The boxed mac and cheese world hasn’t always been the most competitive market, so if you’ve settled on Kraft for most of your life, no shame there. But Goodles — a mac and cheese and pasta company that counts Gal Gadot as a founding partner — has recently kicked the saloon doors open, and it’s talking a big game.
But are Goodles healthy? The noodles boast 21 nutrients, alongside 14 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. It’s still pasta and cheese, but that’s better than a lot of other things. You’ll pay around $3 for a box, and with all the positive Goodles reviews I’ve seen, so I had to know: Is it worth it? Here are seven Goodles mac and cheese flavors, ranked.
Samples were provided by Goodles. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Best: Shella Good (Aged White Cheddar With Shells)
$2.99 at Target
You can dress mac and cheese up however you want, but at the end of the day, the classics hit hardest. White cheddar is a time-tested, age-old gem. Shells are the best possible shape, thanks to the many cavernous crevices they contain. So much space for cheese sauce to get lost in. Mmmmmm. You didn’t need a Goodles mac and cheese review to know this was the best one, but here I am, confirming what you already knew.
2. Down the Hatch (Hatch Chile Popper Mac)
$13.57 for a four-pack at Goodles
I absolutely love Hatch chilies. There was simply no way this was ever going to be something I didn’t love. I wouldn’t complain if Goodles turned the heat up a bit, but this is subtle enough not to blow your entire mouth out. I want this with fried chicken. Right now.
3. Vegan Is Believin’ (Plant-Based White Cheddar With Spirals)
$3.99 at Target
I suppose I should disclose the following: I didn’t eat this, shall we say, entirely vegan. Like Kraft, Goodles require a little bit of milk, and obviously for a vegan option, you’re gonna want to use vegan milk. I didn’t. I like this very much; it’s got a nice, well-rounded, classic taste. This could, of course, change depending on the type of non-dairy milk you use, but I have no notes for this “cheese” packet. Terrific work here.
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4. Mover & Shaker (Cacio e Pepe)
$2.99 at Target
I have a soft spot for cacio e pepe. I know it’s overly trendy. I know it’s not the best pasta in the world. But I like it, and therefore I like this. I’d turn the pepper meter up a little higher though, and these little tiny tubes are not my favorite shape for pasta.
Related: We Tried 10 Kinds of Store-Brand Mac and Cheese and the Winner Is…
5. Twist My Parm (Asiago and Parmesan With Spirals)
$2.99 at Target
I didn’t expect to like this very much (I don’t really dance with parmesan), but I was quite into it. Nice balance. Love the spirals. With enough for at least two servings for less than four bucks, I’d absolutely buy this again.
Related: 21 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Mac and Cheese
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6. Cheddy Mac (Classic Cheddar)
$2.99 at Target
It takes a lot for me to love a cheddar cheese sauce of this consistency, but I’m on board here. Other Goodles Cheddy Mac reviews have been strong, and I have to agree with them.
It’s light, not too intense, and the noodles are of unquestionably higher quality than Kraft. This cheddar is the closest you’ll find to a typical Mac. Why so low on the list, then? It’s just my own thing; I generally prefer white cheeses to yellow.
Related: The Spiciest Foods Around the World
7. Here Comes Truffle (Black Truffle Cheddar and Shells)
$16.29 for a four-pack at Goodles
Almost all of the pieces are in place here, but there’s something about the cheese that feels off. The box says it’s made with cheddar, but I can’t help but taste parmesan (the ingredients confirmed my suspicions). With truffle, I would hope for a more mozzarella-style cheese. That said, truffle flavors are always the good stuff, and I’ve already told you how I feel about shells. (The SparkNotes: I love them.)
