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Creamy prepared pasta with cheese sauce
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 cup (medium) of Prepared Macaroni and Cheese (200 g) has 328 calories. That works out to 164 calories per 100 g. It contains 46.2 g of carbs, 11 g of protein, 11.4 g of fat and 2.2 g of fiber. Its 26 µg of Selenium covers 47% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 64 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 200 g
328
KCAL / 200G
Carbs
46.2g
· 17% DV
Protein
11g
· 22% DV
Fat
11.4g
· 15% DV
Fiber
2.2g
· 8% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 56% · Protein 13% · Fat 31%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 328 kcal | |
| Total fat | 11.4 g | 15% |
| Saturated fat | 5.1 g | 26% |
| Trans fat | 0.24 g | |
| Sodium | 820 mg | 36% |
| Total carbohydrate | 46.2 g | 17% |
| Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% |
| Protein | 11 g | 22% |
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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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 200 g | 328 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 164 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 140 g | 230 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 180 g | 295 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 255 g | 418 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 280 g | 459 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 300 g | 492 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 340 g | 558 kcal |
Calculated from 164 calories per 100 g.
Prepared macaroni and cheese consists mainly of cooked macaroni and a cheese-based sauce. Depending on the product, the sauce may also contain milk ingredients, seasonings, and thickeners; check the package for its specific ingredients.
Yes, prepared macaroni and cheese can be eaten cold if it has been stored safely, though it is usually more enjoyable warm. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and do not eat them if they have been left at room temperature for too long.
Add black pepper, hot sauce, or a little mustard to prepared macaroni and cheese for extra flavor. A crisp topping of toasted breadcrumbs or grated cheese also adds contrast to its soft pasta and creamy sauce.
Prepared macaroni and cheese can taste grainy if its cheese sauce has overheated or separated. Warm it gently while stirring; a small splash of milk can help loosen the sauce, though it may not fully restore its original texture.
Yes, you can bake prepared macaroni and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Add a little milk if the pasta seems dry, top it with breadcrumbs or cheese, and bake until heated through and lightly browned on top.
Prepared macaroni and cheese leftovers generally keep for 3–4 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Refrigerate them promptly after serving, and follow the package instructions for any unopened or opened product.
Yes, prepared macaroni and cheese can be frozen, but the sauce may become less smooth after thawing. Freeze it in an airtight container, thaw it in the refrigerator, and stir in a little milk as you reheat it.
Serve prepared macaroni and cheese with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens. Their fresh or lightly bitter flavors balance the dish’s creamy richness without competing with the cheese sauce.
Reheat prepared macaroni and cheese gently, covered, and stir it partway through. On the stovetop, use low heat; in the microwave, use short intervals. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.
Yes, prepared macaroni and cheese works well with cooked broccoli, peas, spinach, or roasted squash. Stir in vegetables that are already cooked near the end of reheating, so they warm through without turning mushy.
Vitamins
B2
0.36mg · 28% DV
B12
0.64µg · 27% DV
B1
0.28mg · 23% DV
Folate
76µg · 19% DV
Minerals
Selenium
26µg · 47% DV
Phosphorus
270mg · 39% DV
Sodium
820mg · 36% DV
Calcium
290mg · 29% DV
Potassium ⭐
210mg · 6% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 328 calories in 1 cup (medium) (200 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.
Prepared macaroni and cheese combines cooked macaroni with a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. The dish is strongly associated with the United States, where it is a familiar comfort food; ready-prepared versions are convenient to heat for a quick meal or side.
The pasta is soft and the sauce savoury, rich and cheesy. It can be eaten on its own for lunch or supper, or served alongside vegetables, salad or a main dish. Its nutritional profile is led by carbohydrates, with 5.5 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter-feeling meal, pair it with a crisp salad or add vegetables such as peas or broccoli.
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.
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.
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.
Contains these allergens:
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
SATURATED
5.1g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.1g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.72g
Omega 6:3 ratio 15.6:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (15.6:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.