Last Updated on March 30, 2022
Today, we’re going to be looking at the top gluten free mac and cheese brands. Mac and cheese is a loved favorite across the globe, but particularly in the US. Tender macaroni pasta and creamy cheesy sauce – is there really a better pairing? But is mac and cheese gluten-free? Do they offer gluten-free alternatives? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Mac and Cheese?
I’m sure you don’t need me to explain what mac and cheese is. It’s well-loved by almost everyone and it’s the most delicious dish (it’s one of my personal favorites!). A dish of pasta with cheese, most often cheddar, which can sometimes include breadcrumbs or meat. You can have this dish as a side or a main; depending on what’s in it.
Ingredients In Mac and Cheese
The ingredients in mac and cheese are most often:
- Macaroni (Elbow Pasta)
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese (cheddar is the most popular, but usually there’s a mixture of different cheeses)
Learn more about: Does Macaroni and Cheese Have Gluten?
Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Brands
In your local grocery store, you’ll likely be able to find one of the following gluten-free brands available. Let’s take a look at the most popular gluten-free options.
Annie’s
Annie’s is undeniably the most popular gluten-free brand. However, it’s worth noting that although Annie’s has an incredible range of gluten-free mac and cheese, not all of their products are gluten-free, so always check the packaging. The following flavors are suitable for a gluten-free diet:
- Gluten-Free Deluxe Rich & Creamy Shells & Cheddar Rice Pasta Mac & Cheese
- Gluten-Free Rice Pasta and Cheddar Mac
- Quinoa Rice Pasta and White Cheddar
- Red Lentil Spirals and White Cheddar
- Rice Pasta Shells and White Cheddar
- Vegan Red Lentil Spirals with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin
- Organic Vegan Gluten-Free Elbow Rice Pasta & Creamy Sauce
- Gluten-Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Microwavable Mac
- Gluten-Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Microwavable Mac Cup
You can find their full range here. They even have a gluten-free vegan option, meaning the brand is suitable for a range of dietary lifestyles. These products start from around $3.
Veggiecraft Farms
If you’re looking for a mac and cheese that’s a little more nutritious and a little more wild – Veggiecraft Farms is definitely worth a try. Rather than the traditional rice flour, or even legumes such as lentils, they make their pasta using vegetables such as sweet potato or cauliflower. While they sell their pasta plain, they also sell microwavable mac and cheese pots in cheddar mac and cheese flavor – one using cauliflower and the other using sweet potato.
It’s certified gluten-free, which means each product goes through rigorous testing and meets guidelines set by the FDA to ensure its gluten-free status. It also packs a punch with a whopping 12g of protein per serving! You really can’t go wrong with this option.
Banza
Another option is Banza. This time, the pasta is made using chickpeas. What’s great about this is that it contains fewer carbs, but packs in more fiber and protein. The following flavors are gluten-free:
- Elbows and White Cheddar
- Elbows and Classic Cheddar
- Shells and Classic Cheddar
- Shells and White Cheddar
You should be able to find Banza in your local grocery stores, for around $3.50 per box.
Daiya Deliciously Gluten Free
Daiya is a great option if you’re intolerant/allergic to more than one of the most popular allergens. This is because Daiya is not just free from gluten, but also dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, and fish. They have the following 5 varieties available:
- Cheddar Style
- Alfredo Style
- White Cheddar Style
- Meatless Bac’n and Cheddar Style
- Four Cheeze Style with Herbs
It’s a little more expensive at around $5 per box, but it’s suited to a range of diets.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to identify the most popular gluten-free mac and cheese brands available. It’s surprisingly easy to find GF mac and cheese, and it’s almost impossible to tell the difference from the standard version!
Do you have your own mac and cheese recipe? Or know of any other gluten-free brands that didn’t make the list? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
Read more about: Is Kraft Velveeta Cheese Gluten-Free?
FAQs
Can Gluten-Free People Eat Mac and Cheese?
Unfortunately, traditional mac and cheese is not gluten free. As you can see from the list of ingredients above, pasta is the main ingredient of mac and cheese, which is almost never gluten free. Pasta is made from wheat flour, which can not be eaten when following a gluten free lifestyle. Although the standard mac and cheese you see in stores and restaurants likely isn't gluten free, there's a few gluten free mac and cheese alternatives which taste just as delicious!
Can You Buy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! With Annie's being the most popular gluten free option of mac and cheese, there's many other brands including Veggiecraft Farms, Banza and Daiya. We'll be looking at those in more detail in this article.
Can I Use Cornstarch Instead of Flour in Mac and Cheese?
Yes! Flour is used in the cheese sauce for mac and cheese to thicken the sauce. However, cornstarch is a really great alternative. All you need to do is grab half a cup of water and add one or two teaspoons of your cornstarch. Mix well to make a slurry. Add the mix to the sauce gradually, while continually mixing, until you have reached the consistency of sauce you require.
Which Annie’s Mac and Cheese is Gluten Free?
The following flavors of Annie's are gluten free: Gluten Free Deluxe Rich & Creamy Shells & Cheddar Rice Pasta Mac & Cheese, Gluten Free Rice Pasta and Cheddar Mac, Quinoa Rice Pasta and White Cheddar, Red Lentil Spirals and White Cheddar, Rice Pasta Shells and White Cheddar, Vegan Red Lentil Spirals with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin, Organic Vegan Gluten Free, Elbow Rice Pasta & Creamy Sauce, Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Microwavable Mac and Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar Microwavable Mac Cup.
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.
