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Taste Test Tuesday: The Blue Box Goes 50% Whole Grain (Mac & Cheese)
I've learned over the years that people tend to prefer/like what they had growing up - even if it doesn't necessarily make culinary sense. For example, some people who were raised on macaroni & cheese from a box will actually prefer this to a homemade version. People I've met admit this is wacky but many claim, albeit jokingly, that there must be something addictive in that orange powder.
I must be immune to the power of the orange powder because I would definitely opt for homemade when given a choice, but I can appreciate the appeal of getting a box of this stuff for only one dollar! So, with all of these blue box mac & cheese fans in mind, I thought I would blog about Kraft's new whole grain option!
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (made with 50% Whole Grain)
First, let me assure you since the pasta is only 50% whole grain, your family probably won't notice a big difference in taste. And while we are at it, let's take the fat and saturated fat down a notch by adding 1 1/2 tablespoons of less fat margarine (or whipped butter) instead of 3 tablespoons of stick butter or margarine.
Granted this is still a processed food/mix with ingredients like "yellow 5" and "milk protein concentrate", but you've at least increased the fiber and cut the fat in half...and that's a step in the right direction for all the people out there who can't let go of the blue box.
Each box makes 2.5 servings (1 cup each)
Per 1 cup serving (using fat free half and half and Land O Lakes Buttery Spread)
[Just the box + added ingredients = final total]
NOTE: If you use whipped butter instead, all of the numbers will be about the same except the saturated fat will increase by about 1.7 grams and cholesterol by 12 milligrams per serving.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: Taste Test Tuesday, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, mac and cheese, healthy diet
I must be immune to the power of the orange powder because I would definitely opt for homemade when given a choice, but I can appreciate the appeal of getting a box of this stuff for only one dollar! So, with all of these blue box mac & cheese fans in mind, I thought I would blog about Kraft's new whole grain option!
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (made with 50% Whole Grain)
First, let me assure you since the pasta is only 50% whole grain, your family probably won't notice a big difference in taste. And while we are at it, let's take the fat and saturated fat down a notch by adding 1 1/2 tablespoons of less fat margarine (or whipped butter) instead of 3 tablespoons of stick butter or margarine.
Granted this is still a processed food/mix with ingredients like "yellow 5" and "milk protein concentrate", but you've at least increased the fiber and cut the fat in half...and that's a step in the right direction for all the people out there who can't let go of the blue box.
Each box makes 2.5 servings (1 cup each)
Per 1 cup serving (using fat free half and half and Land O Lakes Buttery Spread)
[Just the box + added ingredients = final total]
Calories 260 + 58 = 318
Fiber 5 + 0 = 5
Total fat 3.5 + 5 = 8.5
Saturated fat 2 + 1.3 = 3.3
Carbohydrate 49 + 1.5 = 50.5
Protein 8 + .5 = 8.5
Cholesterol 15 + 1 = 16
Sodium 590 + 74 = 664
NOTE: If you use whipped butter instead, all of the numbers will be about the same except the saturated fat will increase by about 1.7 grams and cholesterol by 12 milligrams per serving.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: Taste Test Tuesday, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, mac and cheese, healthy diet
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