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🧀

Mac and cheese Calories

Pasta with cheese-based sauce

CALORIES

164kcal

GI

52medium

POTASSIUM

92mg

FIBER

1g

Mac and cheese Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

164

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

19.8g

· 49%

Protein

6.7g

· 16%

Fat

6.3g

· 35%

Fiber

1g

Mac and cheese Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.28µg · 12% DV

B2

0.12mg · 9% DV

Biotin

2.1µg · 7% DV

Vitamin A

58µg · 6% DV

Minerals

Selenium

10.5µg · 19% DV

Phosphorus

132mg · 19% DV

Sodium

320mg · 14% DV

Calcium

118mg · 12% DV

Mac and cheese Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

52
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

10
Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

Is Mac and cheese Processed?

NOVA 3

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 Mac and cheese Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy yes
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Mac and cheese Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Mac and cheese Fat Profile

SATURATED

3.1g

MONOUNSATURATED

1.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.7g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 15.5:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (15.5:1).

Foods Similar to Mac and cheese

🧴

Hawthorn Vinegar

18 kcal

🌯

Tantuni

210 kcal

🌯

Chicken Wrap

195 kcal

🍫

Protein Bar

350 kcal

🥟

Cheese Börek

290 kcal

🧇

Waffle

291 kcal

🍟

French Fries

312 kcal

🍫

Cocoa

228 kcal

Mac and cheese — Frequently Asked Questions

Is mac and cheese better before or after a workout?

Its carbohydrate content can make it a useful meal a couple of hours before training. After exercise, pair it with an additional protein source such as chicken, tuna, eggs, Greek yogurt, or beans to make the meal more supportive of recovery.

How can I make mac and cheese a more balanced meal?

Add vegetables or a side salad for more volume and a wider range of fibre-containing foods. Adding chicken, tuna, eggs, lentils, or chickpeas can also make it more filling and protein-focused.

Do you have to avoid mac and cheese when trying to lose weight?

No food is automatically off-limits for weight loss; overall eating patterns and portion size matter most. A moderate serving alongside vegetables and protein is usually more satisfying than eating mac and cheese on its own.

Is boxed mac and cheese as good as homemade?

Boxed versions are convenient, but they are typically more processed and may contain more added salt and sauce ingredients than a version made from basic foods. Homemade mac and cheese gives you more control over the cheese, milk, seasonings, and additions.

Why does mac and cheese turn dry or grainy?

Cheese sauce can split or become grainy when overheated, especially at a hard boil. Use gentle heat, stir in the cheese off the heat when possible, and loosen the sauce with a little pasta water or milk if needed.

What vegetables go well with mac and cheese?

Broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, and roasted peppers work especially well with a cheese sauce. Stir them in near the end or serve them alongside to add color, texture, and variety.

Is mac and cheese safe for people with gluten or dairy allergies?

No. This product contains both gluten and dairy, so it is not appropriate for coeliac disease, gluten-related disorders, or milk-protein allergy. People with lactose intolerance may tolerate it differently depending on the cheese and milk used.

How long does cooked mac and cheese last in the fridge?

Refrigerate it in a covered container within two hours of cooking. It is generally best eaten within 3 to 4 days, and it should be reheated until thoroughly hot.

Can mac and cheese be frozen?

Yes, it can be frozen in an airtight container, although the cheese sauce may separate slightly and the pasta may soften after thawing. Reheat gently and add a small splash of milk or water to help restore the sauce.

Is mac and cheese too heavy to eat at night?

A large, rich serving close to bedtime may trigger indigestion or reflux in some people. A smaller portion, eaten well before lying down and served with vegetables, may feel easier to digest.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.