Kamil Perry
Cracker Barrel's Macaroni and Cheese is a popular product, with some consumers claiming it is the Holy Grail of Mac n Cheeses. The product is available in a variety of flavours, including White Cheddar, Cheddar Harvarti, and Sharp Cheddar. The Sharp Cheddar flavour contains cheese sauce, which includes annatto and oleoresin paprika as colouring agents. In the past, Kraft's Macaroni and Cheese products used Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes to achieve their iconic yellow-orange colour, but these artificial dyes have since been removed and replaced with natural spices like paprika, annatto, and turmeric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese |
| Flavors | Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar, Cheddar Harvarti |
| Weight | 14 oz |
| Preparation | No milk or butter required, unlike other macaroni and cheese products |
| Dye | Annatto, Oleoresin Paprika |
| Nutritional Information | Enriched with vitamins and minerals |
| Brand | Cracker Barrel |
| Manufacturer | Kraft Foods Group |
| Related Products | Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Kraft Dinner, KD Shaker |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac & Cheese used to contain Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes
Kraft Mac & Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in 1937 and has since become a cultural icon in Canada, where it is consumed 55% more than in the United States.
Kraft Mac & Cheese sold in the United States used to include Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes to make the food a brighter colour. In 2013, Kraft announced that new pasta shape varieties for children in the U.S. would no longer include these artificial dyes, and that there would be a decrease in sodium and saturated fat content, as well as an increase in whole grains.
In 2014, none of the European varieties of Kraft Mac & Cheese were made with artificial dyes. In April 2015, Kraft announced that the elimination of artificial preservatives and dyes would be extended throughout the line after January 2016. To maintain its yellow-orange glow, Kraft swapped out artificial food colours for natural spices like paprika, annatto, and turmeric.
Kraft Mac & Cheese has continued to evolve, with deluxe varieties marketed with liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen mac-and-cheese meals. The brand has also introduced different flavour variations, such as Easy Mac (now Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups), a single-serving product.
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Kraft removed artificial dyes in 2014
In 2014, Kraft removed artificial dyes from its Kraft Macaroni and Cheese products sold in Europe. The company also announced that new pasta shape varieties for children in the U.S. would no longer include Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Instead, the products would be made with spices like paprika and turmeric to achieve the iconic yellow-orange hue.
In 2016, Kraft removed artificial dyes from its Kraft Mac & Cheese product in the U.S. This change was extended throughout the line after January 2016, and the company has been continuously working to remove artificial dyes from all its products.
Kraft Heinz has announced that it will remove artificial dyes from all its products sold in the U.S. by the end of 2027. This decision comes amid a push from the U.S. government and health officials to eliminate artificial dyes from the nation's food supply and replace them with natural alternatives.
Kraft Heinz has stated that nearly 90% of its U.S. products are already free of synthetic dyes, and the company has invested in removing or replacing the dyes in the remaining products. The products that still contain artificial dyes are primarily in the beverage and dessert categories, including brands like Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, and Jet Puffed.
While the company has not shared a full list of items that currently contain artificial dyes, it has confirmed that popular brands like Capri Sun and Kraft Mac & Cheese no longer contain artificial dyes.
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Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese is more expensive
The Cracker Barrel brand was born in 1954 out of a love for quality cheese and a passion for cheddar-making heritage and values. The brand has a reputation for its commitment to artisanal cheese-making, using quality ingredients, and producing cheese with distinct flavours and textures.
Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese is considered more expensive than its competitors, including Kraft Mac & Cheese. A single box of Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese can cost around $20, which is significantly more than the price of Kraft Mac & Cheese. However, some consumers are willing to pay a premium for the Cracker Barrel product due to its perceived higher quality and taste.
The higher price of Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese may be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the brand Cracker Barrel is known for its focus on quality and artisanal cheese-making practices. The company uses quality ingredients and traditional methods to produce their cheese, which may contribute to higher production costs.
Additionally, Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese offers a unique and convenient product. Unlike other macaroni and cheese products, Cracker Barrel's offering includes a cheese sauce packet that eliminates the need for additional milk and butter. This all-in-one package may contribute to its higher price point.
Furthermore, the Cracker Barrel brand has a reputation for delivering a superior product. Some consumers consider it the "Holy Grail of Mac n Cheeses," praising its flavour and texture. The positive perception of the brand and its products can influence pricing strategies, allowing the company to position its Mac & Cheese at a higher price point compared to competitors.
While the higher price of Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese may deter some budget-conscious consumers, others are willing to pay a premium for what they perceive as a superior product. The brand's focus on quality, unique product offerings, and reputation for delicious cheese seem to justify the higher price point for a segment of the market.
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Cracker Barrel's White Cheddar flavour is popular
The White Cheddar flavour, in particular, is described as "deliciously different" by the brand, with a creamy, smooth texture and a bold, rich flavour. This unique taste profile sets it apart from other cheeses and has led to its popularity among consumers. The cheese is crafted with care and aged to perfection, resulting in a product that delivers on both taste and texture.
The White Cheddar flavour is also versatile, available in various formats such as cheese blocks, macaroni and cheese dinners, and even paired with unique flavours like truffle and dill to create perfectly balanced flavour combinations. This versatility allows consumers to enjoy the White Cheddar in different ways, whether as a snack, a meal, or a culinary ingredient.
Additionally, the Cracker Barrel brand has a strong presence across the United States, making their products widely accessible to consumers. The combination of quality, flavour, and accessibility has likely contributed to the popularity of the White Cheddar flavour, solidifying its place as a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
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Kraft replaced artificial dyes with natural spices
In 2013, Kraft announced that its pasta shape varieties for children in the U.S. would no longer include Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. This change was extended to its entire product line in 2016. The company also reduced the amount of saturated fat and sodium in its products and increased the amount of whole grains.
Kraft's decision to remove artificial dyes and preservatives from its macaroni and cheese products was likely influenced by consumer demand for improved nutrition and simpler ingredients. In particular, parents wanted healthier options for their children. By removing artificial dyes and preservatives, Kraft was able to create a product that was not only healthier but also more natural and transparent in its ingredients.
To maintain the iconic yellow-orange colour of its macaroni and cheese, Kraft replaced artificial dyes with natural spices such as paprika, annatto, and turmeric. Annatto, derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, is commonly used in cheese products to impart a yellow or orange colour. Turmeric, a bright yellow spice commonly used in South Asian cuisine, is another natural alternative to artificial dyes.
The removal of artificial dyes and the use of natural spices not only improved the health profile of Kraft's macaroni and cheese but also provided a more natural and transparent ingredient list that met consumer demands for simpler and more recognisable ingredients. This change demonstrates Kraft's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to consumer preferences, ensuring that its products remain competitive and appealing to a wide range of customers.
It is worth noting that Kraft's Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese appears to be priced higher than its classic Mac & Cheese products, indicating that the former may be positioned as a premium offering within the brand's portfolio.
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Frequently asked questions
Annatto and oleoresin paprika are used as dyes in Kraft Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese.
In the past, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese sold in the United States included Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 to make the food a brighter colour.
Yes, turmeric is also used as a colour additive in Kraft Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese.
The best flavour is subjective, but the White Cheddar and Cheddar Harvarti flavours have been well-received.
A box of Kraft Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese weighs 14 oz.
