Top Mac & Cheese Brands That Elevate Comfort Food Delight

When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese holds a special place in our hearts. This creamy, cheesy dish has managed to carve out a beloved niche in both family dinners and gourmet menus alike. With so many brands offering their unique takes on this classic favorite, choosing the best options can be a delightful challenge. Below, we explore some of the top brands that have elevated mac and cheese to new heights.

Illustration of mac and cheese

Best brands of mac and cheese in 2025

Kraft

Kraft Mac and Cheese, a brand under Kraft Heinz, remains a dominant force in the mac and cheese market, holding a 62.4% market share, although this has decreased from 68.1% in 2022. The brand continues to innovate with new flavors such as everything bagel, jalapeno, and ranch, and has introduced healthier options like high-protein and gluten-free varieties. Despite facing competition from brands like Annie's and Goodles, Kraft Mac and Cheese still commands a significant market presence, with Velveeta, also owned by Kraft Heinz, holding an additional 21% market share. Kraft's strategy includes limited-edition releases and social media engagement to maintain consumer interest. The brand has been a staple since its introduction in 1937 and continues to evolve to meet changing consumer preferences. For more information, visit their official website.

Annie's Homegrown

Annie's Homegrown is a leading producer of mac and cheese, known for its commitment to organic and all-natural ingredients. Founded in 1989 by Annie Withey, the company has grown significantly, with sales reaching $400 million in fiscal 2017, a dramatic increase from $204 million in 2014. Annie's has expanded its product line to include various categories such as cereal, yogurt, and baking mixes, while maintaining its core values of sustainability and social responsibility. The brand's mac and cheese products are made with 100% real cheese and organic pasta, free from artificial flavors and synthetic colors. Annie's has become a trusted name, especially among parents seeking healthier food options for their families. For more details on their Classic Cheddar Mac & Cheese, visit their website.

Velveeta

Velveeta, a flagship brand of Kraft Heinz, remains a dominant force in the mac and cheese market, holding a significant 62.4% market share along with Kraft Mac and Cheese, although this is a slight decrease from 68.1% in 2022. The brand continues to innovate, introducing new products such as queso in a jar and gluten-free Shells & Cheese varieties to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Velveeta's products, including the popular Shells & Cheese, are known for their premium taste and convenience, with 125 million pounds of Velveeta loaf sold annually. The brand's strategy includes increasing marketing spend and expanding distribution to stabilize and grow its market share. By offering a range of flavors and health-conscious options, Velveeta aims to maintain its market leadership.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is renowned for its exceptional mac and cheese offerings, with products like the new 99-cent boxed Cheddar Mac & Cheese and innovative frozen items such as the French Onion Mac and Cheese, which combines the flavors of French Onion Soup with mac and cheese. The brand has seen significant growth in frozen food sales, particularly in categories like frozen appetizers and breakfast items, with a 23% increase in overall frozen food sales during the pandemic period ending February 6, 2021. Their mac and cheese bites, although receiving mixed reviews, remain a popular choice, and the introduction of air fryer-compatible products has further boosted sales. Trader Joe's commitment to affordable, high-quality products has made it a favorite among consumers, with about 85% of its inventory being private label. The brand's innovative approach to product development and its ability to offer gourmet-leaning items at lower prices have contributed to its success. For more insights on their Cheddar Mac & Cheese, check out this in-depth review.

Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic is a leading producer of mac and cheese, known for its commitment to organic and non-GMO ingredients. Launched in 2014, their mac and cheese products come in both USDA-Certified Organic and made with organic varieties, with the organic options containing at least 95% certified organic ingredients and the made with organic options containing at least 70% certified organic ingredients. These products are free from genetically modified (GMO) ingredients and are made with real Horizon organic cheese. The brand offers six new varieties, including Shells & White Cheddar Cheese and Macaroni & Mild Cheddar Cheese, and has seen significant growth in its dairy and cheese sales. Horizon Organic's expansion into mac and cheese marks a significant step beyond the dairy case, aligning with consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable food options. Learn more about Horizon's new offerings by visiting their official webpage.

Amy's Kitchen

Amy's Kitchen is renowned for its high-quality, organic, and vegetarian products, including its popular mac and cheese, which has contributed to the company's explosive growth, with sales of some products increasing by 50-70% during the pandemic. The brand has a strong presence in over 30 countries and boasts a 59% brand awareness among U.S. meat substitutes users, with 28% of these users actively using Amy's products. Despite challenges, Amy's has been rebuilding its credibility and trust with consumers, particularly after rationalizing its SKU count to focus on top sellers. The company's commitment to goodness and sustainability is reflected in its B Corp certification, although it has faced recent allegations regarding workplace safety. Amy's continues to expand its production capacity, including new plants in San Jose and Goshen, to meet growing demand.

Banza

Banza is a leading producer of mac and cheese, particularly known for its chickpea-based alternatives that offer significant nutritional benefits. Since its launch in 2014, Banza has expanded its product line to include various mac and cheese options, such as the Plant-Based Deluxe Mac, which provides three times more protein and fiber than the leading vegan mac & cheese product and 30% fewer net carbs. The company has achieved notable success, capturing over 10% of the total pasta category at some leading retailers and growing nearly three times over the last three years. Banza's products are available in over 25,000 retail locations across the U.S., including major stores like Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. The brand's commitment to healthier, sustainable options has made it a favorite among consumers and celebrities alike.

Daiya

Daiya Foods is a pioneering brand in the plant-based cheese category, particularly renowned for its dairy-free mac and cheese products. Since its inception, Daiya has been a leader in offering melty, creamy, and richly flavorful plant-based cheese alternatives, with its mac and cheese being a standout product. Despite the plant-based cheese market showing signs of slowing growth, with household penetration only marginally increasing from 3% to 5% since 2019, Daiya remains a favorite among consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z who drive a significant portion of the demand. The company's products, including its mac and cheese, are gluten-free, vegan, and certified plant-based, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. Daiya's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a staple in the plant-based food industry.

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

Beecher's Handmade Cheese is renowned for its high-quality mac and cheese, made with award-winning flagship cheese and a blend of Jersey and Holstein milk, ensuring a rich and nuanced flavor profile. Founded in 2003 by Kurt Beecher Dammeier, the company has expanded to multiple locations, including Pike Place Market and the Flatiron District, and is celebrated for its artisanal cheesemaking process that involves pasteurization at 161°F for enhanced food safety. Beecher's mac and cheese is available in various formats, including a gluten-free and vegetarian option, and has been praised for its decadent and comforting taste. Despite some mixed reviews on texture, the product remains a favorite for its authentic and original flavor. With a commitment to using only the best ingredients and no artificial preservatives, Beecher's sets a high bar for deliciousness.

Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese

Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese, introduced by PepsiCo's Frito-Lay, is an innovative product that combines the iconic Cheetos flavor with macaroni and cheese, available in flavors like Bold & Cheesy, Flamin' Hot, and Cheesy Jalapeno. This product leverages the immense popularity of Cheetos, the most popular cheese snack brand in the U.S., with sales exceeding $1 billion in 2017. The launch was part of a strategy to expand Cheetos' presence beyond the snack aisle, capitalizing on increased home consumption during the pandemic. The marketing campaign, aided by Amazon Ads, successfully increased brand awareness among millennials by 8.7% and boosted purchase intent by 5.3%.