Kraft mac and cheese

Kraft mac and cheese

Processed Food

Item Rating: 66/100

1 serving (206 grams) contains 350 calories, 10.0 grams of protein, 12.0 grams of fat, and 49.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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402.3
calories
11.5
protein
56.3
carbohydrates
13.8
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (236.8g)
Calories
402.3
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13.8 g 17%
Saturated Fat 3.4 g 17%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 11.5 mg 3%
Sodium 816.1 mg 35%
Total Carbohydrates 56.3 g 20%
Dietary Fiber 2.3 g 8%
Sugars 6.9 g
protein 11.5 g 23%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 172.4 mg 13%
Iron 2.3 mg 12%
Potassium 172.4 mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

Source of Calories

57.0%
11.6%
31.4%
Fat: 124 cal (31.4%)
Protein: 46 cal (11.6%)
Carbs: 225 cal (57.0%)

About Kraft mac and cheese

Kraft Mac and Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, is a processed boxed macaroni and cheese product introduced in 1937 by Kraft Foods. It is commonly associated with American and Canadian cuisine and is known for its convenience and affordability. Each box contains macaroni pasta and a packet of powdered cheese sauce that is mixed with milk and butter to create the dish. Nutritionally, a single serving (2.5 oz dry or prepared as directed) contains approximately 350 calories, 13g of protein, 46g of carbohydrates, 12g of fat, and 15% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium. It is relatively high in sodium, with one serving providing around 600mg of sodium, approximately 25% of the DV.

Health Benefits

  • Provides a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrate content, essential for the body’s immediate fuel needs.
  • Contains 13g of protein per serving, which contributes to muscle repair and maintenance.
  • Includes 15% of the daily value for calcium, important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains wheat, milk
Suitable for: Vegetarian (if prepared without meat additions)
Not suitable for: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free diets

Selection and Storage

Store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once prepared, refrigerated leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days.

Common Questions About Kraft mac and cheese Nutrition

How many calories and how much protein does Kraft Mac and Cheese have?

One serving of Kraft Mac and Cheese (prepared) contains about 350 calories and 10 grams of protein. A serving size is typically 1 cup (prepared). Keep in mind that the calorie count can increase depending on the amount of butter and milk used during preparation.

Can I eat Kraft Mac and Cheese on a keto diet?

Kraft Mac and Cheese is not suitable for a keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content. One serving contains approximately 47 grams of carbohydrates, which would exceed the daily carb allowance for a typical ketogenic diet.

Is Kraft Mac and Cheese healthy or bad for you?

Kraft Mac and Cheese can be a quick and comforting meal, but it's relatively low in essential nutrients and high in sodium, with about 560 mg per serving. It should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you're monitoring your sodium or calorie intake.

What is the recommended serving size for Kraft Mac and Cheese?

The recommended serving size for Kraft Mac and Cheese is typically 1 cup of prepared pasta, which equals roughly 1/3 of the box (including milk and butter based on package instructions). Adjust portions depending on your dietary needs and activity level.

How does Kraft Mac and Cheese compare to homemade mac and cheese?

Kraft Mac and Cheese is more convenient and quicker to prepare than homemade versions. However, homemade mac and cheese allows you to control ingredients like salt, cheese quality, and added nutritional items (e.g., vegetables or whole grain pasta) for a potentially healthier and more customizable dish.

Data Sources & Scientific References

Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.

Additional Authoritative Sources:

Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.