How many calories are in 1 box of Kraft mac and cheese?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Verywell Fit, a standard 7.25-ounce box of Kraft original mac and cheese contains approximately 1,050 calories when prepared with the recommended amount of margarine and milk. This figure can vary based on your specific preparation method, but answers the question of how many calories are in 1 box of Kraft mac and cheese.

Quick Summary

A standard box of Kraft original mac and cheese contains about 1,050 calories when prepared as directed, though this can be altered by modifying the amount of butter and type of milk used. The nutritional impact and total calorie count of the meal depend heavily on these preparation choices.

Key Points

1,050 Calories: A standard 7.25-ounce box of Kraft original mac and cheese contains approximately 1,050 calories when prepared as per the package instructions using milk and margarine.
Preparation Affects Calories: The final calorie count depends on the type and amount of milk and butter/margarine used; substituting ingredients can raise or lower the total.
High in Fat and Sodium: Beyond calories, the prepared dish is high in both fat and sodium, making portion control important for a balanced diet.
Not a Balanced Meal: A full box represents a large portion of a person's daily recommended calorie intake, and lacks the nutritional completeness of a balanced meal.
Portion Control is Key: Health experts suggest enjoying mac and cheese in moderation, recommending a serving size of around 1 cup rather than consuming the entire box.

Calculating the Calorie Count of a Full Box

Determining the exact calorie count of an entire box of Kraft mac and cheese isn't as simple as reading the "calories per serving" line on the box. The total number is heavily dependent on the ingredients you add during preparation. The standard 7.25-ounce box of Kraft original mac and cheese is typically marked as having three servings. Each prepared serving is listed as containing 350 calories, for a total of 1,050 calories for the entire box. This calculation assumes you follow the recipe's instructions, which call for the addition of margarine and milk. Changing the type or amount of these ingredients will directly impact the final nutritional profile.

Factors That Affect Calorie Count

When you prepare your mac and cheese, the choices you make have a significant impact on the final calorie total. Here are a few ways your preparation can change the numbers:

Type of milk: The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of reduced-fat milk. Using a different type, such as whole milk, will increase the calorie and fat content. On the other hand, substituting for non-fat milk can reduce both.
Amount of butter or margarine: The standard recipe suggests using 4 tablespoons of margarine. Using less will lower the overall fat and calorie count, while opting for butter, which is slightly more calorically dense per tablespoon, will increase it.
Extra ingredients: Adding in meat like hot dogs, shredded chicken, or bacon bits, or topping with extra cheese or breadcrumbs will all increase the final calorie count. Even adding vegetables can add a small number of extra calories, though it also boosts the dish's nutritional value.

Nutritional Breakdown of Kraft Original Mac and Cheese (7.25 oz box)

To provide a clearer picture, let's break down the nutritional facts for a box prepared as directed. These figures are based on a one-cup serving, which is typically one-third of the box:

Calories: 350
Fat: 11 grams
Sodium: A standard serving can be quite high in sodium, contributing significantly to your daily intake.
Carbohydrates: This is a carb-heavy meal due to the enriched pasta.
Protein: Each serving provides a moderate amount of protein.

Comparison Table: Kraft vs. Other Options

To put the calorie count in perspective, here is a comparison of prepared Kraft mac and cheese with a few other options:


Mac and Cheese Type	Calories (per cup)	Fat (grams)	Sodium (mg)
Kraft Original	350	11	~669
Velveeta	310	9	869
Annie's Homegrown	360	4	720
Homemade	506	24	837
Daiya (dairy-free)	300	9	580

Is Eating a Whole Box Healthy?

Given that a single box can contain over 1,000 calories, consuming the entire box in one sitting represents a significant portion of a typical person's daily calorie recommendation. The recommended daily intake for adults is generally around 2,000 to 2,500 calories, depending on age, sex, and activity level. Eating the entire box could represent nearly half of your caloric needs, without providing a balanced nutritional profile, as it is high in refined carbohydrates, fat, and sodium.

Furthermore, processed foods like boxed mac and cheese can be less nutritious than their homemade counterparts. While it's perfectly fine to enjoy boxed mac and cheese as an occasional treat, relying on it as a dietary staple could contribute to health concerns due to its lack of nutritional variety. Incorporating vegetables or lean protein can help make it a more balanced and complete meal when you do choose to indulge.

For those concerned about processed food additives, it's worth noting that some studies have found phthalates in cheese products, including the powders used in boxed mac and cheese. These chemicals, used to soften plastics, can migrate into food during manufacturing. For more information on this research and alternatives, reputable sources like The New York Times have covered the topic in depth.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in 1 box of Kraft mac and cheese? The answer is around 1,050 calories when prepared with the recommended ingredients. While this comfort food is an easy and satisfying meal, its high calorie, fat, and sodium content means it is best enjoyed in moderation. By being mindful of your portion size and experimenting with healthier preparation methods, you can enjoy this classic dish without derailing your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not inherently "bad" as an occasional treat, eating an entire box of mac and cheese, which contains over 1,000 calories, is not recommended as a regular meal. It is very high in calories, fat, and sodium and lacks the nutritional balance of a full, healthy meal.

Using butter instead of margarine can slightly increase the calorie count. One tablespoon of butter has approximately 100 calories, while one tablespoon of margarine has about 81 calories. Since the recipe calls for four tablespoons, this can add an extra 76 calories to the total.

The calories of the dry mix alone are lower than the prepared dish. For a standard box, the dry mix is around 750 calories, with each serving being about 250 calories. The added milk and butter/margarine increase the final count.

To make it healthier, use less margarine or substitute it with a smaller amount of heart-healthy oil, use non-fat milk, and mix in nutritious additions like steamed broccoli, peas, or lean protein like shredded chicken.

Yes, adding milk significantly affects the final calorie count. The type of milk matters; for example, using 2% reduced-fat milk adds 31 calories per 1/4 cup, whereas non-fat milk adds 21 calories for the same amount.

The calorie count for Kraft Deluxe mac and cheese varies depending on the specific product. Some versions, such as the Original Cheddar, can contain 320 calories per serving as prepared, which may result in a higher total box calorie count than the standard boxed variety.

Homemade mac and cheese often has a higher calorie count than the boxed version. A typical homemade recipe can contain around 506 calories per cup, compared to 350 for prepared Kraft. This is because homemade versions often use richer, more abundant ingredients like full-fat cheese, butter, and cream.