Bushra Griffith
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, or Kraft Dinner (KD) in Canada, is a popular nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in 1937 and has since become a staple in many households. With its iconic blue box and delicious taste, Kraft has established itself as a leading brand in the market. So, how many boxes of Kraft Mac and Cheese are sold each day? As of 2024, Kraft Heinz Co. announced that they produce and sell over 1 million boxes of this cheesy goodness daily. This beloved comfort food has been a favourite for many over the past 85 years and continues to be a go-to meal for people of all ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of boxes sold per day | 1 million |
| Number of boxes sold per week | 7 million |
| Number of boxes sold in Canada per week | 1.7 million |
| Number of boxes sold in 1937 | 9 million |
| Number of boxes sold in 1943 | 50 million |
| Number of boxes sold in 2020 during COVID-19 lockdown | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac & Cheese sells over a million boxes daily
Kraft Mac & Cheese, originally called Kraft Dinner, has been a household staple for many since its launch in 1937. The boxed macaroni and cheese mix was introduced in the US and Canada during the Great Depression, and its low price point of 19 cents for a meal for four made it an attractive option for families.
The product sold 9 million boxes in its first year on the market, and its popularity continued to soar during World War II. Food rationing meant that Americans could obtain two boxes for one food rationing stamp, and in 1943, sales of Kraft Mac & Cheese surpassed 50 million packages.
Today, Kraft Heinz Co. produces and sells more than 1 million boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese daily. The product has undergone several changes over the years, including the removal of artificial dyes and synthetic colours, and the introduction of organic and single-serving options.
Kraft Mac & Cheese is particularly popular in Canada, where it is considered the national dish and is the most-purchased grocery item. Canadians buy 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week and consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. The product's iconic blue box also got a makeover in 2023, with a more prominent noodle smile, dripping liquid cheese, and new bold lettering.
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It's considered the national dish of Canada
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, originally called Kraft Dinner, was introduced in Canada and the U.S. in 1937. It is considered a de facto national dish of Canada, with Canadians consuming 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. The product sold 9 million boxes in its first year on the market, and sales in 1943 surpassed 50 million packages. Kraft Dinner is the most popular grocery item in Canada, with iconic status and a generic trademark of sorts for macaroni and cheese. It is often simply referred to as K.D. and is a frequent staple of Canadian university student diets.
The idea of combining pasta with cheese dates back to 160 B.C. Rome, according to food site Epicurious. The earliest known recorded recipe bubbled up in Northern Europe in 1769, a few decades before President Thomas Jefferson served it at a state dinner in 1802. Kraft introduced its boxed macaroni and cheese during the Great Depression, a meal for four costing 19 cents. The timing of the product's launch had much to do with its success. During World War II, the rationing of milk and dairy products, increased reliance on meatless meals, and more women working outside the home created a large market for the product, which was considered a hearty meal for families. Its shelf life of ten months was attractive at a time when many Canadian homes did not have refrigerators. Consumers could receive, for one food ration stamp, two boxes.
Kraft Dinner's popularity in Canada can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is affordable and accessible, making it a cheap way to feed a family. Secondly, it has a long shelf life, which was especially appealing during the rationing of World War II and when refrigeration was not widely available. Additionally, Kraft Dinner is versatile, and Canadians often add their own unique ingredients, such as wieners or extra cheese. It is also a comforting and familiar dish, with many Canadians having fond childhood memories of eating it.
While Kraft Dinner is considered a Canadian national dish, it has faced some criticism. Some people view it as a foreign-made product, as it is manufactured by a U.S.-based company, Kraft Foods Group. There are also concerns about its nutritional value, as it is high in carbohydrates, sodium, and processed ingredients. Despite this, Kraft Dinner remains a beloved and iconic part of Canadian cuisine and culture.
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The product was introduced in 1937
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, originally called Kraft Dinner, was introduced in 1937 during the Great Depression. It was an immediate success in the US and Canada, selling 9 million boxes in its first year. The product was marketed with the slogan "Make a meal for four in nine minutes." It was the first dry packaged dinner on the market and the first pasta product to come with processed, powdered cheese.
During World War II, food rationing led to increased popularity for Kraft Mac and Cheese. Americans could obtain two boxes for one food rationing stamp. In 1943, sales surpassed 50 million packages. The product's low price and ability to satisfy cravings for dairy during a time of rationing made it popular. Its ten-month shelf life was also attractive, especially in Canadian homes without refrigerators.
Over time, Kraft Mac and Cheese has become a staple comfort food. Kraft Heinz Co. currently produces more than 1 million boxes a day, with Canadians purchasing 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week. The product has also evolved, with deluxe varieties marketed with liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen meals. Kraft has also introduced spinoffs, such as organic mac and cheese and individual serving bowls.
Kraft Mac and Cheese has played an iconic role in the lives of its fans for over 85 years. The brand has updated its logo, noodle smile, and name to reflect the way consumers organically talk about the product. The original yellow box changed to blue in 1954, and the new branding features bold white letters.
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Sales boomed during the COVID-19 lockdown
Kraft Mac & Cheese, or Kraft Dinner (KD) in Canada, has been a popular food item for many decades. The product was introduced in 1937, and sold 9 million boxes in its first year. During World War II, when food rationing was in place, Kraft Mac & Cheese's popularity soared, with 50 million boxes sold in 1943.
Kraft Mac & Cheese has continued to be a popular food item, with over a million boxes sold every day. During the COVID-19 lockdown, sales of Kraft Mac & Cheese boomed once again. This was likely due to several factors. Firstly, the product has a long shelf life, which is appealing when shopping is restricted and people are eating at home more often. Secondly, it is a cheap and comforting food, which may have been especially important during a time of economic uncertainty. Finally, Kraft Mac & Cheese is a versatile food that can be eaten for any meal, including breakfast, as many parents discovered during lockdown.
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns caused significant economic uncertainty and financial hardship for many people. During times of financial hardship, consumers often seek cheaper food options, and Kraft Mac & Cheese fits this bill. The product was marketed during World War II as "a hearty substitute" during rationing, and it served a similar purpose during the pandemic. It is a cheap and easy way to feed a family, and its familiarity and comfort are appealing during difficult times.
In addition to economic factors, the COVID-19 lockdown also saw a shift in consumer behaviour, with people eating at home more often. This meant that consumers were looking for shelf-stable food options, which Kraft Mac & Cheese provides. The product has a shelf life of ten months, which is a significant advantage over fresh foods that spoil quickly. This long shelf life also reduces food waste, which is another benefit for consumers facing financial hardship.
Another factor contributing to the boom in sales during COVID-19 was the comfort and familiarity that Kraft Mac & Cheese provides. During times of uncertainty and stress, people often seek comfort in food, and Kraft Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food. It is nostalgic and reminds people of their childhood, providing a sense of security and familiarity. This may have been especially appealing during the pandemic when people were facing a new and uncertain situation.
Finally, the versatility of Kraft Mac & Cheese also likely contributed to its increased sales during lockdown. While it is typically eaten as a lunch or dinner, it can also be enjoyed as a breakfast food, as many parents discovered during lockdown. Kraft Mac & Cheese is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared with just milk, butter, and cheese powder, making it a convenient option for busy parents or those who are working from home.
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Kraft Mac & Cheese was the first pasta product to come with processed, powdered cheese
Kraft Mac & Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, has been a popular food item since its launch in 1937. It was introduced as a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix, with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. This innovation in the food industry was made possible by James Lewis Kraft's patent in 1916 for creating processed cheese.
The idea of combining pasta with cheese is not new, with the earliest known recipe dating back to 160 B.C. Rome. However, Kraft Mac & Cheese was the first pasta product to come with processed, powdered cheese. This product was an instant hit, especially during World War II when there was rationing of meat and dairy, and it became a cheap and hearty meal for families. In 1943, sales surpassed 50 million packages, and the product's popularity has persisted ever since.
The original box was primarily yellow, but in 1954, it changed to blue, which has become an iconic colour associated with the brand. Over the years, Kraft has introduced various flavour variations and formulations, such as Easy Mac (now Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups) and organic mac and cheese. The company has also removed synthetic food dyes and artificial preservatives from its recipe, responding to consumer feedback and demands for more natural ingredients.
Today, Kraft Heinz Co. produces more than 1 million boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese daily, and it remains a staple comfort food for many, with Canadians consuming 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. The product's popularity is evident in its status as the most popular grocery item in Canada, where it is often simply referred to as "KD."
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft sells about a million boxes of macaroni and cheese per day.
In 1937 alone, 9 million boxes were sold.
Sales in 1943 surpassed 50 million packages.
Canadians purchase 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week and eat an average of 3.2 boxes of Kraft Dinner each year.
