on all labels, some of the brands feature shells, spirals, and other twisty noodles. I judged each brand on the flavor and consistency of the sauce and the texture of the noodles."

"If you're a fan of Cheetos snacks, you'll probably love this macaroni and cheese. The cheese sauce looks and smells exactly like the crunchy corn snack - it's extraordinarily orange and has a bold cheese flavor. The box says it's made with "authentic Cheetos cheesiness," so I suppose the label doesn't lie. Of all the brands I tested, this was the only one with MSG and artificial coloring, namely Yellow 6."

Sixteen nationally available boxed macaroni and cheese brands were sampled and ranked based on sauce flavor and consistency and noodle texture. When possible, the classic pairing of noodles and cheddar cheese sauce was used. Boxed offerings vary in noodle shapes from macaroni to shells and spirals, and in cheese flavor profiles from mild to spicy, smoky, and extra sharp. The Cheetos-branded variety reproduces the snack’s bold, extraordinarily orange cheesiness and is the only tested product with MSG and Yellow 6. Its sauce behaved thin when prepared per package directions but thickened on standing, and the spiral pasta held its shape.

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