
Macaroni and cheese is a dish with a distinct colour that has sparked debates about whether it is orange or yellow. The colour is influenced by the type of cheese used and the cooking method, resulting in variations from pale and creamy to bright orange. This colour debate has even extended to Crayola crayons, with the Macaroni and Cheese crayon introduced in 1993, capturing a warm, creamy orange shade. The colour is associated with warmth, happiness, and nostalgia, making it popular in various design contexts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Color family | Orange |
| Red | 94% |
| Green | 71% |
| Blue | 21% |
| Cyan | 0% |
| Magenta | 25% |
| Yellow | 78% |
| Black | 6% |
| Luminance | 51% |
| Contrast with black | 11.3:1 |
| Contrast with white | 1.9:1 |
| Hex code | #EFB435, #ffbd88, #ffdb88, #ff9f88, #ffa988, #ffb388, #ffc788 |
| RGB | 94% Red, 71% Green, 21% Blue |
| HSV | 41° Hue, 78% Saturation, 94% Value |
| HSL | 41° Hue, 85% Saturation, 57% Lightness |
| CMYK | 0% Cyan, 25% Magenta, 78% Yellow, 6% Black |
| Similar colors | Tulip Tree, Butterscotch, Cantaloupe, Fuel Yellow, Light Orange |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Macaroni and cheese is orange
The colour "macaroni and cheese" was introduced as a Crayola crayon colour in 1993. It is a warm, creamy orange with hints of yellow and red, reminiscent of the comforting, nostalgic feel of the dish. It is a popular colour, especially for children's products and educational materials, as well as food-related branding and kitchen decor. The Crayola colour has been described as bright orange and vibrant.
The hex code for the Crayola colour "macaroni and cheese" is #FFBD88, which is a light orange with a hint of yellow. In the RGB colour space, it is made up of 94% red, 71% green, and 21% blue. In the CMYK colour space, it is made up of 0% cyan, 25% magenta, 78% yellow, and 6% black.
The luminance of the colour "macaroni and cheese" is 51%, which is medium-high. It has a higher contrast with black than with white. The colour pairs well with mustard yellow, coral, and teal.
Mac and Cheese: How Long Does it Last?
You may want to see also

Macaroni and cheese is yellow
The color of macaroni and cheese is so iconic that Crayola introduced a crayon by the same name in 1993. This crayon is described as a bright, warm, and creamy orange with a hint of yellow. However, some people disagree with this characterization, arguing that macaroni and cheese is clearly yellow, especially compared to the color of an actual orange.
The color "macaroni and cheese" is often used in design and marketing to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, happiness, and nostalgia. It is commonly seen in children's products, educational materials, and food-related branding. The shade pairs particularly well with coral, teal, and mustard yellow, and its versatility has made it a popular choice for designers and marketers.
In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color space, the color "macaroni and cheese" is made up of 94% red, 71% green, and 21% blue. It has a hex code of #ffbd88, #ffdb88, or #EFB435, depending on the specific shade of the color. This shade of yellow-orange is reminiscent of autumn leaves, sunsets, and festive decorations, adding a touch of warmth and cheer to any setting.
The Ultimate Guide to Kraft Macaroni in the Microwave
You may want to see also

Macaroni and cheese is light orange
The colour "Macaroni and Cheese" was introduced by Crayola in 1993 as part of their 48 and 64-count crayon boxes. It was designed to create a colour that resonated with everyday experiences, and it quickly became a popular crayon colour for children. The colour is also associated with warmth and happiness, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
In terms of colour theory, Macaroni and Cheese is a light shade of orange with a hint of yellow. It has high lightness and saturation, and its hex code is #EFB435. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour space, it is composed of 94% Red, 71% Green, and 21% Blue. The colour can also be created by mixing 38% Yellow, 35% Red, 6% Black, and 21% White.
The colour Macaroni and Cheese is often used in designs that aim to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and cheerfulness. It is commonly seen in children's products, educational materials, and food-related branding. The colour is also a popular choice for kitchen decor and festive marketing campaigns due to its inviting and appetizing appearance.
The colour Macaroni and Cheese is a unique and cheerful hue that captures the essence of the beloved comfort food. Its versatility and inviting nature make it a popular choice for various applications, from interior design to marketing campaigns.
Mac and Cheese: Starchy Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Macaroni and cheese is creamy
The colour is versatile, with slight variations in tone creating different moods. For example, a lighter shade of orange with a hint of red evokes warmth and a touch of excitement, while a darker shade provides a sense of comfort. The lightest alternative, a soft orange-yellow, gives a gentle and tranquil feel.
The creamy orange colour of macaroni and cheese is a popular choice for children's products, educational materials, and food-related branding. It is cheerful, playful, and inviting. The colour is also commonly used in kitchen decor and festive marketing campaigns, adding a touch of warmth and cheer.
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish, and its colour is just as endearing. The creamy orange shade is like a big hug, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and happiness. It is a versatile colour that can be used in various contexts, always adding a touch of cheerfulness and inviting atmosphere.
Creative Uses for Leftover Mac and Cheese
You may want to see also

Mac and cheese colour depends on whether it's homemade or from a box
Mac and cheese is a dish that can be made at home or bought as a boxed product. The colour of mac and cheese depends on whether it is homemade or from a box, with the boxed variety typically being orange, and the homemade variety being yellow.
Boxed Mac and Cheese
Boxed mac and cheese is typically orange in colour. For example, the popular Kraft brand of boxed mac and cheese is well known for its orange cheese powder. This distinctive colour is achieved through the use of artificial food dyes, such as Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which are added to the cheese powder. However, in recent years, Kraft has made efforts to remove artificial preservatives, flavours, and dyes from its mac and cheese recipe. To maintain its iconic orange glow, Kraft now uses natural spices like paprika, annatto, and turmeric.
Homemade Mac and Cheese
When made from scratch, mac and cheese typically has a yellow colour. This is because homemade mac and cheese is usually made with a cheese sauce, which tends to result in a pale and creamy-looking dish. The yellow colour can be enhanced by adding certain ingredients, such as turmeric, mustard powder, or paprika. Additionally, using a sharper, orangier cheddar cheese can also influence the final colour of the dish.
The difference in colour between boxed and homemade mac and cheese is primarily due to the use of artificial dyes in the boxed variety and the natural ingredients in the homemade version. While the boxed version may have a more vibrant orange colour, the homemade version's yellow hue is often considered more natural and appealing.
In conclusion, the colour of mac and cheese depends on its preparation method, with boxed versions tending towards orange and homemade versions favouring a yellow shade. Ultimately, whether it's from a box or made with love in the kitchen, mac and cheese is a comforting and delicious dish enjoyed by many.
Kraft's Mac and Cheese Recipe: What Changed and Why?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Macaroni and cheese is a light, bright, warm, creamy shade of orange with hints of yellow.
The hex code for macaroni and cheese is #EFB435 or #FFBD88.
The RGB value of macaroni and cheese is 94% Red, 71% Green, and 21% Blue.
Some similar colors to macaroni and cheese are Tulip Tree, Butterscotch, Cantaloupe, Fuel Yellow, and Light Orange.

























