Best Gluten-Free Mac And Cheese: Top 6 Brands, Rated By Foodies

Mac and Cheese is synonymous with comfort food, but if you are gluten-free, nothing is comforting about downing a bowl of regular mac & cheese. That’s why many companies have introduced gluten-free versions of their traditional boxed mac & cheese, offering a tasty alternative for those with dietary restrictions. These gluten-free options are made with substitutes like rice, quinoa, or corn pasta, so you don’t have to worry about gluten-related health issues. It’s safe to say some taste better than others, so we’ve come up with a list of the best gluten-free mac and cheese options to indulge in.

Food companies are offering more gluten-free choices because the number of people following a gluten-free diet has skyrocketed, especially among kids. A study found the number of gluten-intolerant children (those with Celiac disease) in Italy has doubled over the last 25 years. Mac and cheese is not considered a healthy food option, but it is a staple of the American diet, especially among kids. Everyone has their idea about what makes the perfect mac and cheese. Food critics often focus on a harmonious blend of cheeses for flavor and creaminess, coupled with pasta that effectively holds the sauce, but it’s trickier when you have to make the pasta a different way. After reviewing eight culinary websites, we have identified the six best gluten-free mac and cheese options. If there’s a favorite we haven’t included, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

The List: Best Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese, Per Experts

1. Jovial

Jovial is a relative newcomer to the gluten-free mac and cheese market after just launching in 2023, so it may be hard to find the product, but if you do, you may want to stock up. The Nomadic Fitzpatricks were blown away by the white cheddar flavor, praising its quality and taste. However, they struggled to find it in regular supermarkets, eventually scoring it at Whole Foods.

Craving a delicious and convenient gluten-free mac and cheese? Jovial’s has you covered! The Helpful GF loves their use of whole grain, organic ingredients and real white cheddar cheese. The gluten-free certification and award-winning taste are just the cherry on top, making it an attractive option for those with dietary restrictions.

This brand is made authentically in Italy, so right there you know it’s going to be good. Good For You Gluten mentions both the vegan and white cheddar varieties. While availability might be limited for now, the positive reviews suggest it’s worth seeking out for a satisfying gluten-free mac and cheese experience.

2. Annie’s

Annie’s comes in so many different flavors, you’re bound to find one you like. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious gluten-free mac and cheese option, The Nomadic Fitzpatricks highly recommends Annie’s. Their classic rice pasta and cheddar version cooks up in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying snack. Their key tip? Follow the instructions for cooking rice pasta carefully, and stir often! They also recommend adding butter for extra creaminess.

Some call this Kraft-like. Sporked notes that while the sauce is more natural-looking and creamy than Kraft’s, it has a slightly bitter finish they write off as a “cheddary bite” that may not be for everyone. The noodles take longer to cook than the instructions suggest, so be sure to factor that in.

Good For You Gluten Free adds a crucial note for those with strict gluten sensitivities. While Annie’s manufactures gluten-free products, they do so on shared equipment. Although Annie’s assures consumers they take precautions to prevent cross-contamination, it’s important to be aware of this potential concern.

3. Kraft Gluten Free Mac & Cheese

This brand of mac and cheese is a fan favorite, so it’s no surprise the gluten-free version is high on our list. Missing that nostalgic taste of classic Kraft mac and cheese? You’re not alone! There Is Life After Wheat reports that their taste-testers overwhelmingly favor Kraft’s gluten-free version, praising its ability to recapture the familiar flavor and texture of the original. The reviewers were especially impressed by the noodle texture, which closely resembled traditional wheat macaroni. Plus, it’s certified gluten-free, making it a safe and satisfying option for those with dietary restrictions.

Gluten-free foods, don’t have to taste gluten-free. Sporked echoes the sentiment, suggesting it’s practically indistinguishable from the classic version. While they acknowledge Kraft mac and cheese isn’t exactly gourmet, its nostalgic charm certainly recreates that familiar experience.

The Helpful GF offers a practical tip to avoid confusion: always double-check the box for the “gluten-free” label to ensure you’re grabbing the right one, as Kraft produces both regular and gluten-free versions. So, if you’re craving a comforting and familiar gluten-free mac and cheese experience, Kraft is a safe and satisfying choice that stays true to its classic appeal. Just remember to check the label carefully!

4. Banza Chickpea Gluten-Free

If you love chickpeas, you’ll love Banza’s chickpea-based gluten-free mac and cheese. If you’re seeking a healthier gluten-free mac and cheese option, Banza might be worth exploring. This is Life After Wheat says its well-flavored cheese sauce has an appealing color and nicely shaped elbow pasta that holds its form well.

However, it’s important to note that the chickpea pasta base creates a distinct texture. Good For You Gluten Free clarifies that it won’t replicate the classic mac and cheese experience due to the chewier, less soft noodles. However, they commend its higher fiber content compared to rice- or corn-based options from other brands. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your taste preferences and dietary priorities. If you’re open to a slightly different texture and prioritize fiber intake, Banza could be a satisfying gluten-free mac and cheese alternative.

5. Amy’s Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

A frozen product with a homemade taste is hard to find, but this fits the bill. Craving a quick and delicious gluten-free mac and cheese? Gluten Free Homestead highly recommends Amy’s frozen options. They highlight the thick, creamy cheese sauce with a subtle cheddar flavor and commend the rice noodles for their tenderness and lack of aftertaste. Bonus points for the convenience factor – a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

And the good news is, finding Amy’s gluten-free mac and cheese shouldn’t be a challenge. Zero Gluten Guide confirms its wide availability, often alongside other Annie’s products in stores. Plus, they offer a variety of options beyond the classic mac and cheese, including chili mac and mac and three cheese with cauliflower. So, many varieties, so little time.

However, if you’re open to a slightly different shape, Sporked raves about Amy’s Broccoli and Cheddar Bake. While it features rotini instead of traditional macaroni, they praise its hearty and satisfying nature, convincing gluten-free pasta, and even a buttery, gluten-free breadcrumb topping for extra flavor. Though they note it could use a touch more broccoli, they ultimately recommend it as a delicious and convenient frozen mac and cheese alternative.

6. Daiya Deluxe

This mac and cheese hit the trifecta because it’s gluten, dairy, and soy-free. So, for vegan and gluten-free individuals seeking a delicious mac and cheese fix, Daiya is a brand worth celebrating. Good For You Gluten emphasizes the loyalty Daiya garners from vegans, while Zero Gluten Guide highlights their impressive variety of five mac and cheese options, all vegan-friendly.

Craving classic cheddar? They have you covered. Feeling adventurous? Opt for the Bac’n & Cheddar Style Deluxe or the Four Cheeze Style with Herbs Deluxe. And the best part? Finding Daiya products shouldn’t be a challenge, with availability at stores like Target, The Fresh Market, Sprouts, and even Whole Foods.

But Daiya’s appeal goes beyond just delicious vegan mac and cheese. Club Free Gluten loves how Daiya offers a safe and inclusive option for those with any type of restricted diet.

Sources:

• There Is Life After Wheat
• The Nomadic Fitzpatricks
• Good For You Gluten-Free
• Sporked
• The Helpful GF
• Zero Gluten Guide
• Club Gluten Free
• The Guided Buyer

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.