What mac and cheese is dye free? A Guide to Healthier Boxed Options

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Since 2016, a major shift in the food industry has led many popular brands to remove artificial food dyes from their products, and this includes several types of mac and cheese. This guide explores the options available for consumers asking, 'What mac and cheese is dye free?' detailing both store-bought brands and simple homemade recipes.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer dye-free mac and cheese, using natural color alternatives like paprika, annatto, or turmeric, while homemade versions provide complete control over ingredients. Many conventional box meals have replaced artificial dyes with natural ones, while organic and gluten-free lines are also widely available and free of synthetic colors.

Key Points

Many Brands Are Now Dye-Free: Major companies like Kraft and Annie's have removed artificial food dyes from their products in response to consumer demand.
Natural Colorants are Common: Most dye-free mac and cheese products use natural ingredients like annatto, paprika, or turmeric to achieve their yellow or orange color.
Homemade Offers Ultimate Control: Making your own mac and cheese from scratch guarantees a truly dye-free and additive-free meal, with simple recipes available.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Brands like Banza and Goodles offer dye-free options with added nutritional benefits like higher protein and fiber.
Check Labels for Additives: Always read the ingredient list to ensure no hidden artificial additives are present, even in seemingly 'natural' products.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options are Available: Companies now produce dye-free mac and cheese to accommodate various dietary needs, including gluten-free and plant-based versions.

The Shift Towards Natural: Why Dye-Free Matters

For decades, the iconic yellow-orange glow of macaroni and cheese came from artificial food colorings like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. However, growing consumer demand for cleaner labels and concerns over the potential health impacts of synthetic dyes have pushed manufacturers to innovate. Today, many boxed mac and cheese products get their color from natural sources like paprika, annatto extract, and turmeric. This means that finding a dye-free option is easier than ever.

Popular Dye-Free Boxed Mac and Cheese Brands

Several companies now offer products with no artificial dyes. From well-known names to specialty brands, there are options to suit different preferences and dietary needs.

Kraft Heinz: The company has removed artificial dyes from its original macaroni and cheese varieties, replacing them with natural colorings derived from paprika, annatto, and turmeric. They also offer dye-free options in their gluten-free and plant-based lines.
Annie's Homegrown: A long-time favorite in the natural food space, many of Annie's macaroni and cheese varieties are made with organic ingredients and naturally colored with annatto extract or other plant-based pigments. Their White Cheddar shells are also a popular dye-free choice.
Goodles: This brand focuses on creating healthier boxed meals and lists no artificial colors on its ingredient labels. They often boost their products with added protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them a more nutritious option.
Simple Truth Organic (Kroger): This store brand offers an affordable organic mac and cheese that uses simple ingredients and contains no artificial dyes. It's a great option for budget-conscious families looking to avoid synthetic additives.
Aldi and Trader Joe's Store Brands: Both supermarkets carry their own lines of mac and cheese that are often praised by consumers for being dye-free and tasting great. A quick check of the ingredient label will confirm their contents.
Banza: Specializing in chickpea pasta, Banza's mac and cheese is naturally dye-free and offers a significant protein and fiber boost compared to traditional pasta. This is a great choice for those seeking both a dye-free and a more protein-rich meal.

A Deeper Look into Common Natural Dyes

It's important to know what manufacturers use to achieve that familiar yellow-orange hue without artificial additives. The most common natural dyes are:

Annatto: Derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, annatto is one of the most widely used natural food colorings. It provides a natural yellow to deep orange color and has a mild, peppery flavor. Some people may have a sensitivity to it, so it's good to be aware.
Turmeric: The root of the turmeric plant is a common spice and natural colorant. It imparts a brilliant yellow hue and is used in many foods. Turmeric also contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Paprika: Made from ground red peppers, paprika provides a reddish-orange color. In addition to coloring, it adds a mild flavor profile.

Making Homemade Dye-Free Mac and Cheese

For ultimate control over your ingredients, making mac and cheese from scratch is the best option. It allows you to use your choice of cheese and avoid any processed additives entirely.

Ingredients for a basic homemade dye-free sauce:

Uncooked elbow macaroni
Butter
Flour (to make a roux)
Milk or a plant-based alternative
High-quality sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the macaroni according to package directions.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and serve.

You can also add a pinch of turmeric for a more vibrant yellow color if desired, or experiment with adding veggies like pureed butternut squash for color and nutrients.

Comparison of Popular Dye-Free Mac and Cheese Brands

To help you choose the right product for your family, here's a quick comparison of some of the leading dye-free mac and cheese options.


Feature	Kraft Original (Dye-Free)	Annie's Organic Classic Cheddar	Banza Chickpea Shells & Cheddar	Goodles Cheddy Mac	Simple Truth Organic (Kroger)
Dye Source	Paprika, Annatto, Turmeric	Annatto Extract	Natural, Plant-Based	Paprika, Annatto, Turmeric	Annatto Extract
Key Differentiator	Classic flavor with natural color	Organic ingredients and authentic cheese	High protein & fiber, gluten-free	High protein, fiber, prebiotics	Budget-friendly organic option
Gluten-Free Option?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vegan Option?	Yes, Kraft NotMac&Cheese	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Price	Affordable	Higher-end, premium	Higher-end, premium	Higher-end, premium	Very affordable

Tips for Selecting the Best Dye-Free Mac and Cheese

Choosing a dye-free mac and cheese is a great step towards more mindful eating, but there are other factors to consider to ensure you're picking the best option for your needs.

Read the Ingredient List: Always check the ingredient list to understand exactly what is in your food. Even with dye-free options, ingredients can vary. Look for recognizable ingredients and avoid products with excessive additives.
Consider Natural Flavorings: While artificial dyes are often the primary concern, some products use 'natural flavors,' which can be a broad category. If you prefer to avoid all processed flavorings, homemade is your best bet.
Check for Other Allergens: If you have allergies, always double-check the packaging. Even some organic or 'clean' brands may be processed on shared equipment that contains egg or other allergens.
Evaluate Nutritional Content: If health is a primary driver, compare the nutritional information beyond just the dye-free status. Look at protein, fiber, and sodium content. Brands like Banza and Goodles often offer higher nutritional value.
Try a Homemade Recipe: Making mac and cheese from scratch is simpler than you might think and allows for total control. You can use any natural cheese you prefer and even incorporate other vegetables for added nutrition.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Family

Choosing a dye-free mac and cheese is an excellent step towards a cleaner, more conscious diet. Whether you prefer the classic comfort of a trusted brand like Kraft, the organic simplicity of Annie's, or the high-protein punch of Banza or Goodles, a variety of options are available. For those who want complete ingredient control, making mac and cheese from scratch is a rewarding and simple process. By knowing what to look for and exploring both store-bought and homemade options, you can make informed choices that benefit the health and well-being of your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

The original boxed Kraft Mac & Cheese in the United States has been made without artificial dyes since 2016, with natural colorings from paprika, annatto, and turmeric. They also offer dye-free versions in their gluten-free and plant-based lines.

Yes, many of Annie's mac and cheese varieties are dye-free. They often use annatto extract for color and feature organic ingredients, making them a popular choice for those seeking to avoid artificial additives.

Manufacturers typically use natural extracts like annatto (from the achiote seed), paprika (from red peppers), and turmeric (from the turmeric root) to give mac and cheese its golden color without synthetic dyes.

While most organic mac and cheese brands are dye-free, it's always best to check the ingredient list to be certain. Organic products typically avoid synthetic colors, but the specific natural colorant used can vary by brand.

Brands like Banza, made from chickpea pasta, and Goodles, which adds protein and fiber, are excellent high-protein and dye-free choices. They are often found in the natural foods aisle.

Yes, homemade mac and cheese is an easy and delicious dye-free option. You simply need pasta, butter, flour, milk, and real cheese. You can also add natural spices like turmeric for extra color if desired.

To check for artificial dyes, look at the ingredient list on the packaging. Ingredients like 'Yellow 5' or 'Yellow 6' indicate artificial dyes. The presence of natural alternatives like 'annatto extract' or 'paprika' signifies the use of natural colorings.

Flavor is a matter of personal preference, but many people find dye-free mac and cheese to be just as flavorful. The taste comes from the cheese and other seasonings, not the color. Brands like Goodles and Banza are often praised for their rich taste.