Frederic Melton
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, is a popular nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. The product was introduced in 1937 and is marketed differently in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and internationally. The classic recipe includes dry macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder, with additional ingredients like milk, butter, and margarine. Over the years, Kraft has introduced various product lines with different flavours, pasta shapes, and cheese sauces. While convenient and inexpensive, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been flagged for containing certain ingredients that are typically not used in homemade macaroni and cheese, such as milk protein concentrate, emulsifying agents, citric acid, and artificial trans fats from palm oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Macaroni, Cheese |
| Macaroni Type | Elbow, Thin and Straight, Alphabet, Numbers, Spirals, Original Tenderoni, Pop Culture Icons |
| Cheese Type | Powdered, Prepared Sauce, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Hot Habanero, Italian Five Cheese, Mexican Style, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Parmesan, Grated Romano |
| Additional Ingredients | Water, Margarine, Skim Milk, Salt, Spinach, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Butter, Parsley |
| Nutritional Information | 370 calories, 22g total fat, 13g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 60mg cholesterol, 14 380mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, 0g dietary fiber, 4g sugars, 16g protein, 0%DV vitamin D, 29%DV calcium, 6%DV iron, 4%DV potassium |
| Additives | Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphates, Natural Flavor, Enzyme, Riboflavin |
| Other Concerns | Palm Oil, Milk Protein Concentrate, Emulsifying Agents, Artificial Colours, Antibiotics, Artificial Growth Promoters, Hormones |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Kraft Mac & Cheese ingredients: milk, butter, cheese powder, margarine, and skim milk
- Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese: elbow macaroni, cheese sauce in a foil pouch
- Homestyle Kraft Mac & Cheese: seasoned breadcrumbs, three flavours
- Kraft Dinner Smart: no artificial ingredients, added cauliflower, oats, flax seed
- Kraft Mac & Cheese additives: calcium phosphate, sodium phosphates, enzymes, riboflavin
Kraft Mac & Cheese ingredients: milk, butter, cheese powder, margarine, and skim milk
Kraft Mac & Cheese is a popular nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It is traditionally boxed with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. The product is seen as an inexpensive, easy-to-make comfort food.
The classic preparation of Kraft Mac & Cheese involves adding milk, butter, and cheese powder to the noodles. The box recommends using 6 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of margarine, and 1/3 cup of skim milk. However, people may vary the cooking instructions according to their preferences, such as adding salt to the water or omitting ingredients like milk.
The Deluxe form of Kraft Mac & Cheese replaces the powdered processed cheese with a prepared cheese sauce in a foil pouch. This allows the cheese to be applied directly to the cooked pasta without additional preparation. The Homestyle form is the newest variation, providing a larger size and including seasoned breadcrumbs. It has three flavours: cheddar cheese, four-cheese, and Old World Italian.
Kraft has also introduced the Kraft Dinner Smart sub-brand, which offers a healthier option with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. This line blends ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seeds into the noodles and is available in various shapes and flavours.
In addition to the primary ingredients, Kraft Mac & Cheese contains additives and preservatives. These include milk protein concentrate, emulsifying agents, citric acid, lactic acid, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphates, natural flavour, enzymes, and riboflavin. Some of these ingredients, such as citric acid and palm oil, have raised concerns for their potential contribution to artificial trans fats.
Mac and Cheese: Keeping Leftovers Creamy
You may want to see also
Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese: elbow macaroni, cheese sauce in a foil pouch
Kraft Mac & Cheese is a popular, inexpensive, and easy-to-make comfort food. The product is available in a variety of compositions and flavours, including the Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese, which features elbow macaroni and cheese sauce in a foil pouch.
The Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese offers a convenient and indulgent option for consumers. The elbow macaroni provides a different shape and texture compared to the original thin, straight macaroni. This type of pasta is known for its short, curved tubes, which can hold the cheese sauce well. The use of a foil pouch for the cheese sauce is a notable upgrade from the original powdered processed cheese or the cheese sauce that used to come in a can. The pouch allows for easy application and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
Preparing the Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese is straightforward. It typically involves boiling the elbow macaroni in a pot of water according to the package instructions. The cheese sauce in the foil pouch can then be directly added to the cooked pasta without any additional preparation or ingredients. This simplicity is part of the product's appeal, especially for those seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
While the Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese offers convenience, it's important to be aware of the ingredients used in processed foods. Some of the ingredients in the Deluxe version may differ from what one would typically use when making macaroni and cheese from scratch. These ingredients include milk protein concentrate, emulsifying agents, citric acid (a chemical preservative recognised by the FDA), added colouring, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphates, natural flavour, enzymes, riboflavin, and palm oil. While some of these ingredients serve functional purposes, such as texture or preservation, others may contribute to nutritional concerns.
The nutritional content of the Deluxe Kraft Mac & Cheese can be a consideration for consumers. According to the product's nutrition information, a serving of this meal provides 370 calories, 22 grams of total fat, 13 grams of saturated fat, 60 mg of cholesterol, and 380 mg of sodium. It also offers 28 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of sugars, and 16 grams of protein. It is important to note that the specific nutritional values may vary based on the cooking instructions and any additional ingredients used.
Mac and Cheese: How Long Does it Last?
You may want to see also
Homestyle Kraft Mac & Cheese: seasoned breadcrumbs, three flavours
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, is a popular nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. The original recipe includes dry macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. Over the years, Kraft has introduced new product lines with different flavours and pasta shapes.
The Homestyle Kraft Mac & Cheese is the newest form of Kraft Mac & Cheese. It is similar to the Deluxe form, which features elbow macaroni and a prepared, processed cheese sauce in a foil pouch. However, the Homestyle version provides a larger size and includes seasoned breadcrumbs to apply to the macaroni and cheese.
The Homestyle Kraft Mac & Cheese is available in three flavours: cheddar cheese, four-cheese, and Old World Italian. The seasoned breadcrumbs set this version apart from the Deluxe and Original Recipe forms, and it is marketed as a "more premium option".
The preparation instructions for the Homestyle version are similar to the classic prep instructions for the original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. The box recommends boiling water, adding the pasta, and cooking for 7 to 8 minutes or until tender. The cheese sauce is then applied directly to the cooked pasta without additional preparation or ingredients.
The Homestyle Kraft Mac & Cheese provides a convenient and satisfying option for those seeking a more premium macaroni and cheese experience. With its large size and seasoned breadcrumbs, it offers a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic comfort food.
Wendy's Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Side Dish?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kraft Dinner Smart: no artificial ingredients, added cauliflower, oats, flax seed
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is a popular, non-perishable, packaged macaroni and cheese mix. The product is marketed as Kraft Dinner in Canada, Kraft Mac & Cheese in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, and Mac and Cheese in the UK and internationally.
The original recipe includes dry macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. However, Kraft has since expanded its product line to include different flavours and pasta shapes, such as elbow macaroni. The Deluxe form, for example, replaces the powdered processed cheese with a prepared, processed cheese sauce, and the Homestyle form is marketed as a more premium option with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Kraft Dinner Smart (or KD Smart) is a healthy sub-brand of the Kraft Dinner brand. It contains no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives and includes added ingredients like cauliflower, oats, and flax seed blended into the noodles. This product is made with real Kraft cheddar and is manufactured in Mount Royal, Quebec. It comes in various shapes, including the original tenderoni, pop culture icons, alphabet, numbers, and spirals. Organic and whole-grain versions are also available, as are different flavour options, such as Flax Omega-3 and High Fibre.
Preparation instructions for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese generally involve boiling the pasta, draining it, and adding it to the cheese sauce. Additional ingredients such as milk, butter, and cheese powder may also be added, and the dish can be garnished with fresh spinach or tomato slices.
Mac and Cheese: Starchy Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Kraft Mac & Cheese additives: calcium phosphate, sodium phosphates, enzymes, riboflavin
Kraft Mac & Cheese is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It is made by Kraft Foods Group and is traditionally boxed with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. The product has evolved over the years, with new flavours and formulations being introduced, such as the Deluxe form, which replaces the powdered processed cheese with a prepared, processed cheese sauce.
Kraft Mac & Cheese contains several additives, including calcium phosphate, sodium phosphates, enzymes, and riboflavin. Calcium phosphate is a food additive that comes in several forms, including monocalcium (MCP), dicalcium (DCP), and tricalcium (TCP) phosphates. It is often used in food applications to maintain calcium levels and improve texture.
Sodium phosphates are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. They are commonly used as additives in processed food manufacturing and household products. Sodium phosphates serve various functions, such as thickening food, stabilizing textures, curing meat, and acting as emulsifying agents.
Enzymes have been used in food production for thousands of years. They play a crucial role in manufacturing bread, wine, beer, juice, and dairy processing. In Kraft Mac & Cheese, enzymes may be used to enhance dough tolerance during processing, improve the sensory characteristics of the product, and extend shelf life.
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin synthesized by plants and microorganisms. It is added to foodstuffs for fortification and colouring. Riboflavin is essential for basic metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to health issues such as hair loss, skin inflammation, and vision deterioration.
Mac & Cheese with Mince: The Ultimate Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The ingredients in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese vary depending on the variety and the region. The Original Recipe includes dry macaroni pasta and powdered processed cheese. The Deluxe form replaces the powdered cheese with a prepared, processed cheese sauce and uses elbow macaroni instead of the thin, straight macaroni of the Original Recipe. The Homestyle form is similar to Deluxe but includes seasoned breadcrumbs and comes in three flavours: cheddar cheese, four-cheese, and Old World Italian. Kraft Dinner Smart (KD Smart) is a healthy sub-brand that offers varieties with added ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seed blended into the noodles.
Additional ingredients for a "Classic Prep" of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese include milk, butter, and cheese powder, which are added to the noodles.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese contains ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen, including milk protein concentrate, emulsifying agents, citric acid, lactic acid, added colouring, palm oil, and calcium phosphate.
The nutritional content of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese per serving is 370 calories, 22g total fat, 13g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 60mg cholesterol, 14-380mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, 0g dietary fiber, 4g sugars, and 16g protein.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is prepared by boiling water in a medium saucepan, adding the macaroni and cooking until tender (about 7 to 8 minutes), draining the water, and then adding the cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is prepared by mixing the powdered cheese with milk and butter.
