Andy Montoya
Golden Grain Macaroni and Cheese was a popular boxed macaroni and cheese product in the 1970s. It was known for its larger macaroni noodles and was considered a staple in many households. The product was discontinued, to the dismay of many fans, but it appears to have been re-released or revived in some form, as some people have reported finding it in stores again. Golden Grain Co., the brand behind the product, has also expanded its macaroni and cheese offerings with new products such as Mac-A-Roni and Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni, which are available at national retailers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golden Grain Macaroni and Cheese | A boxed macaroni and cheese product by Golden Grain Co. |
| Description | Larger elbow macaroni noodles, distributed by Golden Grain Co., Chicago |
| Taste | Considered better than Kraft by some consumers, described as bland and soapy by others |
| Price | $1 per box |
| Availability | Discontinued, but recently spotted at Walmart |
| Similar Products | Rice-A-Roni (by Golden Grain Co.), Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Safeway's Townhouse Macaroni & Cheese Dinner |
| Recipe Variations | Adding tuna, bacon, ham, Mennonite summer sausage, salsa, cheese types and toppings |
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What You'll Learn
Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese discontinued
Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese was once a popular product, with many consumers recalling how it was a staple in their households, particularly during the 1970s. The product was well-liked for its taste and larger macaroni noodles, and it was also more affordable than its competitor, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
However, some consumers noted that they were disappointed when the product was discontinued. One person shared their experience of working in a grocery store and expressed their sadness when the product was taken off the shelves.
Golden Grain, the company behind the macaroni and cheese, is a dry pasta brand that also manufactures Rice-A-Roni. In recent times, the company has expanded its product line by introducing two new macaroni and cheese offerings: Mac-A-Roni and Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni.
Mac-A-Roni is described as "creamy, cheesy, and tasting like it took all day to prepare," despite being easy to make. It comes in two varieties: creamy cheddar and creamy white cheddar. Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni, on the other hand, is made with cheese and no artificial flavors, and it is a good source of calcium. This product is available in three cheese and white cheddar varieties.
While Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese may have been discontinued at some point, it seems that the company has reintroduced similar products with new branding and slightly different features, allowing consumers to once again enjoy their convenient and tasty macaroni and cheese creations.
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Golden Grain Co. expands into macaroni and cheese
Golden Grain Co., the dry pasta brand, has expanded its product offerings by venturing into the macaroni and cheese category. This expansion showcases the company's strategic initiative to diversify its product portfolio and tap into the growing demand for convenient and tasty comfort foods.
The new mac and cheese products, Mac-A-Roni and Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni, offer distinct experiences for consumers. Mac-A-Roni, priced at $1.38 per box, is described as "creamy, cheesy, and tasting like it took all day to prepare," despite its ease of preparation. It comes in two mouth-watering variants: Creamy Cheddar and Creamy White Cheddar. On the other hand, Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni, priced at $2.49 per box, appeals to health-conscious consumers with its absence of artificial flavors and good source of calcium. This product is available in three cheese and white cheddar varieties, providing a more natural and nutritious option.
This strategic move by Golden Grain Co. is a response to the thriving macaroni and cheese market, which has become a significant segment within the broader $4 billion frozen entrée industry. With Americans purchasing 1 million boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese daily, the demand for quick, comforting meals is undeniable. Golden Grain Co.'s expansion into this category positions them to capture a share of this lucrative market.
The new mac and cheese products from Golden Grain Co. are not just about convenience; they also cater to consumers' taste preferences. By offering larger macaroni noodles, Golden Grain sets itself apart from competitors like Kraft, providing a unique texture and visual appeal. This differentiation strategy may help the company establish a strong foothold in the competitive mac and cheese aisle.
Golden Grain Co.'s expansion into macaroni and cheese is a testament to their understanding of modern consumers' needs. By delivering products that are not only quick and easy to prepare but also delicious and nostalgic, the company has the potential to become a staple in households across the nation, evoking warm and fuzzy feelings about home and family with every bite.
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Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese taste
Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese is a boxed dinner that was popular in the 1970s and early 2000s. It was known for its larger macaroni noodles compared to other brands and its cheesy flavor. However, some people found it to be bland and soapy-tasting, with a chemical taste and a powdery aftertaste.
The key to making good macaroni and cheese is choosing the right cheese. Sharp cheddars, which have a stronger taste that many adults prefer, can make the dish grainy and cause the cheese to curdle, resulting in a loss of creaminess. Mild cheeses with smooth and waxy characteristics are better choices for a creamy macaroni and cheese, as are processed cheeses, which have an added emulsifier that helps the cheese melt smoothly.
Many people have fond memories of Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese and consider it a staple of their childhood, especially those who grew up in the 1970s. Some people even add their own twists to the recipe, such as mixing in light tuna, bacon, diced ham, or other add-ins.
Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese was discontinued at some point, but it appears to have been re-released or reintroduced in some stores, as some people have reported finding it at Walmart for $1 per box. However, those who have tried it again after a long time have been disappointed, feeling that it doesn't taste the same as they remembered.
Rice-A-Roni, a dry pasta brand of Golden Grain Co., has also expanded into the macaroni and cheese aisle with two new products: Mac-A-Roni and Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni. Mac-A-Roni is described as "creamy, cheesy, and tasting like it took all day to prepare, even though it's easy to make," while Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni is made with cheese, has no artificial flavors, and is a good source of calcium.
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Golden Grain Macaroni & Cheese recipe
Golden Grain's Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic, quick-to-make, family-favourite recipe. The recipe includes a cheesy flavour and can be twisted in many ways.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of Golden Grain Elbows
- 1/4 cup of margarine or butter
- 1/3 cup of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 13 x 9-inch rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat, then stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in the milk and cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
Stir the pasta into the cheese sauce and spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the Swiss cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. If desired, sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Variations:
Some people like to stir in bacon, diced ham, or other add-ins before transferring the mixture to a casserole dish. You can also replace the elbows with Ziti with lines. For toppings, you can use crushed bagel chips, toasted bread cubes, or leftover crushed potato chips.
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Golden Grain Co. background
Golden Grain Co. is a Chicago-based company that distributed boxed macaroni and cheese products. The brand was well-known for its large macaroni noodles, which set it apart from other brands on the market. Golden Grain's macaroni and cheese was a popular choice for consumers in the 1970s, especially in California, where it was considered a staple in many households. It was often preferred over its competitor, Kraft, due to its larger noodle size and better taste at a lower cost.
The Golden Grain Co. macaroni and cheese was easily recognizable with its distinctive packaging. The box featured a circle in the top right corner, indicating that it was "From the makers of Rice-A-Roni," and a San Francisco trolley car on the front. This classic product held a special place in the hearts of many, evoking warm and fuzzy feelings of home and family.
Golden Grain Co.'s macaroni and cheese was not just a convenient meal but also a versatile dish that allowed for various add-ins and customizations. Some people liked to mix in light tuna, creating a heartwarming meal that brought back memories of their mother's cooking. Others experimented with different types of cheese, spices, and toppings, such as croutons, crushed bagel chips, or crackers, to add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
While Golden Grain Co.'s macaroni and cheese was discontinued at some point, leaving fans disappointed, it appears that the product has made a comeback in 2023, with people reporting findings at Walmart. However, the new version may not live up to the taste and quality of the original.
Rice-A-Roni, a dry pasta brand under the Golden Grain Co., expanded its product line in 2024 with the introduction of two new macaroni and cheese offerings: Mac-A-Roni and Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni. These new products aim to provide a creamy, cheesy, and easy-to-prepare experience for consumers, building upon the legacy of Golden Grain Co.'s macaroni and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Golden Grain Macaroni and Cheese was discontinued, but it seems to have made a comeback as some people have reported finding it at Walmart.
Golden Grain Macaroni and Cheese was a boxed macaroni and cheese product distributed by Golden Grain Co., Chicago. It was a staple in many households in the 1970s, especially in California, due to its low cost and good taste.
Golden Grain Macaroni and Cheese had larger elbow noodles compared to other brands, giving it a more attractive appearance.
It is unclear why Golden Grain Macaroni and Cheese was discontinued. However, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has dominated the market, with Americans buying 1 million boxes every day, amounting to a $500 million a year industry.
Yes, Golden Grain's website provides a recipe for their classic baked macaroni and cheese. The recipe includes adding grated medium cheddar cheese on top of the macaroni mixture, dotting it with butter, and sprinkling paprika, salt, and pepper. It is then baked for 30-35 minutes and served with warmed canned tomatoes.
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