I wanted a quick meal that needed little work, so I tried Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese. The 18-packet pack is made for fast meals, snacks, or dinner sides. I found the single packets handy when I wanted one small serving. My take is simple: it is a good choice for fast, easy mac and cheese at home.
Product Review
Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese comes in 18 single packets. The full pack weighs 38.7 ounces. This Original flavor is made for quick microwave meals and side dishes.
What I like most is the single-serving setup. I do not need to open a full box and cook a large batch. I can make one packet when I only want a small meal.
The packets are not the same as the ready-made plastic cups. I put the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl to make it. This is worth knowing before you buy it.
The cooking process is simple. I add the needed water, cook the pasta in the microwave, and mix in the cheese sauce. The full process takes only a few minutes.
The taste is the classic Kraft mac and cheese flavor. It has the soft noodles and cheese taste I expect from Kraft. It is not the same as homemade mac and cheese, but that is not what I buy it for.
I also like the size of each serving. One packet works well for a quick lunch, snack, or side. If I am very hungry, though, I may want something else with it.
Another plus is the ingredient claim on the package. This version has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes. That may matter to shoppers who check these details when buying quick food.
The 18-pack format also works well for a busy home. I can keep several packets in the pantry and grab one when I need food fast.
Pros
- 18 single packets in one pack.
- Quick to make in the microwave.
- Original Kraft cheese flavor.
- Good for snacks, lunch, or side dishes.
- Easy to store in a pantry.
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes.
- A full box is not needed for one serving.
Cons
- You need a microwave-safe bowl.
- One packet may feel small as a full meal.
- The taste is not as rich as homemade mac and cheese.
- The cheese mix may need extra stirring.
- It is easy to eat more than one packet when very hungry.
Product Overview
Kraft Easy Mac is made for people who want a fast bowl of macaroni and cheese. The 18-packet box gives you single servings instead of one large box of dry pasta.
Each packet is meant to be made in the microwave. That makes it a good fit for busy days when I do not want to use a stove or wash a large pot.
The Original flavor keeps things simple. It has the familiar Kraft taste that many people already know.
The pack is also useful for more than lunch. I can use a packet as a side with chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or vegetables.
What I Like
- The single packets save time. I like that I can make one serving without cooking a whole box. This works well when only one person wants mac and cheese.
- The pantry setup is easy. I can store the packets with other dry foods. They do not need room in the fridge or freezer.
- The flavor is familiar. I know what to expect when I open a Kraft Original packet. That makes it an easy pick when I want comfort food.
- It works well as a side. A packet can sit next to a simple meal without taking over the plate. I like this more than making a large batch for a small dinner.
- The 18-pack is useful for busy homes. I can keep several servings ready for days when cooking feels like too much work.
What Could Be Better
- The bowl adds one extra step. Since these are packets, I need my own microwave-safe bowl. A cup version may feel easier for someone who wants the fewest steps.
- The serving may not fill me up. I see one packet as a light meal or side. For a bigger appetite, I would add fruit, meat, or a vegetable.
- The cheese can take some mixing. I need to stir well so the sauce spreads across the noodles. Rushing this part can leave some bites less cheesy.
My Personal Experience with Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese
I found the packets most useful on busy afternoons. When I did not want to make a full meal, one packet gave me a warm bowl with very little work.
I also liked having them around for quick snacks. The small serving makes more sense than cooking a full box when I only want something light.
For lunch, I often think of this as a base rather than a full meal. Adding fruit or a simple protein makes the meal feel more complete.
I also found the packets useful when cooking for one. I do not have to guess how much pasta to make or deal with leftovers.
The microwave method is the main reason I would buy this version. I can skip the stove and get food ready in a short time.
I like the Original flavor for its simple taste. It is not fancy, but it has the classic cheese flavor I expect from Kraft.
The packet size also makes portion planning easy. I know that one packet is one small serving, so I can decide if I need one or two before I start.
I would not compare this with homemade mac and cheese. Homemade food can have a richer taste and softer, fresher sauce. Easy Mac wins when speed matters more.
I also think it can work well for older kids who can follow simple microwave steps. An adult should still decide what is safe for the child based on age and kitchen skills.
For a family, the 18-pack can be handy. Different people can make their own serving at different times instead of cooking one large dish.
The biggest thing I learned is that this product is about ease. It is best when I want quick comfort food and do not want a long cooking session.
Comparing With Other Brands
I’ve also tried other quick mac and cheese options, including cup-style meals and regular boxed mac and cheese. Each type works better for a different need.
Kraft Easy Mac vs Other Mac and Cheese
For speed, Kraft Easy Mac has a clear edge over stove-top boxed mac and cheese. I do not need a pot, boiling water, or a long cook time.
For serving size, the packet format is better for one person. A regular box makes more sense when several people want to eat at the same time.
For cleanup, Easy Mac is simple because I only need the bowl and spoon after cooking. A stove-top meal can mean more dishes.
For texture, I prefer stove-top mac and cheese when I want a richer meal. Easy Mac is better when I care more about speed than a fresh homemade feel.
For value, the 18-pack can make sense when I use single servings often. I would still compare the price per packet with cups and regular boxes before buying in bulk.
Recommendation
I recommend Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese for people who want a fast meal or side with very little work. I think it is especially useful for busy adults, students, families, and anyone who likes to keep quick food in the pantry.
I would look at other options if you want a large family meal from one package. I would also choose stove-top mac and cheese if rich texture is more important than speed.
For a USA home, I like the simple pantry setup. These packets can be kept ready for busy work days, quick lunches, or nights when I do not want to cook much.
My favorite use is as a quick side. One packet can go with a more complete meal and adds a warm, cheesy option without much extra work.
Overall, I think this is a practical buy when convenience comes first. The 18-packet pack gives me many single servings without making a full pot every time.
FAQs for Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese
How many packets come in Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese?
This pack contains 18 individual packets. The total pack size is 38.7 ounces.
Is Kraft Easy Mac made in the microwave?
Yes. Kraft Easy Mac is made for microwave cooking. You prepare the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and then mix in the cheese sauce.
Does Kraft Easy Mac have artificial flavors?
The Original version listed here has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes.
Is one Kraft Easy Mac packet enough for dinner?
For me, one packet is better as a light meal or side. If I want a larger dinner, I would add another food such as chicken, fruit, or vegetables.
Do I need a bowl for Kraft Easy Mac packets?
Yes. These packets are not the same as the ready-to-use cups. You need a suitable microwave-safe bowl for preparation.
Can I use Kraft Easy Mac as a side dish?
Yes. I think it works very well as a side. It can go with burgers, chicken, hot dogs, or a simple vegetable meal.
Is Kraft Easy Mac worth buying?
I think it is worth buying if fast meals matter to you. The single packets are easy to store and make, but people who want homemade taste may prefer stove-top mac and cheese.
Conclusion
After trying Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese, I think its biggest strength is simple, fast cooking. The 18 single packets make it easy to prepare one serving without making a full box.
I like it most as a quick lunch, snack, or dinner side. The Original flavor is familiar, and the pack is easy to keep in the pantry.
I would not choose it when I want rich homemade mac and cheese. But when I need something warm and easy, Kraft Easy Mac makes a lot of sense.
Overall, if convenience is your main goal, this 18-pack is a practical choice for a busy USA home.