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Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Calories
Cheesy pasta convenience food; high in sodium
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (180 g) has 295 calories. That works out to 164 calories per 100 g. It contains 46.6 g of carbs, 9.9 g of protein, 8.3 g of fat and 2 g of fiber. Its 324 mg of Phosphorus covers 46% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 64 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 180 g
295
KCAL / 180G
Carbs
46.6g
· 17% DV
Protein
9.9g
· 20% DV
Fat
8.3g
· 11% DV
Fiber
2g
· 7% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 62% · Protein 13% · Fat 25%
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (180 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal | |
| Total fat | 8.3 g | 11% |
| Saturated fat | 4.23 g | 21% |
| Trans fat | 0.18 g | |
| Sodium | 918 mg | 40% |
| Total carbohydrate | 46.6 g | 17% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 180 g | 295 kcal |
| ½ cup (small) | 90 g | 148 kcal |
| ½ serving (small) | 90 g | 148 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 164 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 180 g | 295 kcal |
| 1.5 cup (large) | 270 g | 443 kcal |
| 2 cup (extra large) | 360 g | 590 kcal |
| 2 serving (double) | 360 g | 590 kcal |
| 1 pack (whole) | 510 g | 836 kcal |
Calculated from 164 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
How do you make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese on the stove?
Boil the macaroni, drain it, then stir in the cheese sauce mix and the other ingredients specified on the box. The exact directions can vary by product, so follow the instructions for your particular package rather than assuming every version uses the same amounts.
What can you add to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese to make it better?
Try stirring cooked broccoli, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded chicken into Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. These additions bring different textures and flavors; cook them separately first, then mix them in so they heat through without leaving the pasta undercooked.
Can you make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the microwave?
Yes, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese can be made in the microwave, but the water amount and cooking time depend on the product. Use a large microwave-safe bowl, stir as directed to prevent uneven cooking, and follow the microwave instructions on your box.
Can you make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese without milk?
Yes, you can make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese without milk. A little reserved pasta water can help the sauce mix with the noodles, though the result will taste less rich and may have a different texture than the package’s standard preparation.
How do you make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese creamier?
For creamier Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, stir the sauce ingredients into the hot pasta and add a small splash of milk or reserved pasta water at a time. Stop when the sauce coats the noodles; adding too much liquid can make it runny.
How long does Kraft Macaroni and Cheese last in the fridge?
Prepared Kraft Macaroni and Cheese keeps in the refrigerator for about three to four days when stored promptly in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, adding a little milk or water if the chilled sauce has thickened.
Can you freeze Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze prepared Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, although the sauce may become grainy or separate after thawing. Cool it promptly, seal it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat it gently while stirring; adding a little milk can help the sauce come together.
Does Kraft Macaroni and Cheese expire?
Yes, boxed Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has a date on its package, and its quality can decline over time. Keep an unopened box in a cool, dry place; after opening, seal the dry components well and use them before they pick up moisture or odors.
Is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese bad for you?
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is high in sodium and is not especially varied as a meal on its own. It can fit occasionally into meals; adding vegetables and choosing a suitable portion can make the meal more balanced.
Why is my Kraft Macaroni and Cheese sauce lumpy or runny?
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese sauce can turn lumpy if the sauce mix is not stirred in thoroughly, or runny if too much liquid is added. Mix it into the hot pasta gradually, stirring until smooth, and add any extra milk or pasta water a little at a time.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0.32mg · 27% DV
B12
0.54µg · 23% DV
B3
3.24mg · 20% DV
B2
0.25mg · 19% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
324mg · 46% DV
Selenium
23µg · 42% DV
Sodium
918mg · 40% DV
Calcium
270mg · 27% DV
Potassium ⭐
189mg · 6% DV
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
To burn the 295 calories in 1 cup (medium) (180 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a packaged pasta meal: macaroni is cooked and mixed with a cheese sauce, traditionally made from the packet’s seasoning mix. A familiar American convenience food, it is often served at home as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a side dish.
The pasta turns soft and creamy, with a distinctive salty, cheesy flavour. It is mainly a carbohydrate-rich, filling option, and it is relatively high in sodium. Serve it alongside a salad or vegetables for a more balanced plate, or add vegetables to the pasta; a smaller portion also works well as a side with a main dish.
How Nutritious Is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Processed?
NOVA 4
Ultra-Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Fat Profile
SATURATED
4.23g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.89g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.24g
Omega 6:3 ratio 16:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (16:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.