Miss the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese but unable to indulge in this comfort food because of the gluten? Don't have time to make it from scratch? We've got you covered with some of the best gluten-free mac and cheese options you can try.
Kraft's Gluten Free Mac and Cheese is our top choice because it comes very close to the original version and is approved by many households. There are nine other options to choose from on our top 10 list, and we've also included a buying guide to help you get the best mac and cheese for your GF diet.
Quick List - Top Gluten-Free Mac And Cheese
Annie's
Creamy Cheese Sauce You Don't Have to Mix Up
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Those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity don't have to settle for subpar taste and consistency anymore. With the help of the buying guide below, you can soon get your hands on a box of mac and cheese with flavors that pleasantly surprise you.
Manufacturers use flours such as rice, quinoa, corn, or lentils to make gluten-free pasta. You may think it's most important to choose the one that tastes the most like wheat, but they all have different nutritional properties and textures, too.
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and filled with protein. Because quinoa has a tough exterior, pasta made from it is less likely to become overcooked and soggy. However, take note that this pasta can have a grainy texture. This is a great choice if you prefer your pasta al dente.
Corn pasta is another fiber-filled alternative that improves the digestive system. It's said to come close to the consistency and taste of wheat flour, so it's your best bet to get something that tastes like wheat mac and cheese.
Brown or white rice pasta is a popular substitute for wheat-based pasta, but it can easily develop a mushy texture when overcooked. It tends to be chewy with a mild taste, so it's great if you're not a fan of al dente pasta. Brown rice has a better nutritional profile and tastes more like whole-wheat pasta.
Chickpea pasta contains loads of dietary fiber and good bacteria. But chickpeas have a distinct taste and beany consistency. Bean or lentil-based pasta, while having a similar texture, also has a slightly nutty flavor that a light cheese sauce might not overcome. You might want to get chickpea pasta mixed with other types of flour!
Legume pastas such as these have up to four times the fiber and double the protein compared to regular pasta, so they're great if you're trying to build muscle or up your protein intake. They're also low in carbs, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that too much of these fiber-rich options can upset the stomach, so stick to the recommended portions.
Packaged mac and cheese is popular for convenience; hence, you can expect them to be relatively easy to prepare compared to the made-from-scratch version. Check the cooking directions to see whether the meal is prepared using a microwave or stove.
Some may require you to boil water, cook and drain the pasta, then mix in the seasonings, while others are cooked in the microwave. For microwaveable cups, you usually only need cold water to prepare.
Don't forget to check whether you need to add extra ingredients like butter, milk, or yogurt. Those with powdered sauce mixes will call for some of these. Ones with pre-mixed sauce only expect you to cook the pasta.
Cheddar cheese is considered the best cheese to use on mac and cheese because it leaves a silky, glossy coating on the macaroni. If you’re bored with the standard taste, you can go for flavors like creamy Alfredo sauce, four-cheese or white cheddar. You can look for inclusions like bacon and veggies to add more variety to your menu (or add them yourself!).
If you're vegan or lactose intolerant, you can find cheese alternatives. Some brands use plant-based, dairy-free ingredients like potato and pumpkin to get a creamy sauce. Ingredients that go well with these are almond and coconut milk, although you get a nutty hint of flavor if those are included in the ingredient list.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kraft Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese Dinner|12 pack | ![]() | Original Mac and Cheese From a Familiar Brand | |
2 | Annie's Gluten Free Rice Pasta and Cheddar|12 pack | ![]() | A Hearty Meal Made With Real Cheese | |
3 | Banza Chickpea Mac and Cheese Variety Pack|6 pack, 2 of each | ![]() | Try Different Shapes and Cheeses | |
4 | Annie's Deluxe Rich & Creamy Shells & Classic Cheddar|12 pack | ![]() | Creamy Cheese Sauce You Don't Have to Mix Up | |
5 | Daiya Cheddar Style Deluxe Cheezy Mac|8 pack | ![]() | Vegan Mac and Cheese in Multiple Flavors | |
6 | Annie's Gluten Free Microwaveable Mac & Cheese Cups|2 pack | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Microwaveable Mac and Cheese Cups |
7 | Great Value Gluten Free Macaroni & Cheese | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Mac and Cheese That's Good as a Side or Meal |
8 | Annie's Gluten Free Rice Pasta & White Cheddar | ![]() | Rice Pasta White Cheddar Mac and Cheese | |
9 | Modern Table Vegan Mac Classic Cheddar Style|6 pack | ![]() | Protein- and Fiber-Filled Mac and Vegan Cheese | |
10 | Veggiecraft Farms Mac & Cheese Made With Cauliflower|12 pack | ![]() | Microwaveable Mac and Cheese Cups With 11 Grams of Protein |
Kraft is a popular brand that many households rely on for tasty boxed macaroni and cheese. The gluten-free version is just as easy to prepare, giving you that familiar cheesy flavor in just under 10 minutes.
A few reviewers that have tried other gluten-free brands said this pasta was a bit too starchy and fell apart easily. But the majority thought it came really close to the original Kraft mac and cheese. They said even picky eaters approved of the flavor!
This mac and cheese uses ingredients that are organic and non-GMO. You can get it in a few other variations, like quinoa pasta, shell shapes, or white cheddar cheese.
A few reviewers found the taste too bland and thin. On the other hand, this was a go-to comfort food for many. When prepared according to instructions, many said this was a yummy last-minute meal option.
This fiber-filled mac and cheese is made with low-carb chickpea pasta. The variety pack comes with two each of shells and cheddar, elbows and cheddar, and elbows with white cheddar.
Some said the pasta was mushy, mealy, or tasted too nutty. However, many reviewers were surprised at the flavor and creaminess of the sauce. Some tips for cooking they provide are not to over-boil the pasta, leaving it al dente, and to add extra butter and milk.
Get a hearty dish made with real cheese in an instant. Just cook and drain the pasta and squeeze the cheese sauce over it! The shell pasta gives you a shape that the sauce can accumulate inside, for a burst of flavor. You can expect the ingredients to be free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
One reviewer said that they preferred the powdered cheese version, while one said it tasted too processed. Still, many liked how creamy the sauce was.
This vegan mac and cheese is made without common allergens like dairy, eggs, peanuts, fish, and soy. Each box makes up to three servings and comes with ready-to-eat sauce, not powder. You can also choose from other flavors like Alfredo, white cheddar, meatless bacon and cheddar, and four cheese.
The smell was an issue for a few reviewers, and some also found it too salty, bitter or fake-tasting. On a positive note, many reviewers liked that they could satisfy their cravings without the risk of triggering an allergic reaction. They said it's a perfect vegan comfort food.
If you find yourself craving some comfort food but don't have a lot of time to prepare it, these microwavable cups should do the trick. They're made with real aged cheddar minus artificial flavors and preservatives.
You only need to add water, pop the cup in the microwave for a few minutes, stir in the cheese sauce, wait for it to melt, and it's ready to serve. You can even eat it straight from the cup, so it's perfect to throw in a packed lunch for school or work.
This is a classic mac and cheese that's good as a hearty meal or as a side dish. It's free from artificial flavors and contains zero trans fats or cholesterol. Although it's not made in a dedicated facility, it is certified gluten-free, which means it passes the standards set by the FDA.
Although a few reviewers noted a slight difference in pasta texture, many were surprised that this came close to regular mac and cheese. They said it's tasty and doesn't have a chewy or chalky flavor.
If you're a fan of white cheddar over regular yellow cheddar, then this is the mac and cheese for you. It's smooth and creamy, and only takes 10 minutes to prepare. The directions give you advice on improvisations, such as adding unsalted butter for a richer flavor or replacing the milk with yogurt for tangy taste.
A few reviewers found the meal a bit bland, noting you might want to add more cheese or other ingredients. Meanwhile, many others said they couldn't tell the difference from wheat-based mac and cheese. They said it had a good texture and liked the easy preparation method.
The pasta of this mac and cheese is made with lentils, white rice, and peas, giving you an added boost in protein and fiber - 16 grams and four grams per serving, to be exact. It's certified vegan and made with no artificial ingredients. The mac and cheese comes in several other flavors besides cheddar, too, like Alfredo or Southwest.
According to a few reviewers, the cheese sauce had an unpleasant, strong smell. Still, many others said the pasta had a good texture. Reviewers shared that this had a good flavor with no aftertaste, and that even their picky kids liked it!
This pasta is made with lentils, peas, and cauliflower. You only need to add water before microwaving for a few minutes, mix in the cheese powder, and you can enjoy a mac and cheese cup packed with protein, fiber and vitamins. It's a great way to incorporate veggies into a meal for picky eaters.
If you want to try something new, the brand also offers pasta cups with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese, with the same pasta recipe and easy prep method.
Nowadays, you can get gluten-free versions of many foods that really taste good and are easy to prepare. Here are a few suggestions worth trying.
No. 1: Kraft|Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese Dinner|12 pack
No. 2: Annie's|Gluten Free Rice Pasta and Cheddar|12 pack
No. 3: Banza|Chickpea Mac and Cheese Variety Pack|6 pack, 2 of each
No. 4: Annie's|Deluxe Rich & Creamy Shells & Classic Cheddar|12 pack
No. 5: Daiya|Cheddar Style Deluxe Cheezy Mac|8 pack
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