Randy Chandler
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers were launched in 2008 and discontinued in 2009. The crackers were macaroni-shaped and came in three flavors: cheddar, white cheddar, and mild cheddar. They were made with real cheddar cheese and were marketed as a crunchy, delicious snack. Despite their short shelf life, the crackers have become a nostalgic item, with some people even starting petitions to bring them back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kraft |
| Product | Macaroni and Cheese Crackers |
| Flavors | Cheddar, White Cheddar, Mild Cheddar |
| Shape | Macaroni |
| Price | $2.99 |
| Availability | Discontinued in 2009 |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac & Cheese Crackers were launched in 2008
In 2008, Kraft Foods launched Mac & Cheese Crackers, which were crackers in the shape of macaroni and cheese. The crackers were an extension of the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese brand, which had been a popular food item for over 70 years. The crackers were marketed as a convenient, on-the-go snack that could be enjoyed "anytime, anywhere". They were baked and crunchy, with three flavour options: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar. Sanford Fink, the brand manager at Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill, said:
> We're excited to have transformed the cheesy taste everyone loves into a crunchy, delicious snack. Now people can now enjoy Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Crackers anytime, anywhere... whether it's on-the-go from activity to activity, as part of a packed lunch for school, or a fun after-school snack.
The Kraft Mac & Cheese Crackers were priced at a suggested retail price of $2.99. However, despite their initial popularity, the crackers were discontinued just a year after their launch in 2009. This decision upset many consumers, with some signing a petition for their return. One petitioner commented:
> My great grandmother would buy these for me, I remember sitting there eating these waiting for the Casey Anthony case to reach a verdict. These hold [a] memory so dear to my heart.
The crackers have become a nostalgic food item, with some people reminiscing about their unique shape and taste.
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The crackers were macaroni-shaped and came in three flavours
In 2008, Kraft Foods launched Mac & Cheese Crackers, which were crackers in the shape of macaroni. These crackers were launched as a spin-off of the popular Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, which has been a beloved product for over 70 years. The crackers came in three flavours: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar.
The crackers were marketed as a convenient, crunchy snack that could be enjoyed "anytime, anywhere." Sanford Fink, brand manager at Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill., expressed excitement over the new product, stating that people could now enjoy the taste of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in a new, delicious form. The suggested retail price for the crackers was $2.99.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the crackers were short-lived and were discontinued just a year after their launch in 2009. This decision upset many consumers, with some signing a petition for their return. The crackers hold a nostalgic value for those who enjoyed them, and some fondly remember them as a unique snack.
The crackers were not the only Kraft Macaroni & Cheese spin-off to be short-lived. Kraft Instant, which required adding water, was also mentioned as a product that did not stick around for too long.
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They were discontinued in 2009
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers were discontinued in 2009, just a year after they were launched in 2008. The crackers were in the shape of macaroni and cheese and came in three flavors: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar. They were marketed as a convenient, crunchy snack that could be enjoyed "anytime, anywhere," whether on-the-go, as a packed lunch, or an after-school treat.
The crackers were a real innovation for the Kraft brand, which had been selling its popular boxed macaroni and cheese product since 1937. The idea to combine macaroni pasta and cheese into a single package is credited to a St. Louis, Missouri salesman, Grant Leslie, who had the idea during the Great Depression. The product was a success, particularly during World War II when rationing and meatless meals were common. Over the years, Kraft has introduced various flavor variations and formulations, including Easy Mac and Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups.
However, the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers did not stand the test of time and were discontinued after just a year. While some people were upset about the decision and even started petitions to bring them back, others were less than impressed with the product. One reviewer described the crackers as "stale" with an "envelope of cheese dust applied liberally." Nonetheless, the crackers remain a nostalgic item for many, reminding them of happier times and memories shared with loved ones.
The discontinuation of the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers is a reminder that even well-established brands like Kraft can make missteps in their product offerings. While the crackers were intended to be a convenient and tasty snack, they ultimately did not resonate with consumers enough to keep them on shelves. This highlights the importance of understanding consumer preferences and making sure that new products align with their tastes and expectations.
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A Change.org petition to bring them back was started in 2019
In 2019, a Change.org petition was started to bring back Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers. The crackers, which were launched in 2008, were discontinued in 2009, much to the dismay of those who enjoyed them. The crackers came in three flavours: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar. They were shaped like macaroni and cheese and provided a crunchy, baked snack that could be enjoyed on the go or as a fun after-school treat.
The petition, titled "Bring back Kraft Mac & Cheese Crackers!", emphasised the nostalgic value of the snack and the fond memories associated with it. One commenter on the petition shared how their great grandmother used to buy the crackers for them, and they would eat them while waiting for the Casey Anthony case verdict. Others expressed their love for the crackers on Reddit, with some saying they missed them and that they belonged in the r/nostalgia subreddit.
The Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers held a special place in people's hearts, triggering fond recollections of happier times and loved ones. The petition highlighted the unique shape and taste of the crackers, which were made with real cheddar cheese. The crackers were a convenient and tasty snack that left a lasting impression, even though they were only on the market for a short time.
The Change.org petition gathered signatures from those who fondly remembered the crackers and wanted to see them back on shelves. It served as a testament to the impact the snack had on people's lives and the enduring popularity of Kraft's iconic Macaroni and Cheese flavour. The petition demonstrated the power of nostalgia and the strong connection people form with certain foods, especially those tied to childhood memories and emotional moments.
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The crackers were described as stale by LAist
In 2008, Kraft Foods launched Mac & Cheese Crackers, which were crackers in the shape of macaroni and cheese. The crackers came in three flavours: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar. Sanford Fink, the brand manager at Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill, said:
> We're excited to have transformed the cheesy taste everyone loves into a crunchy, delicious snack. Now people can now enjoy Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Crackers anytime, anywhere ... whether it's on-the-go from activity to activity, as part of a packed lunch for school or a fun after-school snack.
However, the product was discontinued in 2009, just a year after its launch, and some people were upset by this decision. A petition on Change.org calling for the return of the crackers garnered signatures from people who missed the snack and cherished the memories associated with it.
Despite the apparent popularity of the crackers, a review by LAist described them as "stale". The review, titled "Simply Wrong Food: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers", sarcastically commented on the need for another cheese-flavoured cracker on the market and expressed a preference for the convenience of Kraft's instant macaroni and cheese products. The review described the crackers as "stale" and characterised the cheese flavouring as an "envelope of cheese dust".
The LAist review also noted the novelty of the macaroni shape, mentioning that the crackers could not be stacked on the tines of a fork to resemble a pan flute like other crackers. This comment suggests that, while the taste and texture of the crackers may have been disappointing, their unique shape contributed to a playful eating experience that could have been a selling point for some consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers were launched in 2008 and were crackers in the shape of macaroni and cheese. They came in three flavors: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar.
It is unclear why they were discontinued, but a year after their launch in 2008, they were discontinued in 2009, upsetting many customers.
They were sold in the United States, as customers have expressed their desire for the product to return on a Change.org petition.
No, unfortunately, you cannot buy them anymore. They were discontinued in 2009 and Kraft has not re-released them since.
