What is the Healthiest Brand of Mac and Cheese? A Nutritional Breakdown

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 report, boxed mac and cheese powder may contain phthalates, a group of chemicals linked to health problems. This has led many to question, what is the healthiest brand of mac and cheese? The answer isn't a single brand, but rather a guide to choosing products that prioritize whole ingredients and higher nutritional values.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at popular mac and cheese brands, comparing their nutritional content, ingredients, and processing levels to help you make a more informed choice for a healthier diet. It also includes tips for boosting nutrition at home.

Key Points

Top Contenders: Brands like Goodles and Banza consistently rank among the healthiest due to high protein, fiber, and lower processing.
Prioritize High Protein and Fiber: Look for mac and cheese made with legume-based or whole-grain pasta, which boosts satiety and adds valuable nutrients.
Monitor Sodium Levels: Choose products with 675 mg of sodium or less per serving to make a healthier choice for you and your family.
Opt for Recognizable Ingredients: Brands with a shorter, more natural ingredient list that includes real cheese are often a less-processed, healthier alternative.
Enhance Boxed Mac at Home: Boost the nutrition of any mac and cheese by adding lean protein, vegetables, or Greek yogurt to the mix.
Consider Frozen Options: Some frozen mac and cheese products, like Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli, are considered less processed than powdered mixes.
Avoid Phthalates: Reports suggest that highly processed cheese powders can contain phthalates; choosing brands with real cheese helps mitigate this concern.

Navigating the Mac and Cheese Aisle for Healthier Options

Choosing a healthier mac and cheese isn't just about finding a label that says "organic." It's about looking closely at the ingredients list and nutritional information to determine the quality of the product. The best options often feature real cheese, whole-grain or alternative-based pasta, and minimal additives. These choices offer superior nutritional benefits, such as higher fiber and protein, without sacrificing that beloved comfort food taste.

The Healthiest Mac and Cheese Brands: A Closer Look

Several brands are recognized by dietitians for providing a more nutrient-dense version of mac and cheese. These brands typically offer a significant improvement over conventional options by focusing on high-quality ingredients and balanced nutritional profiles. Instead of the simple refined flour and powdered cheese of older brands, newer and healthier contenders use pasta made from alternative bases like chickpeas or lentils, which significantly boost fiber and protein content.

Brands like Goodles and Banza are often praised for their innovative approach. Goodles utilizes a pasta blend with chickpea protein and vegetables, resulting in a higher protein and fiber count. Banza offers a gluten-free option with its chickpea-based pasta, providing an impressive amount of protein and fiber. Annie's is a long-standing healthier alternative, known for using organic ingredients and avoiding artificial colors and flavors in many of its varieties.

Comparison of Mac and Cheese Brands

When evaluating different mac and cheese products, a direct nutritional comparison is essential. The following table breaks down key nutritional information per prepared serving for several popular brands. Remember that values can vary slightly depending on the specific flavor and preparation method (e.g., amount of butter and milk added).


Brand	Pasta Type	Calories	Protein	Fiber	Sodium	Processing Level
Goodles	Wheat, Chickpea	270	15g	7g	600mg	Lightly
Banza	Chickpea	290	18g	5g	670mg	Lightly
Annie's Organic	Organic Wheat	370	10g	3g	520mg	Moderately
Kraft Original	Enriched Wheat	350	10g	1g	690mg	Ultra Processed
Stouffer's (Frozen)	Wheat	350	15g	2g	920mg	Least Processed (Frozen)

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on flavor and preparation. The data represents average values.

Understanding the Labels: What to Look For

Choosing the healthiest option involves more than just glancing at the front of the box. By understanding what to look for on the label, you can make a more informed decision for yourself and your family.

High Protein and Fiber: Higher protein and fiber content, often found in legume-based pastas like Banza, helps you feel fuller and supports better digestion. Aim for products with at least 4-5 grams of fiber per serving.
Lower Sodium: Many mac and cheese products are high in sodium. Dietitians suggest aiming for options with 675 mg of sodium or less per serving to stay within healthy daily limits.
Recognizable Ingredients: A shorter, more natural ingredient list is often a good indicator of less processing. Look for real cheese listed early in the ingredients, rather than a long list of additives, artificial flavors, or colors.
Whole Grains: If the pasta is wheat-based, look for the word "whole" (e.g., "whole wheat" or "whole grain") on the ingredient list. Whole grains contain more nutrients and fiber compared to refined pasta.

Boosting the Nutrition of Any Mac and Cheese

Even if you aren't able to purchase the absolute healthiest brand, you can easily enhance the nutritional profile of any box. Here are a few simple tips:

Add vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, frozen peas, pureed butternut squash, or a handful of spinach. Vegetables add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Include lean protein: Adding cooked chicken, tuna, or lean ground turkey can transform mac and cheese into a more balanced, complete meal.
Use Greek yogurt: For a creamier texture with an added protein boost and less saturated fat, try swapping some of the butter and milk for a scoop of plain Greek yogurt.
Enhance with spices: Instead of relying on salt for flavor, add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or mustard powder to give your sauce a kick without the high sodium.

Conclusion

While no boxed mac and cheese can replace a whole-foods meal, some brands offer significantly more nutritional value than others. Top contenders like Goodles and Banza lead the way by using alternative, higher-protein pasta, while Annie's remains a solid organic choice. The healthiest brand is ultimately the one that best fits your dietary needs and taste preferences, especially when supplemented with homemade additions like vegetables and lean protein. By reading labels and choosing wisely, you can enjoy this classic comfort food with a lot less guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Goodles and Banza are considered among the least processed, using recognizable ingredients and alternative pastas like chickpeas or lentils. Some frozen options, like Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli, are also noted for being less processed than many powdered mixes.

Banza uses chickpea-based pasta, which significantly increases the protein and fiber content while being gluten-free. It also tends to have a more balanced nutrient profile compared to traditional boxed varieties.

Annie's is often considered a healthier alternative because it uses organic pasta, real cheese, and avoids artificial colors and flavors in many of its products, unlike the original Kraft. The choice depends on your priorities and taste preferences.

You can easily reduce sodium by using only half of the cheese packet included, replacing some of the liquid with low-sodium milk alternatives, and enhancing flavor with sodium-free spices like garlic powder or paprika.

Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. Stir in frozen peas, steamed broccoli, pureed butternut squash, or a handful of spinach right into the pasta for added vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Brands like Daiya and Annie's offer vegan and dairy-free options. The healthiness depends on the ingredients. Some use nut-based sauces and nutritional yeast for flavor, while others rely on highly processed alternatives. Always check the ingredient list to determine nutritional value.

To increase protein, use a high-protein pasta like those from Banza (chickpea) or Modern Table (lentil). You can also add lean protein sources like cooked chicken, tuna, or by mixing in plain Greek yogurt.