Patrick Oconnell
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, is a popular nonperishable, packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in 1937 and is now available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where it is marketed under different names. The product is manufactured by Kraft Foods Group and has a variety of flavour formulations and ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Kraft Foods Group |
| Product Name | Kraft Macaroni and Cheese |
| Product Type | Packaged macaroni and cheese mix |
| Ingredients | Wheat, milk, and other ingredients from Canada and the US |
| Manufacturing Locations | Mount Royal, Quebec; Wausau, Wisconsin |
| Product Variations | Kraft Dinner Smart, Deluxe, SpongeBob, Frozen Meals, etc. |
| Marketing | Tie-ins with popular characters like Looney Tunes, SpongeBob, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac & Cheese is made by Kraft Foods Group
Over the years, Kraft Mac & Cheese has evolved and expanded its product line. In 2010, Kraft Dinner Smart (KD Smart) was launched in Canada as a healthy sub-brand, offering macaroni and cheese products without artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives and with added ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seeds blended into the noodles. The brand has also introduced deluxe varieties with liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen meals, as well as different pasta shapes and flavours.
The production of Kraft Mac & Cheese has adapted to meet the increasing demand, especially during the pandemic. A multi-line expansion project was completed in the Wausau plant, which included new equipment and processes for several rooms, such as dry ingredient bulk bag unloaders, a liquid cheese cook room, and a CIP sanitation system.
Kraft Mac & Cheese has become a staple in many households and is known for its comfort and convenience. The brand continues to innovate and find new ways to enjoy their macaroni and cheese, as evidenced by their website, which features various recipes, including mac & cheese sushi and grilled cheese with mac & cheese noodle filling.
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It is packaged in Quebec, Canada
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, is packaged in Quebec, Canada. The product was introduced in Canada and the United States in 1937 and has since become an iconic staple in Canadian culture. Kraft Dinner is the most popular grocery item in Canada, with Canadians consuming 55% more boxes per capita than Americans.
The product is manufactured in Mount Royal, Quebec, and is made with Canadian wheat and milk, along with other ingredients sourced from Canada and the United States. Kraft Dinner has a unique marketing and advertising platform in Canada, tailored specifically to the Canadian market. The brand has become so popular in Canada that it has achieved a generic trademark status for macaroni and cheese, often being referred to simply as "K.D."
The Kraft Heinz company has invested in expanding and modernizing its Kraft Macaroni and Cheese production facilities in recent years. During the pandemic, a multi-line expansion project was completed at the Wausau plant, increasing production output without disrupting the existing schedule. This project included new equipment and processes for several rooms, such as dry ingredient bulk bag unloaders, a liquid cheese cook room, and a CIP sanitation system.
The Kraft Dinner brand has also launched a healthy sub-brand called Kraft Dinner Smart (KD Smart), which offers macaroni and cheese products without artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. This sub-brand was first introduced in Canada in 2010 and features additional ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seed blended into the noodles.
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The product was introduced in Canada and the US in 1937
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, was introduced in both Canada and the US in 1937. It is a non-perishable, packaged macaroni and cheese mix, traditionally boxed with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. The product has since expanded to include deluxe varieties with liquid processed cheese, as well as microwavable frozen meals.
The brand is particularly popular in Canada, where consumers purchase 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week and eat an average of 3.2 boxes of Kraft Dinner per year. This is 55% more than Americans. Kraft Dinner has achieved iconic status in Canada, where it is often referred to simply as "KD". The Canadian marketing and advertising platform is tailored specifically to the Canadian market and cannot be easily adapted to the US market.
In the US, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese used to include Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 to make the food a brighter colour. However, in 2013, Kraft announced that new pasta shape varieties for children in the US would no longer include these ingredients, and that sodium and saturated fat content would be decreased, with more whole grains added. These changes were extended throughout the line in 2016, and Kraft now uses paprika, annatto, and turmeric for colouring.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is produced in various locations across North America, including a plant in Wausau, Wisconsin, and a facility in Mount Royal, Quebec. The product has become a staple in many households and has been serving up comfort and smiles for over 85 years.
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Kraft Mac & Cheese is available in microwavable cups
Kraft Mac & Cheese is a popular nonperishable, packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It is made by Kraft Foods Group and is traditionally cardboard-boxed with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. The brand is especially popular in Canada, where it is known as Kraft Dinner (KD) and Canadians consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans.
The microwavable cups are a modern addition to the Kraft Mac & Cheese lineup, which has been serving up comfort and smiles for over 85 years. The product has evolved over time, with new flavour variations and formulations introduced to meet consumer demands and preferences.
The original Kraft Mac & Cheese was introduced in 1937 and has since become a staple in many households. Today, Kraft Mac & Cheese is not just a boxed dinner but a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. From grilled cheese sandwiches to mac & cheese sushi, the possibilities are endless.
The convenience of the microwavable cups aligns with the brand's mission to bring comfort and good vibes to people of all ages. Whether you're short on time or simply craving a quick bite, Kraft Mac & Cheese in microwavable cups is a convenient option that delivers the same great taste you know and love.
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The recipe has changed over the years
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, has been a popular meal option for many families since its introduction in 1937. Over the years, the recipe for this classic comfort food has undergone several changes, some of which have been met with mixed reactions from loyal customers.
One of the most notable changes to the recipe occurred in 2013 when Kraft announced that it would be removing Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, artificial dyes that gave the product its signature bright orange colour. This change was made initially for pasta shape varieties for children in the United States, with a commitment to extend it to the entire product line by 2016. The company replaced these artificial dyes with natural colouring agents like paprika, annatto, and turmeric. While this change addressed health concerns, it also altered the iconic appearance of the macaroni and cheese.
In addition to colour changes, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has also seen adjustments to its flavour and texture. Some customers have expressed disappointment with the reduced cheesiness of the product, describing it as "tasteless" and "bland." Others have noted that the pasta tends to overcook more easily, resulting in a softer texture than the original recipe. These changes have prompted loyal customers to seek alternatives, with some even opting to make their own macaroni and cheese from scratch.
To cater to evolving consumer preferences and health concerns, Kraft has introduced various product lines and flavour variations. For example, Kraft Dinner Smart, launched in Canada in 2010, offers a range of macaroni and cheese products without artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. This sub-brand includes added ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seeds blended into the noodles, providing a healthier option for consumers. Kraft has also released deluxe varieties featuring liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen meals, giving customers more convenient and indulgent options.
While some changes to the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese recipe have been well-received, others have sparked debates and petitions from loyal customers who prefer the original flavour and texture. These customers advocate for the option to purchase both the classic and new versions of the product. Despite the mixed reactions, Kraft has continued to evolve its product line, responding to consumer feedback and adapting to changing market demands.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is made in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Kraft Dinner Smart is manufactured in Mount Royal, Quebec.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is sold in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and internationally.
