Annie's Homegrown Shells & White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, 6-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12)

Tasty...a better bargain than at the store....although the recipe is not quite as forgiving, I've found. I usually don't measure the milk in other mac/cheese..it's just a little creamier. This one gets watery quickly with too much milk and the cheese doesn't dissolve very well. The flavor is great though, and I won't be buying Kraft again anytime soon.

Let's not kid ourselves - this ISN'T healthy food. We all know that, and we don't make Mac and Cheese because we think it's healthy. We make it because it's a nice, tummy-filling comfort food. It's time for some facts, Jack. Comparing the 7 oz box of Annie's to the 7.25 oz box of Kraft, you'll find there's not much difference. Where there is a difference, Annie's does not come out on top often. These numbers are per serving for the mix, not prepared (adding milk and/or butter):

Calories - Kraft 260... Annie's 270
Total fat - Kraft 2.5g... Annie's 4.5g
Saturated fat - Kraft 1g... Annie's 2.5g
Sodium - Kraft 580mg... Annie's 550mg
Total Carbs - Kraft 49g... Annie's 48g
Protein - Kraft 9g... Annie's 10g

They have the same Cholesterol (10mg) and the same Trans Fat (0) and Kraft has twice the Calcium (20% RDA to Annie's 10% RDA) and more Iron (10% RDA to Annie's 6% RDA), although Annie's has 2% RDA of Vitamin A to Kraft's 0. Annie's gets away with claiming their prepared product has fewer calories and less fat by suggesting you NOT add butter - you could easily do the same with Kraft. (I make it with butter, myself, and don't use milk at all with either one because I don't like it water-y.)

Beyond the facts, there's the matter of taste. To me, Annie's is bland. That actually makes it an okay side dish, just not much of a meal. It's not horrible, it's just boring. Annie's powder is a little clumpy - I assume this is the oil in the cheese - and I suggest you follow the actual directions or you'll end up with clumps of cheese.

If you're a diehard macaroni and cheese fan, Annie's doesn't quite cut it. If you're looking for a healthy mac and cheese, make it from scratch and by-pass ALL the brands (it won't be healthy, but it's closer!). If you just want something different, Annie's is okay. Little ones will enjoy Annie's, no matter what. The shells are fun and different and when they're little, fun and different is important!

the macaroni itself was good - however the cheese mix was a little fake tasting and a little watery. overall a good product, though.

My family loves this mac and cheese. It's a nice change from 'orange' and they like the shell-shaped pasta. I bought it because it's 'totally natural' but the taste is great and keeps us coming back!

White cheddar makes all the difference. Very tasty and quick to make. I use soy milk and Smart Balance and it tastes just great.