Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a popular dish worldwide. It is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Interestingly, Canada consumes more macaroni and cheese than any other country in the world, including the United States, where the product was first manufactured. In fact, Canadians eat over 50% more macaroni and cheese than Americans, with 1.7 million boxes consumed out of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country that consumes the most macaroni and cheese | Canada |
| Brand of macaroni and cheese most consumed in Canada | Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner or KD |
| Number of boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese consumed by Canadians per week | 1.7 million out of 7 million boxes sold globally |
| Average number of boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese consumed by Canadians per year | 3.2 boxes |
| Percentage of boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese consumed by Canadians compared to Americans | 55% more |
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What You'll Learn
Canada consumes the most macaroni and cheese
The popularity of Kraft Dinner in Canada can be traced back to its introduction in 1937 during the Great Depression. At the time, it was marketed as "a meal for four in nine minutes for an everyday price of 19 cents." During World War II, the rationing of milk and dairy products, the increased reliance on meatless meals, and the growing number of women working outside the home created a large market for the convenient and economical meal option. Additionally, the product's shelf life of ten months was attractive, especially since many Canadian homes did not have refrigerators.
The brand is particularly popular with Canadians, who consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. Of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week, Canadians purchase 1.7 million and eat an average of 3.2 boxes per year. In March 2020, sales of Kraft Mac & Cheese in Canada rose sharply, with about 15 million boxes sold, more than double the preceding months.
The love for Kraft Dinner in Canada is so strong that it has been mentioned in surveys about Canadian food by immigrants, and a former prime minister even named it as his favorite food.
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Kraft Dinner is a Canadian cultural icon
Macaroni and cheese, or Kraft Dinner, is a Canadian cultural icon. Marketed as "KD" in Canada, it is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in 1937 in Canada and the US, and sold for 19 cents (US) per box, feeding a family of four. During World War II, 50 million boxes of KD were sold. In 2020, about 15 million boxes were sold in Canada in March, more than double the preceding months. Canadians consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. Kraft Dinner is the most popular grocery item in the country and has become a generic trademark for macaroni and cheese. It is often simply referred to and, as of 2023, is marketed by the initials KD.
Kraft Dinner is beloved by Canadians and has been referenced in popular culture, including music and television. The Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies refers to Kraft Dinner in their popular song "If I Had $1000000", and fans have thrown boxes of KD onto the stage during live performances. Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator also celebrated Kraft Dinner in their song "Kraft Dinner" from their 1990 album "Never, Neverland". Former Prime Minister Paul Martin has also called it his favourite food.
Kraft Dinner is a quick, filling, and comforting meal that is affordable, costing less than $2 a box. It is a staple in many Canadian homes and is considered by some to be Canada's national dish. It is also one of the world's first and most successful convenience foods. Kraft Dinner has a different name in Canada than in the US and other markets, and its advertising and marketing are tailored to the Canadian market. The product is made with real Kraft cheddar and is manufactured in Mount Royal, Quebec.
Kraft Dinner's popularity in Canada may be due to its ability to target favoured Canadian food groups: fat, sugar, starch, and salt. It also reflects the fast-paced nature of Canadian life, where convenience and quick meals are valued. Kraft Canada has also adapted its products to appeal to the country's diverse ethnic groups and multicultural cuisine landscape.
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Canadians eat 55% more mac and cheese than Americans
It may come as a surprise, but Canadians consume 55% more mac and cheese than Americans. In fact, it is considered a Canadian national dish, with Canadians consuming 1.7 million out of 7 million boxes sold worldwide each week.
Kraft Mac & Cheese, also known as "Kraft Dinner" or "KD" in Canada, is a popular choice for Canadians, with sales figures reflecting this preference. In March 2020, about 15 million boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese were sold in Canada, more than double the sales in the preceding months. This surge in demand has kept the main factory in Montreal producing 7 days a week to meet the demand of its 37 million consumers.
The popularity of mac and cheese in Canada may be attributed to its convenience and affordability. It has become a staple comfort food, with a former Canadian Prime Minister even naming it as his favorite dish.
In comparison, Americans consume approximately 8.95 million boxes of the original flavor annually, according to Statista in 2020. While Americans also consider mac and cheese a comfort food, the per capita consumption is significantly lower than that of their northern neighbors.
The difference in consumption between the two countries has led to a notable increase in production for Kraft factories, with the Canadian factory in Montreal working tirelessly to meet the high demand in Canada.
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Mac and cheese is a popular convenience food
In the present day, it is still an economical and convenient meal option for families, with a quick online search showing that it can often be purchased for under a dollar. According to Statista, 8.95 million Americans consumed five packages or more of the original flavour in 2020.
However, Canada consumes more mac and cheese than any other country. It is considered a de facto national dish of Canada, with Canadians eating 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. In March 2020, about 15 million boxes were sold in Canada, more than double the preceding months. It is the most popular grocery item in the country, and Kraft Dinner has become a generic trademark of sorts for macaroni and cheese.
The popularity of mac and cheese in Canada can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the timing of its launch during the Great Depression and World War II made it a convenient and affordable option for families. Secondly, its shelf life of ten months was attractive, especially during a time when many Canadian homes did not have refrigerators. Finally, it aligns with favoured Canadian food groups: fat, sugar, starch and salt.
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Kraft Dinner is also known as KD in Canada
Macaroni and cheese, or Kraft Dinner, is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in 1937 and sold for 19 cents, containing four servings. It is made by Kraft Foods Group and is traditionally cardboard-boxed with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder.
KD has a majority market share in Canada, and the nickname "KD" was already commonly used among Canadians, with over 80% recognizing it as short for Kraft Dinner. In 2018, Kraft debuted the KD Shaker, a plastic bottle of Kraft Mac and Cheese Dinner's powdered cheese, which allowed consumers to use the cheese powder as they wished without needing to worry about unused pasta.
KD is so popular in Canada that it has become a part of the country's culture. It is often considered a nostalgic food, reminding many of their first meal that they ever cooked. It is also versatile, as Canadians add various ingredients such as meat, hot sauce, and additional cheese to make it their own.
A nationwide survey found that Prince Edward Island was the frontrunner in KD consumption, with an average of 4 boxes consumed per month, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador with 3.62 boxes, and Alberta with 3.47 boxes.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada consumes the most macaroni and cheese. Canadians eat over 50% more mac and cheese than Americans.
Macaroni and cheese is known as "Kraft Dinner" or "KD" in Canada.
Macaroni and cheese was brought to Canada by British immigrants. It is a convenient, economical meal option for families.
