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STEPHANIE ZONIS focuses on good foods and the people who produce them.

 

 

August 2010

Product Reviews / Main Nibbles / Pastas

Best Macaroni And Cheese

Page 5b: Annie’s Homegrown Mac And Cheese, Part I

 

You are reading part of a review of 54 boxed macaroni and cheese mixes from nine different manufacturers. From here you can go to the index of all of the mac and cheese brands, go to Page 1 of the complete macaroni and cheese article or continue to the next page of reviews.

 

Annie’s Homegrown Microwavable Macaroni And Cheese

Adding milk and fat to either of the microwavable products is optional “For Richer Flavor.” Annies.com

Mac & Cheese, Real Aged Cheddar (75% organic)

  • Serving size: 1 packet/61 grams/makes about 3/4 cup
  • Servings per container: one
  • You add: nothing
  • Yield when prepared: about 3/4 cup
  • Per serving: 230 calories (40 calories from fat). 4.5 grams total fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 580 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber, 9 grams protein, 10% calcium
  • Tasting notes: Very mild cheese flavor that’s barely noticeable. 

Mac & Cheese, Real White Cheddar (75% organic)

  • Serving size: 1 packet/61 grams/makes about 3/4 cup
  • Servings per container: one
  • You add: nothing
  • Yield when prepared: about 3/4 cup
  • Per serving: 230 calories (40 calories from fat). 4 grams total fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 570 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 9 grams protein, 10% calcium
  • Tasting notes: A mild cheese flavor. Pleasant. I almost always keep a box of this at home for those days when I’m out of sorts.

Annie’s Homegrown Stovetop Macaroni And Cheese

Though there are the quick and easy microwavable versions, most of Annie’s line is designed to be made on the stovetop.

25% Less Sodium Macaroni & Cheese

  • Serving size: 2.5 ounces/71 grams/about 1 cup prepared.
  • Servings per container: about 2.5.
  • You add: lowfat milk.
  • Yield when prepared: about 2-1/2 cups.
  • Per serving: 280 calories (35 calories from fat). 4 grams total fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 440 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber, 11 grams protein, 15% calcium.
  • Tasting notes: The sauce for this product is too thin and doesn’t thicken over a reasonable amount of time. Very little cheese flavor and quite bland overall.

Classic Mild Cheese Taste

  • Serving size: 2.5 ounces/71 grams/about 1 cup prepared.
  • Servings per container: about 2.5.
  • You add: lowfat milk.
  • Yield when prepared: about 2-1/4 cups.
  • Per serving: 280 calories (35 calories from fat). 4 grams total fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 540 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber, 11 grams protein, 15% calcium.
  • Tasting notes: As suggested by the name, a very mild cheese flavor. The sauce for this is somewhat too thin, but a little thicker than most others from this brand.

Creamy Deluxe Elbows & Four Cheese Sauce

  • Serving size: 3.3 ounces/94 grams/about 1 cup prepared.
  • Servings per container: about 3.
  • You add: nothing.
  • Yield when prepared: about 3 cups.
  • Per serving: 300 calories (80 calories from fat). 9 grams total fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 650 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber, 12 grams protein, 15% calcium.
  • Tasting notes: Sauce has an unpleasant, almost metallic aftertaste, common among such sauces where my taste buds are concerned.

 

Creamy Deluxe Whole Wheat Shells & Extra Cheesy Cheddar Sauce

  • Serving size: 3.2 ounces/90 grams/about 1 cup prepared
  • Servings per container: 3
  • You add: nothing
  • Yield when prepared: About 2-2/3 cups
  • Per serving: 250 calories (40 calories from fat). 4.5 grams total fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 680 mg sodium, 6 grams fiber, 11 grams protein, 15% calcium
  • Tasting notes: This pasta looks and tastes whole grain; in fact, it’s got quite a strong flavor. To me, the pasta overwhelmed the cheese sauce. I usually enjoy whole grain pasta in a mac and cheese, but not here.

 

Continue To The Next Page: Annie’s Homegrown Macaroni And Cheese, Part II—Organic Macaroni

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