5 Best Healthy Boxed Mac and Cheese Options 2024

It’s no secret that some macaroni and cheese dishes aren't exactly nutritious. But for those of you who adore this beloved comfort food, I’ve got good news: More and more pre-made mac and cheese options are cropping up in stores. Read on for a list of my favorite better-for-you mac and cheese options.

First things first

Healthy tip: To punch up the nutrient profile of boxed mac and cheese, add in a handful of spinach or kale, or any leftover veggies like roasted red peppers, mushrooms and zucchini.

For reference: Kraft Original Mac & Cheese

• Per cup: 250 calories, 49 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, 9 grams sugar, 9 grams protein
• ingredients include white pasta (wheat flour, durum flour), cheese sauce mix (whey, milkfat, salt, milk protein concentrate), calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate

Best picks for healthy mac and cheese

Banza Mac & Cheese made with chickpea pasta | Gluten-free

• Made with chickpea pasta & real cheese
• More than 2x more fiber and 66% more protein than Kraft mac & cheese
• Per cup: 260 calories, 38 grams carbs, 5 grams fiber, 4 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 15 grams protein

Banza Plant-Based Mac & Cheese made with chickpea pasta | Gluten-free, Vegan

• Made with chickpea pasta & vegan cheese [including nutritional yeast, coconut oil, parsnip]
• 3x more fiber and 33% more protein than Kraft mac & cheese
• Per cup: 210 calories, 38 grams carbs, 6 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 12 grams protein

Banza Mac & Cheese Microwaveable Bowls | Gluten-free

• Pasta blend of white flour, chickpea protein, wheat protein and vegetable nutrient extracts; real cheddar
• More fiber, more protein
• Per serving (slightly less than 1 cup): 210 calories, 33 grams carbs, 4 grams fiber, 4 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 12 grams protein

Goodles Cheddy Mac

• Pasta blend of white flour, chickpea protein, wheat protein and vegetable nutrient extracts; real cheddar
• More than 3x more fiber and 55% more protein than Kraft mac & cheese
• Per cup: 260 calories, 47 grams carbs, 7 grams fiber, 6 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 14 grams protein

Goodles Gluten Free Cheddy Mac | Gluten-free

• Pasta blend of corn, brown rice, chickpeas, wheat protein and vegetable nutrient extracts; real cheddar
• 2x more fiber and 50% more protein than Kraft mac & cheese
• Per cup: 330 calories, 57 grams carbs, 4 grams fiber, 6 grams sugar, 13 grams protein

Editor’s note: Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian + nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Molly’s articles + TV segments at www.mollykimball.com, and sign up for Eat Fit Wellness Bites weekly newsletter, here