Frozen mac and cheese ranking: We tried 55 brands to find the absolute best

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings macaroni & Cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Today is National Mac and Cheese Day. Of course, this ever popular comfort food has it’s own special day.

Your “Best of Cleveland” team of Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian is back with another ranking. We combed our local grocery stores and found a whopping 55 different varieties of frozen mac and cheese. Does price make it better? Not always.

One particular brand has three in the top 10, while some other well known blends didn’t do so well.

Kids of all ages and even most adults, are huge fans of this comfort food, although after trying 55 we will be taking a break from it for a while.

We were looking for a cheesy flavor, noodles cooked just right, and a smooth creamy consistency. Our selections ranged in price from $1.19 to $16.49, and we followed the microwave cooking suggestions, with the exception of a few that required we use a conventional oven.

Do our rankings agree with yours? Where did your go-to favorite frozen mac and cheese rank on our list?

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $7.79

Serving size: 2.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 190 | Fat 2.5g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 45mg | Carbs 34g | Protein 7g

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Trader Joe's GF Mac & Cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

First ingredient: Elbow macaroni

Package says: Vegan

Our Thoughts: Clumpy “cheese” that was dry and tasteless. Just wasn’t worth the price. I don’t know anyone I would share this with. Just because it’s “Vegan” doesn’t mean it needs to be awful.

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $5.29

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 420 | Fat 20g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 810mg | Carbs 54g | Protein 7g

First ingredient: Organic rice pasta

Package says: Plant-based. Macaroni and cheese is a favorite comfort food for both children and adults. Unfortunately, many people are not able to tolerate gluten and dairy. After years of recipe testing, we found a delicious, dairy free cheddar-style cheese to go with our tender organic rice pasta. This dish is so tasty that people will no longer have to miss out on their favorite “mac and cheese”.

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Amy’s GF Rice mac & cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Our Thoughts: Cheesy (“cheezy“) but the noodles were way over cooked and soggy even though did not cook for the suggested extra 1-2 minutes after stirring. Slimy, not cheesy. Good for someone with no teeth.

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

365 - Mac & Cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Amy's Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $5.29

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Amy's Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

365 - Plant-Based - Vegan Mac & Cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Calories 450 | Fat 18g | Cholesterol 50mg | Sodium 680mg | Carbs 55g | Protein 19g

First ingredient: Organic macaroni

Package says: Amy loves pasta - and the rest of us do, too. So, Amy’s Kitchen began to search for a great-tasting pasta dish that, like our pot pies, would be easy to prepare and popular with both children and adults. We decided on another traditional favorite, Macaroni and Cheese made with organic macaroni in a smooth cheese sauce. We’re sure you’re going to enjoy this delicious, convenient dish from Amy’s kitchen.

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Michelina's Wheels & Cheese - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Our Thoughts: Greasy cheese sauce that was gritty, bland and boring. The cheese was broken and not smooth. But the noodles were not overcooked on this one. It’s pretty spectacular to nail the pasta but drop everything else.

No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese

No. 55: 365 – Plant-based – Vegan , No. 54: Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze, No. 53: Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese made with Organic Pasta, No. 52: 365 – Mac & Cheese, No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar , No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese, No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese, No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese, No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt , No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower, No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels , No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF , No. 42: Crav’n Flavor, No. 41: Banquet , No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar , No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese, No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese, No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese, No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides, No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy, No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake, No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese , No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl, No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free , No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese, No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda , No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle , No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style, No. 21: Boston Market, No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl, No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon, No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese, No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese, No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style , No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese, No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese, No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo , No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes, No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken , No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese, No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese, No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken, No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

National mac and cheese Day 2025: Best frozen macaroni and cheese, ranked - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $7.49

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 250 | Fat 7g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 520mg | Carbs 38g | Protein 10g

First ingredient: Elbow macaroni

Package says: Elbow pasta with cheese.

Our Thoughts: Dry, bland and boring. No flavor. It wasn’t cheesy or creamy. Pass, not worth the price.

No. 51: Amy’s GF Organic Rice Pasta - Rice Mac and Cheese

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $6.39

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 460 | Fat 18g | Cholesterol 55mg | Sodium 730mg | Carbs 59g | Protein 16g

First ingredient: Organic rice pasta

Package says: Amy loves our Mac & Cheese, but some of her friends, like many of Amy’s customers, are not able to eat it because they are gluten intolerant. So, we decided to create a dish that does not include any wheat and searched until we found a macaroni-style pasta made from organic rice. Then we covered the tender rice pasta with the same smooth cheese sauce that has made our Mac & Cheese so popular and came up with this great-tasting dish for all our customers to eat and enjoy.

Our Thoughts: Soggy noodles, cheese was gritty and it is in desperate need of some flavor. Also did not cook the extra minutes suggested… thank goodness. You can do far better than this.

No. 50: Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Vermont White Cheddar

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.00

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 270 | Fat 7g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 790mg | Carbs 35g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Cooked pasta

Package says: Pasta in a Vermont white cheddar cheese sauce. 22% daily value of protein. Kick your dish up a notch with 17g of protein and crave-worthy taste.

Our Thoughts: Slimy, not creamy and salty. Yuck, didn’t have any desire to go back for a second bite. Not appetizing. Eat a protein bar instead if you are looking for protein. Pete wanted to love this one, but couldn’t.

No. 49: Trader Joe’s GF Mac & Cheese

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $3.69

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 300 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 30mg | Sodium 600mg | Carbs 41g | Protein 11g

First ingredient: Cooked rotini pasta

Package says: 4 cheese blend of cheddar, Swiss, Havarti & gouda.

Our Thoughts: Gummy, like glue, for your wallpaper? It was cheesy flavored but just lackluster. Pete: “A mushy, squishy bowl of texture and skill issues.”

No. 48: Lean Cuisine - Comfort Cravings - Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.00

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 270 | Fat 5g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 750mg | Carbs 44g | Protein 13g

First ingredient: Cooked pasta

Package says: Pasta in a cheddar cheese sauce. 0g of added sugar. Crave worthy comfort foods. Always lean, always delicious.

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Looks very cheesy but didn’t follow through on cheesy taste. The noodles were soggy, and the dish was boring. This definitely, didn’t leave me “craving” for more. Pass.” Pete: “What she said.”

No. 47: Michelina’s Wheels & Cheese

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $1.19

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 280 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 730mg | Carbs 36g | Protein 8g

First ingredient: Enriched macaroni product

Package says: Made with 100% real cheese.

Our Thoughts: Same as the other by this brand: orange, salty and the noodles were soggy. Lacking flavor and “real cheese taste.” But the shapes were different, which is something kids may enjoy. Pete: “This kid did not.”

No. 46: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $2.49

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 270 | Fat 6g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 540mg | Carbs 40g | Protein 15g

First ingredient: Cooked elbow macaroni

Package says: 65% less fat & 25% fewer calories than our regular mac & cheese.

Our Thoughts: Dry, bland and soggy noodles. Give me the calories. There was little to get excited about here, across the board.

No. 45: Amy’s Bowls Mac & 3 cheese with cauliflower

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $5.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 430 | Fat 22g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 730mg | Carbs 42g | Protein 16g

First ingredient: Organic rice pasta

Package says: Made with organic cauliflower. Comfort meals are one of our specialties, and our chefs have captured all the warmth of home with this creamy pasta dish. Enjoy tender organic cauliflower with its subtle nutty flavor tossed with gluten free rice pasta that’s cooked to perfection. Blanketed in Amy’s smooth signature 3-cheese sauce, made with just the right blend of aged white cheddar, Monterey jack and parmesan cheeses, this dish will feel like home.

Our Thoughts: Smells like cauliflower. The coating on top added a nice texture but a bit on the salty side. A drier mac & cheese without cheesy texture and smoothness. The noodles were cooked well. A good healthier alternative, said Yadi. Pete: “It’s already hard enough to eat this many samples of anything, but this almost pushed me into aversion territory. Cauliflower should not be substituting for starch. I said what I said.”

No. 44: Kidfresh Wagon Wheels

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $5.29

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 310 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 30mg | Sodium 430mg | Carbs 41g | Protein 12g

First ingredient: Pasta

Package says: Pasta with cheddar cheese and pureed carrots. Hidden veggies. No artificial flavors or ingredients. A fresh take on foods kids love.

Our Thoughts: Not very creamy but cheesy. Couldn’t tell there are veggies in it as you can’t taste them. Love the wheel shape. This may be for kids but not the adults in us. Lacked flavor. Mid at best.

No. 43: Beecher’s - Handmade Cheese GF

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $16.49

Serving size: 2.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 420 | Fat 22g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 580mg | Carbs 41g | Protein 16g

First ingredient: GF Penne Pasta

Package says: “World’s Best” Savor the richness of gluten-free [penne folded with our award-winning Flagship cheese - a dish our customers call the “World’s Best!” Trusted deliciousness since 2003. Vegetarian

Our Thoughts: Very cheesy. Good taste and flavor. Creamy and smooth. Decent and slightly above average. Pete: “While I’m not inclined to like penne as the shape of mac, I will allow it. Not bad.”

No. 42: Crav’n Flavor

Where we bought it: Acme

Price: $8.49

Serving size: 3.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 280 | Fat 7g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 970mg | Carbs 42g | Protein 13g

First ingredient: Water

Package says: Classic elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. No artificial flavors or certified synthetic colors. Made with real cheese. Kids of all ages adore the comforting contentment of creamy cheddar cheese and tender macaroni. When you need a family meal in minutes, this delectable classic is the ideal option. It’s easy-peasy cheesy. It’s serious satisfaction.

Our Thoughts: Cheesy but not a smooth cheese. It was also very orange-y looking. The cheese tasted gritty and processed, though you do get a lot of it. Disappointing.

No. 41: Banquet

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $2.00

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 320 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 10mg | Sodium 1050mg | Carbs 49g | Protein 10g

First ingredient: Water

Package says: Rich cheese sauce with macaroni. Made with real cheese. For over 60 years, Banquet has been making delicious meals the whole family loves. So, it’s no surprise that these meals are perfect for anyone to enjoy any time. Try our Mac and Cheese meal featuring macaroni noodles smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

Our Thoughts: The sauce hardened very quickly, which shouldn’t happen. Cheesy but minimally so; noodles a little too soft. Just average.

No. 40: Kraft - Deluxe Original Cheddar Homestyle Rich & Creamy

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $3.79

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 600 | Fat 27g | Cholesterol 65mg | Sodium 1070mg | Carbs 63g | Protein 25g

First ingredient: Cheese sauce

Package says: Topped with real cheddar cheese. No artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes.

Our Thoughts: Very cheesy and runny but it did harden up some as it sat. Bland. Just tasted processed. A tad salty. The box version tastes better. Pete: “I find that if I add some chicken to this, it tempers that saltiness. But without it, definitely a little over seasoned.”

No. 39: Marie Callender’s Vermont Cheddar

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $3.33

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 470 | Fat 16g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 1160mg | Carbs 60g | Protein 20g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched pasta

Package says: Pasta smothered in a smooth & creamy Vermont White Cheddar cheese sauce, Made with real cream for our creamiest and cheesiest mac & cheese. Vermont white cheddar combined with aged parmesan.

Our Thoughts: Sauce was very thick… almost like glue. Big noodles cooked well but bland and boring. Breadcrumb topping was seen but undetected. Pete: “I’m not sure the Marie Callender brand recovered from Sharon’s pumpkin pie meme a few years ago... this mac isn’t helping.”

No. 38: Banquet Mega bowls Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $3.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 440 | Fat 15g | Cholesterol 25mg | Sodium 1400mg | Carbs 59g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Cheese sauce

Package says: Sprinkled with melty mozzarella, bacon bits, and green onion. Spiral pasta and smokey cheese sauce

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Very fragrant, decent amount of bacon bits but could use more onions. Big noodles are a little bland but a hearty bowl. I didn’t need to cook the additional recommended time.” Pete: “I find these Devour items all smell better than they taste.”

No. 37: Trader Joe’s Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese Bowl

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $3.49

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 290 | Fat 13g | Cholesterol 35mg | Sodium 750mg | Carbs 30g | Protein 14g

First ingredient: Cooked elbow macaroni

Package says: Mac & cheese with pizza sauce and uncured pepperoni.

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Smelled like pepperoni pizza. It had lots of pepperoni slices and pieces. If pepperoni pizza and mac and cheese had a baby this would be it. If you like both then you may enjoy this one." Pete: “Not too shabby, but also wouldn’t go out of my way to get it. Add pepperoni to your favorite mac.”

No. 36: Michelina’s Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $1.50

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 260 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 730mg | Carbs 31g | Protein 7g

First ingredient: Enriched macaroni product

Package says: Made with 100% real cheese.

Our Thoughts: Very orange. Noodles cooked “OK” but had a processed taste and a tad salty. We wished sauce was thicker with 100% real cheese flavor.

No. 35: Evol. - Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Where we bought it: Lucky’s

Price: $5.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 460 | Fat 25g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 570mg | Carbs 44g | Protein 15g

First ingredient: Tubetti pasta

Package says: Pasta with truffle parmesan cheddar cheese sauce & breadcrumbs. Vegetarian.

Our Thoughts: Oily on the bottom, needs to be stirred up well before eating, just like the other from this brand. The breadcrumbs got lost and the noodles were soggy. It did have a nice simple flavor. Wanted more parmesan and cheddar flavor. Pete: “I think green chile would set this off better than whatever is passing for truffle here.”

No. 34: Bob Evans – Tasteful sides

Where we bought it: Lucky’s

Price: $3.99

Serving size: 2.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 290 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 20mg | Sodium 1130mg | Carbs 37g | Protein 10g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched Pasta

Package says: Farm-fresh goodness. Made with 100% real cheese. Made with real milk. Good source of protein. No artificial preservatives. Made in USA

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Tasted better than it looked. The sauce was broken. Be sure to stir really well before serving. Watery on the bottom and clumpy on the top. The noodles were a bit overdone. Was it tasteful? Not really.” Pete: Bob Evans entrees and sides are pretty serviceable by and large after you stir them."

No. 33: Kraft - Deluxe Four Cheese Homestyle Rich & Creamy

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $3.79

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 570 | Fat 27g | Cholesterol 65mg | Sodium 1080mg | Carbs 57g | Protein 25g

First ingredient: Cheese sauce

Package says: Four cheese - A cheese sauce with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan and Asiago cheese. Rich & Creamy. No artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. Hearty macaroni pasta. Made with creamy cheese sauce. Homestyle comfort made easy.

Our Thoughts: Creamy but watery at the same time. Slight velvety taste. It says four cheese but no distinct flavor. I was expecting more from Kraft. A bit of a let down.

No. 32: Amy’s Bowls – 3 Cheese & Kale Bake

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $5.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 470 | Fat 21g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 780mg | Carbs 53g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Organic rice pasta

Package says: Gluten Free. Amy’s Mac & Cheese is an all-time favorite with kids of all ages. Thinking it would be nice to offer a special version for the more sophisticated foodies among us, Andy asked Steve, our chef in France, to create one. With true genius, Steve adapted his Gratin Dauphinoise with Spinach recipe to suit our needs, using gluten free pasta, three cheeses and organic kale. The result is superb. Kale adds texture, color and tastes delicious. The additional cheeses give an extra flavor boost to our original Mac & Cheese while keeping its smooth comfort-food feel. Here is a dish for grown-ups that kids will probably go for as well.

Our Thoughts: Dried up very quickly. No creamy or cheesiness. There was a lot of kale, you definitely will get some in every bite. The breadcrumbs added some texture, the noodles were good, not soggy. Pete: “Amy’s quality isn’t what it was a few years back. What happened?”

No. 31: Heinen’s Organic Three cheese

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $4.49

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 340 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 25mg | Sodium 700mg | Carbs 46g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: cooked organic macaroni pasta

Package says: Pasta in a cheese sauce blended from mozzarella, aged and cheddar cheeses. Preservative free

Our Thoughts: Same as the other of the same brand, salty and inconsistent cook on the noodles. Peppery as well. Dry and pale. Pass, we expected more.

No. 30: Vital Pursuit Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Bowl

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $4.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 400 | Fat 20g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 840mg | Carbs 34g | Protein 21g

First ingredient: Vermont white cheddar cheese sauce

Package says: High protein. Portion aligned, essential ingredients. With cavatappi protein pasta.

Our Thoughts: Broccoli was a vibrant green color and there was plenty of it in various sizes. Lots of thick sauce… almost too much. Is this a soup? Average.

No. 29: Reser’s Fine Foods Main St. Bistro - Signature Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $4.99

Serving size: 2.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 270 | Fat 12g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 960mg | Carbs 29g | Protein 14g

First ingredient: Cooked macaroni

Package says: With real milk, cheddar cheese & elbow macaroni. No artificial colors or flavors.

Our Thoughts: Creamy but the flavor was very mild. A little watery, not as thick as we’d hoped for. The noodles were also slightly overcooked.

No. 28: Udi’s Gluten Free

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $6.49

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 420 | Fat 24g | Cholesterol 110mg | Sodium 390mg | Carbs 39g | Protein 11g

First ingredient: Cooked gluten free pasta

Package says: This dish is comfort come to life. It’s creamy with a smooth cheese sauce. It’s delicious with gluten free elbow pasta. It’s everything you know and love and even easier to enjoy! So dig in!

Our Thoughts: Very cheesy but gritty. It was slightly sweet. Nacho cheese sauce consistency but the noodles were cooked well. Pete: “I felt like I was eating nachos at the fair... without the nachos.”

No. 27: Stouffer’s Mac-Fulls - Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese Bowl

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $5.69

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 620 | Fat 33g | Cholesterol 80mg | Sodium 1600mg | Carbs 51g | Protein 30g

First ingredient: Cooked pasta

Package says: White cheddar mac & cheese with pepperoni, mozzarella & marinara sauce. Made with 100% real cheese.

Our Thoughts: Their French bread pizza in pasta form. Orange-y, and warning... you really need to mix this one up very well. It’s just OK. It is packed full of pepperoni cubes, if you are a fan of the pizza, you might be a fan of this mac & cheese. Or you might want to concoct your own version.

No. 26: Meijer Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $2.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 440 | Fat 19g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 770mg | Carbs 51g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Cooked macaroni

Package says: Pasta in a real cheddar cheese sauce. Made with real cheese.

Our Thoughts: Thick and creamy sauce. Cheesy. Noodles were slightly overcooked. But decent for a store brand. Pete: “Not sure who is calling the shots at Meijer on their in-store products, but they’ve steadily improved over the last several years... so, shout out to you, product buyer dude(tte).”

No. 25: Evol – Smoked Gouda

Where we bought it: Lucky’s

Price: $6.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 440 | Fat 22g | Cholesterol 105mg | Sodium 500mg | Carbs 46g | Protein 15g

First ingredient: cooked gluten free pasta

Package says: GF pasta, roasted onions & chives with cheddar & smoked gouda sauce. Loving what you eat is all about enjoying bold, elevated flavors and recipes that are crafted, not pretentious. Like this next-level mac & cheese, with caramelized onions and crisp chives in a velvety cheddar and gouda sauce.

Our Thoughts: Very aromatic as it was cooking. Lots of oil on the bottom, so be sure to stir this one up really well before eating. Mild onion and chive flavor and the noodles were on the mushy side, slightly disappointing. Pete: “Liked what they were going for here... if they could lock down the mush factor.”

No. 24: Marie Callender’s White wine & Butter Shrimp Mac & Cheese Bowl

Where we bought it: Acme

Price: $3.34

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 360 | Fat 18g | Cholesterol 105mg | Sodium 880mg | Carbs 36g | Protein 14g

First ingredient: Sauce

Package says: Shrimp over pasta made with a buttery white wine garlic cheese sauce. Succulent premium shrimp with pasta.

Our Thoughts: Sauce was slimy but it did have a nice garlicky taste. It tasted better than in looked. And they were generous with the shrimp which was a big plus. Pete: “Putting seafood in mac is tricky. This didn’t do it for me.”

No. 23: Home Bake - Homestyle

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $6.99

Serving size: 3.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 370 | Fat 16g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 570mg | Carbs 34g | Protein 15g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched macaroni product

Package says: Al dente shell pasta tossed in a gooey cheese sauce and topped with part-skim mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.

Our Thoughts: This is not one you would take to the office for lunch. It had to cook in the oven. It was hard to get it out of the pan, but if you like the crunchy hard edges on a mac & cheese, you’ll enjoy this. Not creamy or gooey, but on the dry side and definitely reminiscent of homemade.

No. 22: Perfect Pasta Inc. - Italian style

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $4.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 600 | Fat 41g | Cholesterol 135mg | Sodium 870mg | Carbs 37g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Water

Package says: Cavatappi pasta in a creamy white cheese sauce with toasted breadcrumbs and chopped bacon.

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “The cook on the noodles was inconsistent. Cheesy but not smooth. The bacon that you tasted was good (could have used a little more). The breadcrumbs got lost in this one. Average. We also baked this one due to the packaging.” Pete: “Definitely felt like the bacon was forced a bit. Cavatappi is less appealing than penne as a mac conduit.”

No. 21: Boston Market

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $4.29

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 320 | Fat 16g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 890mg | Carbs 32g | Protein 12g

First ingredient: Enriched macaroni product

Package says: Cozy up to comfort - reach for the hearty, homestyle goodness of Boston market does. Made to pair with all your favorites, they’re an easy & delicious way to make any meal a feast.

Our Thoughts: Watery. Salty. Processed. Not worth the calories. But the noodles cooked well, not soggy. Pete: “I miss the real Boston Market. Am I allowed to say that? I miss the old seafood nachos at Chi-Chi’s, too... I might have eaten this on a day where I was burning out on my favorite comfort food, so I might give it another go... someday... not today.”

No. 20: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $3.49

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 260 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 30mg | Sodium 430mg | Carbs 31g | Protein 11g

First ingredient: Cooked elbow macaroni

Package says: With roasted chiles from Hatch, New Mexico

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “You could smell the chiles and that was the only taste that you got from this box. It was cheesy but not creamy. It dried very quickly and the noodles had a rubbery texture.” Pete: “I had a feeling about this before I tried it... pretty sure it’s the same as the Aldi-branded one I had earlier this summer... before I signed up for this!”

No. 19: Marie Callender’s Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $3.33

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 590 | Fat 26g | Cholesterol 65mg | Sodium 1610mg | Carbs 63g | Protein 25g

First ingredient: Pasta and cheese sauce

Package says: Premium white meat chicken breaded and fried to perfection. Creamy cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch over cavatappi pasta. Breaded and fried white meat chicken patty strips over cavatappi pasta in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.

Our Thoughts: Smelled like fried chicken. You got three big pieces of chicken, but sadly they were rubbery. It was creamy but not cheesy with just enough sauce. Big noodles but the chicken overpowered the “cheese.” Pete: “I know what they were going for here; maybe I don’t want microwaved fried chicken anything... and that darn cavatappi again. Pfffft.”

No. 18: Devour – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with bacon

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $4.50

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 710 | Fat 38g | Cholesterol 85mg | Sodium 1050mg | Carbs 59g | Protein 32g

First ingredient: cooked enriched macaroni product

Package says: We’ve added a few delicious twists to the classic mac and cheese recipe. First, we begin with a generous portion of spiraled gemelli pasta, then stir through a super creamy sauce of white cheddar with applewood smoked bacon. Craving, beware!

Our Thoughts: Quality control gets a gold star for the amount of bacon in this bowl. While the cheese dried up quickly it still coated the noodles well (stir as soon as you take it out of the microwave). This was the least flavorful though of all of the Devour varieties we tried. Pete: “Didn’t they cross-market with Discovery Channel’s ‘Shark Week’ a couple of years ago? That would distract most people from what we thought about this item.

No. 17: Heinen’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $4.49

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 380 | Fat 15g | Cholesterol 35mg | Sodium 490mg | Carbs 44g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: cooked organic macaroni pasta

Package says: Pasta in a classic cheddar cheese sauce.

Our Thoughts: Potato soup consistency, the sauce was more gravy-like. Thick and it dried up very quickly. This was also extremely salty and he noodles cooked inconsistently. Pete: “Heinen’s. Your kitchen usually rocks. What happened here?”

No. 16: On-Cor Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Acme

Price: $5.49

Serving size: 4

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 190 | Fat 4.5g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 570mg | Carbs 30g | Protein 6g

First ingredient: Cheese sauce

Package says: Made with 100% real cheese.

Our Thoughts: Large noodles and creamy cheese. A little cheesier flavor-wise and it would have scored a lot higher. We did bake this one in the oven. Lots of potential.

No. 15: Zatarain’s Cajun-Style

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $3.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 460 | Fat 20g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 880mg | Carbs 53g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Cooked macaroni pasta

Package says: Macaroni pasta smothered in a creamy cheese sauce seasoned with garlic, red pepper & smoked paprika. Made with Romano & cheddar cheese. A New Orleans tradition since 1889.

Our Thoughts: Orangey in color but very fragrant. I was expecting more flavor, but it did have a slight kick to it. Creamy and worth a second bite. Pete: “I wanted to add smoked sausage to mine. Good stuff.”

No. 14: Specially Selected - Lobster Mac & Cheese

Where we bought it: Aldi

Price: $7.49

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 290 | Fat 10g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 590mg | Carbs 34g | Protein 19g

First ingredient: Cooked pasta

Package says: Premium lobster and cavatappi pasta blended with cheddar, fontina, and asiago cheeses and topped with breadcrumbs.

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Breadcrumbs were lost. Five very small pieces of lobster — very contradictory to the photo on the box. Cheesy but not a smooth creamy cheese. Not as flavorful as it smelled. The noodles were well cooked but I was slightly disappointed, was expecting more.” Pete: “Not quite sure what happened here. Didn’t hate, didn’t love, didn’t stop eating it.”

No. 13: Banquet Mega Bowls Buffalo Style Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese

Where we bought it: Acme

Price: $3.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 480 | Fat 16g | Cholesterol 65mg | Sodium 1510mg | Carbs 57g | Protein 27g

First ingredient: Macaroni and cheese sauce

Package says: Buffalo-style seasoned chicken breast in macaroni with cheddar cheese sauce and mozzarella.

Our Thoughts: You can smell the buffalo chicken right away. Big pieces of chicken and plenty of it. Creamy sauce and flavorful. Had a little kick. I would buy again. Pete: “OK, I guess I can get behind this one...”

No. 12: Beecher’s - Cacio e Pepe - Handmade Cheese

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $7.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 520 | Fat 26g | Cholesterol 80mg | Sodium 920mg | Carbs 48g | Protein 25g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched Penne Rigate

Package says: Vegetarian. A generous blend of three cheeses with cracked peppercorns elevates this Roman classic.

Our Thoughts: Rich, thick sauce. Worth a second bite. Pricey but worth it. True to description, just enough peppercorn. Tasty.

No. 11: Stouffer’s - Ultimate Five Cheese Mac

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $4.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 480 | Fat 29g | Cholesterol 85mg | Sodium 1100mg | Carbs 34g | Protein 24g

First ingredient: Cooked pasta

Package says: Freshly made pasta in a sauce made from cheddar, parmesan, Romano, white cheddar & asiago. Signature blend of 5 cheeses.

Our Thoughts: Blend of cheeses or Velveeta? You definitely need to let this one sit for a minute to harden up some as it is pretty watery as soon as it comes out of the microwave. The noodles were cooked well but we found this to be a bit on the salty side.

No. 10: Luke’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $9.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 490 | Fat 34g | Cholesterol 155mg | Sodium 700mg | Carbs 32g | Protein 17g

First ingredient: Sauce

Package says: Lobster Mac & Cheese with garlic herb breadcrumbs. Homestyle meal.

Our Thoughts: This was really good. It was creamy, garlicky and flavorful. The breadcrumbs added to the dish giving it an extra texture. The lobster pieces were very big. All in all, a solid take on mac and cheese. Just wish there was a little more in the container for the price. Pete: “Bring me more.”

No. 9: Devour - Creamy Bacon Alfredo

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $4.50

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 470 | Fat 20g | Cholesterol 75mg | Sodium 840mg | Carbs 41g | Protein 31g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched pasta product

Package says: Tender pasta in a creamy garlic alfredo sauce topped with cuts of juicy grilled white meat chicken, hearty pieces of applewood smoked bacon and mozzarella cheese.

Our Thoughts: Now that is what I like... it says bacon and it has plenty of it. You will also find generous sized pieces of chicken, it was creamy (just enough), noodles were done right. Everything together was flavorful. We would both buy this one again, and look, Yadi’s not even a huge alfredo fan so this is definitely saying something!

No. 8: Panera - Asiago with roasted tomatoes

Where we bought it: Lucky’s

Price: $7.99

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 330 | Fat 18g | Cholesterol 60mg | Sodium 830mg | Carbs 12g | Protein 16g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched pasta

Package says: Penne pasta in a creamy Asiago and Cheddar cheese sauce with fire-roasted tomatoes and basil. No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources.

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Very cheesy… dare I say maybe too cheesy? The flavor was great but the noodles were a tad too soggy. Good option as a side not necessarily as a meal." Pete: “Roasted tomatoes, though. Nice mouth feel.”

No. 7: Devour – Buffalo style chicken

Where we bought it: Acme

Price: $4.49

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 670 | Fat 32g | Cholesterol 70mg | Sodium 1740mg | Carbs 68g | Protein 29g

First ingredient: Sauce

Package says: Pasta shells in a creamy buffalo style cheddar cheese sauce with crispy breaded white meat chicken and rich blue cheese.

Our Thoughts: Spicy…yes, very true to its name. While it wasn’t particularly creamy, the noodles were well covered. Various sizes of chicken pieces that were plentiful. If you like a little kick, you’ll enjoy this one. A good filling lunch or dinner.

No. 6: Reser’s Fine Foods Main St Bistro - Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Lucky’s

Price: $5.99

Serving size: 2.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 290 | Fat 13g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 960mg | Carbs 29g | Protein 15g

First ingredient: Cooked macaroni

Package says: At Main St Bistro, we craft delicious, restaurant-quality side dishes with made from scratch taste you’ll want to savor. We start with trusted ingredients and add a chef-inspired twist to every recipe we make for a distinctive and memorable dish that is ready in just minutes.

Our Thoughts: This was definitely the better of the two of this brand. The noodles were cooked well. It was very cheesy and creamy. Could pass for homemade. Golden brown on top. We did have to bake this one in the oven, but that did not hurt it or dry it out.

No. 5: Joe’s Diner - Mac’n cheese

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $2.99

Serving size: 2

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 360 | Fat 15g | Cholesterol 40mg | Sodium 590mg | Carbs 42g | Protein 16g

First ingredient: Cooked elbow macaroni

Package says: Four cheese, cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, gouda.

Our Thoughts: Very cheesy but a little bit gritty texture. Noodles were not overcooked. This was seasoned and flavorful. I went back for a second bite of this one.

No. 4: Crav’n Hatch Chili Macaroni & Cheese

Where we bought it: Acme

Price: $10.39

Serving size: 4

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 380 | Fat 19g | Cholesterol 65mg | Sodium 650mg | Carbs 36g | Protein 18g

First ingredient: Water

Package says: Classic elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese and hatch chili sauce topped with Monterey jack cheese. No artificial flavors or certified synthetic colors. Made with real cheese.

Our Thoughts: Incredibly cheesy. Not enough chili’s for the size of the container, but you taste them in every bite. Noodles maintained a good texture. Good option for a different take on mac and cheese.

No. 3: Devour – Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese with Chicken

Where we bought it: Dave’s

Price: $4.50

Serving size: 1

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 480 | Fat 23g | Cholesterol 95mg | Sodium 1140mg | Carbs 34g | Protein 36g

First ingredient: Cooked macaroni product

Package says: Show your mouth a good time. No one’s pulling a stunt. We’re not even pulling your leg (though we love practical jokes). We started with creamy macaroni & cheese and made something new. It’s all there. Spiral pasta dressed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with juicy, grilled chicken and smoked uncured ham (that if you let it, will melt in your mouth). One bite and you’ll agree: this is no joke; it really is more than just a mac and cheese.

Our Thoughts: Yadi: “Generous pieces of chicken and ham. Flavorful. Big noodles that were cooked well. If you like a white sauce, then you need to try this one. This isn’t just a side but a meal." Pete: “Solid! Shockingly good. A nice spin on two mid-century comfort food classics.”

No. 2: Beecher’s - Handmade cheese - smoked flagship mac & cheese

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $14.99

Serving size: 2.5

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 470 | Fat 25g | Cholesterol 70mg | Sodium 580mg | Carbs 41g | Protein 21g

First ingredient: Cooked enriched Penne Rigate

Package says: An apple and cherry wood-smoked twist on our “World’s Best,” featuring Beecher’s Smoked Flagship cheese. Vegetarian

Our Thoughts: Very cheesy. Stir well as it was a bit gritty. Slight smoky flavor. Large noodles. The sauce stayed creamy even after cooling for a few minutes. We both could see eating this at a restaurant.

No. 1: Rao’s Made for home Four Cheese Pasta Bake

Where we bought it: Meijer

Price: $12.49

Serving size: 3

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 430 | Fat 19g | Cholesterol 55mg | Sodium 840mg | Carbs 48g | Protein 19g

First ingredient: Milk

Package says: Four cheese pasta bake. Cavatappi pasta tossed in a creamy parmesan cheese sauce, topped with mozzarella, fontina & Romano cheese. No preservatives, no artificial colors or flavors.

Our Thoughts: Smelled good and tasted even better. Creamy, cheesy and worth the calories. It even stayed creamy after it sat for a bit. Yadi: “I’d be tempted to try to pass this one off as my own. Incredibly fragrant as soon as you open it. This will go on the shopping list next time I don’t want to make my own. Highly recommend.” Pete: “Seconded, even despite the cavatappi!”

More of the “Best of Cleveland” team’s food rankings:

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