What is the cleanest brand of mac and cheese? A nutritional deep dive

October 4, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2025 ranking, some boxed mac and cheese options are significantly less processed than others, scoring as high as 100 for processing levels in certain brands. Discovering what is the cleanest brand of mac and cheese involves a closer look at ingredients and nutritional information, moving beyond just the classic blue box.

Quick Summary

This guide compares top-rated mac and cheese brands based on their ingredients, nutritional profile, and level of processing. Learn what makes a mac and cheese 'clean' and which brands offer healthier, higher-quality alternatives to traditional options, including organic, high-protein, and clean label choices.

Key Points

Cleanest is subjective: The definition of 'clean' depends on priorities such as organic ingredients, level of processing, and nutrient-dense additions like protein and fiber.
Look for real, organic ingredients: Brands like Annie's use organic pasta and real cheese, avoiding artificial colors and flavors for a cleaner profile.
Consider alternative pastas: Banza and Goodles use chickpea or blended protein pastas to boost fiber and protein content, making the meal more filling and nutritious.
Goodles leads in added nutrients: Goodles packs its product with extra fiber, protein, and plant nutrients, and has earned the Clean Label Project's Purity Award for its ingredient quality.
Supplement your mac and cheese: To increase nutritional value, add lean protein or vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach to any boxed mac and cheese.

What 'Clean' Means for Boxed Mac and Cheese

Before pinpointing the "cleanest" mac and cheese brand, it is important to define what that means in a nutrition context. The term "clean eating" typically refers to consuming whole, minimally processed foods, and for boxed mac and cheese, that translates to a few key factors. The cleanest options generally offer:

Minimal and recognizable ingredients: Products with a short ingredient list that you can easily pronounce and recognize are preferred. This means avoiding a long list of artificial flavors, synthetic colors, and chemical preservatives.
Organic sourcing: Many clean brands use organic pasta and cheese from cows not treated with synthetic hormones like rBST. Organic farming also avoids the use of persistent pesticides.
Nutrient-dense additions: Some modern brands boost the nutritional value by incorporating alternative pastas made from chickpeas or lentils, which significantly increases protein and fiber content.
Less processing: A product's processing level is a major indicator of its "cleanliness." Third-party organizations like the Clean Label Project evaluate brands based on their ingredient quality and lack of environmental contaminants.

Top Contenders for the Cleanest Mac and Cheese

Annie's Homegrown: The Organic Staple

Annie's has long been a go-to for families looking for a step up from the conventional blue box. The brand's products are known for using real, organic cheese and organic pasta, and they explicitly state having no artificial flavors or synthetic colors. Their “Bunny of Approval” logo is a familiar sight on grocery store shelves, and they offer a wide range of options, including classic cheddar, white cheddar, and gluten-free versions. While Annie's provides a cleaner ingredient list than many mainstream brands, some taste testers find the flavor less intense or the texture less creamy than traditional options, often requiring a little extra butter or milk to get the desired consistency. For those prioritizing organic dairy and a straightforward ingredient panel, Annie's remains a reliable choice.

Banza: The High-Protein, Gluten-Free Option

Banza changed the game by creating pasta from chickpeas, transforming a typically high-carb dish into a powerhouse of protein and fiber. This makes Banza an excellent choice for those seeking a more nutrient-dense meal or a gluten-free option. In fact, one analysis found that Banza's mac and cheese had the most well-rounded nutrient profile of the brands compared, with significantly higher fiber and protein and lower calories and fat than many competitors. The chickpea pasta can have a firmer, nuttier texture and may cook faster than traditional wheat pasta, so it is important to follow cooking instructions carefully to avoid mushiness. Banza is a top pick for anyone prioritizing macronutrient content and gluten-free living.

Goodles: The Functional Food

Goodles is a newer and highly-touted brand that focuses on adding extra nutrients to its mac and cheese. The brand is known for incorporating a host of plant-based nutrients extracted from sources like kale, spinach, and broccoli. Goodles pasta is a blend of wheat flour, chickpea protein, and wheat protein, delivering an impressive amount of protein and fiber. Goodles has also earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award, highlighting its commitment to high-quality, clean ingredients and minimal processing. For those who want the nostalgic taste of classic mac and cheese but with a significant nutritional upgrade, Goodles is a standout contender.

Comparing the Cleanest Mac and Cheese Brands


Feature	Annie's Homegrown	Banza	Goodles
Key Differentiator	Organic & natural ingredients, no artificial colors or flavors.	High protein and fiber from chickpea pasta.	Added nutrients from plants, Clean Label certified.
Pasta Type	Organic wheat pasta.	Chickpea-based pasta, gluten-free.	Wheat flour, chickpea protein, and wheat protein blend.
Cheese Source	Real organic cheddar from cows not treated with rBST.	Real cheese blend (some vegan options use plant-based alternatives).	Real cheese blend (also has vegan options).
Nutritional Perks	Less sodium than mainstream competitors.	Significantly higher protein and fiber; gluten-free.	Highest fiber and protein content, plus added plant nutrients.
Taste Profile	More subtle, authentic cheese flavor compared to Kraft.	Nutty flavor and firmer texture due to chickpea base.	Creamy, cheesy flavor that tastes closer to traditional mac.
Processing Level	Moderately processed.	Lightly processed.	Lightly processed, Clean Label Purity Award winner.

How to Choose the Right Mac and Cheese for You

With a variety of cleaner options available, finding the right one depends on your priorities:

For the traditionalist: If you want a taste and texture similar to classic mac but with better ingredients, Annie's is a great starting point. Its organic nature provides peace of mind without a drastic flavor change.
For the nutrition booster: Banza is the clear winner for those focused on increasing protein and fiber, or for those who require a gluten-free meal. The nutritional benefits are undeniable.
For the best of both worlds: Goodles excels at combining a satisfying, familiar taste with a nutrient-packed profile. The added plant nutrients and high fiber make it a functional food disguised as a delicious comfort meal.

Simple ways to upgrade your boxed mac

Even the cleanest boxed mac and cheese can be enhanced. For a more balanced, homemade-style meal, consider these simple additions:

Add vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, frozen peas, or a handful of fresh spinach for added vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Boost with protein: Mix in drained, canned tuna or chicken, or vegetarian options like chickpeas, to make it a more substantial and satisfying meal.
Use better dairy: Instead of standard milk and butter, try using Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a higher-quality milk for a creamier texture and extra protein.

Conclusion: Clean Eating in a Box

While no boxed mac and cheese will ever be as truly "clean" as a homemade version from scratch, modern brands have made significant strides in offering healthier, more transparent options. The title for what is the cleanest brand of mac and cheese is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but depends on what you value most in your diet. For those seeking a classic organic flavor, Annie's is a top pick. If maximizing protein and fiber is the goal, Banza is the clear choice. And for those who want added plant nutrients and a high-quality, lightly processed product, Goodles is the award-winning brand to beat. By reading labels and understanding what to look for, you can enjoy this beloved comfort food in a way that better aligns with your nutritional goals.

For more information on reading and understanding food labels, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide to nutrition facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic mac and cheese, like Annie's, is generally considered healthier due to the use of organic ingredients and the absence of artificial flavors, synthetic colors, and certain preservatives. While it is still a processed food, it contains fewer additives than many traditional options.

A 'clean label' refers to a product with a short, recognizable ingredient list, free from artificial additives. Goodles is a brand recognized for its clean label, having won the Clean Label Project Purity Award.

Brands like Banza that use chickpea pasta offer significantly more protein and fiber than traditional wheat pasta versions. This can make the meal more balanced and filling, and it is also a good gluten-free option.

To make boxed mac and cheese more nutritious, you can add frozen peas or steamed broccoli during cooking, stir in a handful of spinach, or mix in some lean protein like canned tuna or chicken.

Sodium content varies widely among mac and cheese brands. For example, Annie's frozen mac and cheese has lower sodium than competitors, while a standard Kraft box is often higher. Always compare nutrition labels to find an option that fits your dietary needs.

The artificial colors used in classic mac and cheese have been approved for safety, though some parents prefer to avoid them. Many brands, including Kraft's Original in Canada, now use natural colorants like paprika and turmeric instead. It is a personal preference based on ingredient philosophy.

The Clean Label Project Purity Award, as received by Goodles, signifies that a product has been tested for a range of contaminants and artificial ingredients. It indicates a brand's commitment to using higher-quality, cleaner ingredients.