Kamil Perry
Kraft Dinner and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese are two similar products with different names. Kraft Dinner, or KD, is the Canadian version of the product, while Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is the US version. The two products have similar packaging, but Kraft Dinner is considered Canada's national dish, with Canadians consuming 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. The two products also differ in ingredients, with Kraft Dinner containing cheddar cheese and butter, which are absent from the American version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name in the US | Kraft Macaroni & Cheese |
| Name in Canada | Kraft Dinner (KD) |
| Name in Australia and New Zealand | Kraft Mac & Cheese |
| Name in the UK and internationally | Mac and Cheese |
| Ingredients in the US | Macaroni, vitamins (iron and riboflavin), cheese sauce mix (whey, milkfat, salt, tapioca flour, turmeric, annatto), no cheddar cheese or butter |
| Ingredients in Canada | Macaroni, cheese sauce, same spices as the US version (turmeric, annatto), cheddar cheese, butter |
| Popularity in Canada | Canadians consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans |
| Sales in Canada | 1.7 million boxes sold every week in Canada alone |
| Global sales | 7 million boxes sold each week worldwide |
| Perceived difference in taste | Canadians prefer Kraft Dinner, Americans prefer Kraft Macaroni & Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Dinner is called Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the US
Kraft Dinner, or KD, is a non-perishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It is made by Kraft Foods Group and was introduced in Canada and the US in 1937. The product is traditionally cardboard-boxed with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder.
In the US, the same product is called Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, or Kraft Mac & Cheese. It is similar to the Canadian version in terms of packaging and ingredients, but there are some differences. Kraft Mac & Cheese in the US contains macaroni, vitamins like iron and riboflavin, and a "cheese sauce mix." The cheese sauce includes whey, milkfat, salt, tapioca flour, and spices like turmeric and annatto, which give the product its signature orange colour.
On the other hand, Kraft Dinner in Canada contains pasta, cheese sauce, and the same spices for colour. Notably, two ingredients in Kraft Dinner that are absent from the American version are Cheddar cheese and butter. The inclusion of these ingredients in the Canadian version may give it a flavour advantage over its American counterpart.
The name "Kraft Dinner" in Canada may be related to the product's iconic status in the country. It is considered a de facto national dish and has become a generic trademark of sorts for macaroni and cheese. The term "Kraft Dinner" is often simply shortened to "KD," which is now the official name of the product in Canada.
In summary, Kraft Dinner in Canada and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the US refer to the same product with minor variations in ingredients. The different names likely reflect the cultural significance of the product in each country and the company's marketing strategies.
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Kraft Dinner is made with cheddar cheese and butter
Kraft Dinner, or "KD" as it is commonly known in Canada, is a non-perishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in Canada and the U.S. in 1937 and has since become a staple in many Canadian households. Kraft Dinner is made with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. The cheese powder includes ingredients such as whey, milkfat, salt, and spices like turmeric and annatto, which give the dish its signature orange color.
What sets Kraft Dinner apart from its American counterpart, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, is the inclusion of two additional ingredients: cheddar cheese and butter. These ingredients are noticeably absent from the American version. The Canadian Kraft Dinner is believed to have a flavor advantage due to the use of savory cheddar and rich butter. However, when it comes to taste preferences, opinions vary, and some may prefer the American version.
The popularity of Kraft Dinner in Canada is remarkable, with Canadians consuming 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. It has become an iconic part of Canadian culture and is often considered a de facto national dish. The product is produced in Quebec using mostly Canadian ingredients, and its success can be attributed to its affordability, convenience, and ability to provide a hearty meal for families.
Over the years, Kraft has introduced various flavor variations and formulations to their Kraft Dinner line, including Easy Mac (single-serving cups), organic macaroni options, and different cheese variants like white cheddar and four-cheese sauce. The brand has also experimented with different noodle shapes and introduced deluxe varieties with liquid processed cheese.
In conclusion, Kraft Dinner, or KD, is a beloved staple in Canada, and its unique inclusion of cheddar cheese and butter sets it apart from its American counterpart. The product has evolved over time, offering diverse options to cater to different tastes and preferences while retaining its iconic status in Canadian cuisine.
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Kraft Dinner is a Canadian staple
Kraft Dinner, or KD as it is commonly known, is a Canadian staple that has been a part of the country's culture and cuisine for decades. Introduced in 1937, it quickly became a popular and affordable meal for families, especially during World War II when rationing and meatless meals were common. Over the years, it has become synonymous with Canadian food and is often mentioned by immigrants when asked about Canadian cuisine. It is so iconic that it has been called a de facto national dish of Canada and is considered one of the "great trinity of quick digestibles" that are genuine Canadian cultural icons, alongside the Tim Hortons doughnut and the A&W Teen Burger.
The popularity of Kraft Dinner in Canada is evident in its sales figures. Canadians purchase 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week and consume an average of 3.2 boxes per year, 55% more than Americans. The product is produced in Quebec using mostly Canadian ingredients, and during the pandemic, sales of KD shot up by 35% due to panic buying of non-perishables.
The difference between Kraft Dinner and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese lies mainly in the name and the target market. In the United States, the product is known as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, while in Canada, it is called Kraft Dinner or KD. The boxes have a similar appearance, but the Canadian version includes two ingredients not found in the American version: cheddar cheese and butter.
The taste preference between the two versions seems to be divided along national lines, with Canadians favouring their Kraft Dinner and Americans sticking to their Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. While it is hard to say if the inclusion of cheddar cheese and butter gives the Canadian version a flavour advantage, BuzzFeed held a taste test that revealed Canadians overwhelmingly preferred their version.
Kraft Dinner has evolved over the years, introducing various flavour variations and formulations, such as Easy Mac, Homestyle Deluxe, and vegan, deluxe, cauliflower, white cheddar, and organic options. Despite the competition from other brands and varieties, Kraft Dinner remains a beloved and iconic part of Canadian culture and cuisine.
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Kraft Dinner is also known as KD
Kraft Dinner, also known as KD, is a packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in Canada and the U.S. in 1937 by Kraft Foods Group. The product is made by combining dried macaroni pasta with a packet of processed cheese powder. The cheese powder includes whey, milkfat, salt, and spices like turmeric and annatto, which give the dish its signature orange colour. Kraft Dinner has become a staple in many Canadian households and is often considered a national dish. It is marketed as "Kraft Mac & Cheese" in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and simply “Mac and Cheese” in the United Kingdom and internationally.
The popularity of Kraft Dinner in Canada may be attributed to several factors. Firstly, during World War II, rationing of milk and dairy products and an increased reliance on meatless meals made Kraft Dinner a convenient and hearty option for families. Secondly, Canadians have a strong affinity for cheese, which is reflected in their diet. Kraft Dinner's combination of fat, sugar, starch, and salt aligns with favoured Canadian food groups. Additionally, the product has become ingrained in Canadian culture, with references in popular media and surveys identifying it as an example of Canadian food.
While the American and Canadian versions of Kraft's macaroni and cheese products share similar packaging, there are some differences in their ingredients. Notably, the Canadian Kraft Dinner includes cheddar cheese and butter, while these ingredients are absent from the American version. This distinction has sparked debates about which version is superior in terms of taste and texture. In taste tests, Canadians generally prefer Kraft Dinner, while Americans stick with Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
In 2015, Kraft Dinner officially adopted the nickname KD, reflecting the common shorthand already used by Canadians. This rebranding strategy aimed to appeal to millennials who may have outgrown the classic meal. The change from "Kraft Dinner" to "KD" on packaging occurred under new leadership, acknowledging the existing preference among Canadian consumers. The KD Shaker, introduced in 2018, further solidified the KD moniker by offering a bottle of Kraft Mac and Cheese Dinner's powdered cheese, allowing consumers to use the product more conveniently and creatively.
The popularity of Kraft Dinner, or KD, in Canada has led to significant sales figures. Canadians account for 24% of global sales, purchasing 1.7 million boxes per week. The product is produced in Quebec using mostly Canadian ingredients, ensuring a consistent supply even during border closures. During the pandemic, KD sales surged by 35% due to panic buying of non-perishable food items.
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Kraft Dinner was introduced in 1937
Kraft Dinner, or Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, was introduced in 1937 in the US and Canada. It was sold in boxes containing four servings for just 19 cents. The product was launched at a strategic time, right before World War II, when rationing of milk and dairy products was common, and families relied more on meatless meals. It was also a time when more women were working outside the home, so there was a large market for such hearty, affordable meals.
Kraft Dinner was an instant hit, and it has since become a staple in many households, especially in Canada, where it is considered a national dish. Canadians consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. Kraft Dinner is made with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. The cheese powder is made with whey, milkfat, salt, tapioca flour, and spices like turmeric and annatto, which give the dish its signature orange colour.
Over the years, Kraft has introduced various flavour variations and formulations, including Easy Mac (now Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups), a single-serving product. Deluxe varieties with liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen meals have also been introduced. In 2015, the brand name was shortened to KD, a nickname that was already commonly used by Canadians.
Kraft Dinner is so popular in Canada that it has become a generic trademark of sorts for macaroni and cheese. It is often simply referred to as KD, and it is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture. Kraft Dinner is produced in Quebec using mostly Canadian ingredients, and it is one of the most popular grocery items in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Dinner, also known as KD, is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It is made by Kraft Foods Group and was introduced in Canada and the U.S. in 1937.
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, also known as Kraft Mac & Cheese, is the name given to the same product in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
The main difference is in the name, with the product being called Kraft Dinner in Canada and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the United States. The ingredients are similar, but the Canadian version includes cheddar cheese and butter, which are absent from the American version.
It's a matter of personal preference. In a taste test conducted by BuzzFeed, Canadians preferred Kraft Dinner, while Americans stuck with Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. Some people find the American version to be creamier and thicker, while others believe the Canadian version has a flavour advantage due to the inclusion of cheddar cheese and butter.
