Frederic Melton
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, Kraft Mac & Cheese, or KD, is a popular nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was first introduced in Canada and the United States in 1937 and has since become a well-loved comfort food, especially in North America. Over the years, Kraft has introduced various flavour variations and formulations, including whole grain options, to cater to different tastes and preferences. So, who provides the grain for this beloved comfort food? Let's delve into the world of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese to find out more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Kraft Foods Group |
| Former Parent Company | Mondelez |
| Inventor | James Lewis Kraft |
| Year of Invention | 1916 |
| Year of Launch | 1937 |
| Product Name | Kraft Dinner (Canada), Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (US, Australia, and New Zealand), Mac and Cheese (UK and Internationally) |
| Product Type | Nonperishable Packaged Macaroni and Cheese Mix |
| Ingredients | Macaroni Pasta, Processed Cheese Powder |
| Flavour Variations | Original Recipe, Thick n' Creamy, Three Cheese, White Cheddar, Gluten-Free, Whole Grain, White Bean Pasta, Smart |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac & Cheese is made by Kraft Foods Group
Kraft Mac & Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, is made by Kraft Foods Group. It was first introduced in 1937 in the US and Canada as a boxed, nonperishable macaroni and cheese mix. The product was particularly successful during World War II, with sales of the boxed meals increasing fivefold during that time. This was due in part to the rationing of milk and dairy products, as well as an increased reliance on meatless meals and more women working outside the home.
Kraft Mac & Cheese is traditionally packaged in cardboard boxes with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. In 2006, the product switched to organic macaroni, and in 2007, the noodles became 50% whole grain. The brand has since introduced gluten-free, whole grain, and white bean pasta options, as well as a variety of flavour formulations, including three-cheese, white cheddar, and Homestyle Deluxe.
The product is now known as Kraft Mac Cheese, having dropped "macaroni" from its name in 2022 to reflect the way fans organically talk about the brand. It is America's original and favourite comfort food, with over a million boxes sold every day. The brand has played an iconic role in the lives of many, and its new brand identity includes an updated logo, noodle smile, and a new name that redefines the product as feel-good food for everyone.
Kraft Mac & Cheese is manufactured by Kraft Foods Group, although its former parent company, Mondelez, still operates internationally. The product is particularly popular in Canada, where consumption is 55% higher per capita than in the United States.
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The product was first introduced in 1937
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known as Kraft Dinner in Canada, was introduced in 1937. It was the first boxed macaroni and cheese product on the market. The product was sold for 19 cents and contained four servings. Its slogan was "make a meal for four in nine minutes".
The product was a natural evolution of the company's existing business model. James Lewis Kraft, the founder of Kraft, had been selling cheese since 1903 and had received a patent for processed cheese in 1916. During the Great Depression, a St. Louis, Missouri salesman, Grant Leslie, had the idea to sell macaroni pasta and cheese together as a package, so he began attaching grated cheese to boxes of pasta with a rubber band. Kraft introduced its boxed macaroni and cheese product in 1937, and it was a success.
The timing of the product's launch had a lot to do with its success. During World War II, the rationing of milk and dairy products, increased reliance on meatless meals, and more women working outside the home created a large market for the product, which was considered a hearty meal for families. Its shelf life of ten months was attractive at a time when many Canadian homes did not have refrigerators. Additionally, consumers could receive two boxes for one food ration stamp. In 1937 alone, 9 million boxes were sold, and this number would multiply five times during World War II.
Since its introduction in 1937, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has undergone several changes and added various flavour variations and formulations. In 1975, a version with spiral-shaped noodles was introduced, and in 1984, Velveeta Shells & Cheese was introduced. In 1999, a single-serving variation requiring only water for preparation was introduced as Easy Mac. In 2006, the cheddar and white cheddar versions switched to organic macaroni, while Easy Mac Cups were introduced. In 2007, the noodles switched to 50% whole grain, and Macaroni & Cheese Crackers were also introduced, although they were discontinued in 2008 as they did not meet company targets. In 2010, a sub-line, Homestyle Deluxe, was added in three flavours: cheddar, four-cheese sauce, and Old World Italian. In 2015, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was one of the top-selling items during the coronavirus pandemic, as shoppers stocked up on food to cook at home.
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It's called Kraft Dinner or KD in Canada
The product known as Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and Mac and Cheese in the United Kingdom, is called Kraft Dinner, or KD, in Canada.
Kraft Dinner was introduced in Canada and the U.S. in 1937, and it quickly became popular, with 9 million boxes sold in its first year. The product's launch coincided with World War II, when milk and dairy products were being rationed, and more meatless meals were consumed, creating a large market for the product. Kraft Dinner is particularly popular in Canada, where it has been called a de facto national dish. Canadians consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans, purchasing 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes sold globally each week.
Kraft Dinner is made by Kraft Foods Group (or former parent company Mondelez internationally) and is traditionally packaged with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. In 2015, Kraft removed the word "raft" from the name, officially changing it to KD, a nickname that was already commonly used by Canadians. The product has since evolved to include deluxe varieties with liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen mac-and-cheese meals, as well as single-serving options.
Kraft Dinner Smart (KD Smart) was launched in Canada in 2010 as a healthy sub-brand, with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives, and added ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seed blended into the noodles. Organic and whole-grain versions are also available, along with a larger "family size" box.
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It's available in whole grain versions
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, Kraft Mac & Cheese, or KD, is available in whole-grain versions. The product was first introduced in Canada and the United States in 1937 and has since become a popular comfort food, especially in Canada.
In 2007, Kraft made a significant change to the noodle composition, switching to 50% whole grain. This move towards healthier ingredients was further reflected in the launch of Kraft Dinner Smart (KD Smart) in 2010, a sub-brand offering macaroni and cheese products with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. The KD Smart line includes organic and whole-grain options, as well as added ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seeds blended into the noodles.
The whole-grain versions of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese are made with a combination of durum wheat flour and whole wheat flour, providing consumers with a more nutritious option without sacrificing the classic taste.
Kraft has continued to innovate and respond to consumer preferences, as evidenced by the introduction of gluten-free, white bean pasta, and other flavour variations. The availability of whole-grain options demonstrates the company's recognition of the importance of offering healthier alternatives to its traditional product.
The whole-grain varieties of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese allow consumers to enjoy a familiar comfort food while incorporating more nutritious options into their diets. This product evolution reflects Kraft's adaptation to modern tastes and health-conscious consumers.
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It's America's favourite comfort food
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, or Kraft Mac & Cheese, has been America's favourite comfort food for 85 years. Known as Kraft Dinner or KD in Canada, the product was first introduced in 1937, and 9 million boxes were sold that year. The brand was the first to market boxed macaroni and cheese, and during World War II, when it was considered a hearty meal for families, sales multiplied fivefold.
Kraft Mac & Cheese is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. The original recipe included elbow macaroni and a packet of processed cheese powder. Over the years, Kraft has introduced a variety of flavour variations and formulations, including Easy Mac (a single-serving product), Homestyle Deluxe, Smart (a healthy sub-brand), and more. The product has also evolved to include different pasta shapes, such as spirals, alphabet, numbers, and pop culture icons.
The brand has also made changes to address criticisms of its use of artificial dyes and ingredients. In 2006, the product switched to organic macaroni, and in 2007, the noodles switched to 50% whole grain. Kraft Mac & Cheese continues to be a beloved comfort food for many, with over a million boxes sold every day.
Kraft Mac & Cheese has become a staple in the lives of many Americans, and its popularity has led to it playing an iconic role in pop culture. The brand has even expanded to include SpongeBob-themed boxes, reflecting its appeal to both children and adults. Whether it's a quick and easy meal for busy parents or a comforting dish for those with sensory issues, Kraft Mac & Cheese has solidified its place as America's favourite comfort food.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is made by Kraft Foods Group, or its former parent company Mondelez internationally.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is made from dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was launched in 1937 in the US and Canada.
Canadians consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans. About 1.7 million of the 7 million boxes, or 24%, of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese sold every week are bought by Canadians.
