It comes in a convenient 6-pack, same size box as we're used to, but the box is now yellow. It is called "Easy Mac" - from Kraft. 6 individual packets of microwaveable macaroni and cheese, and it says right on the box "same great taste as Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - After school or anytime!"

Personally, and I don't know about you, but the original does NOT taste like homemade mac & cheese, but then, Kraft has never claimed that it does. It IS easy to prepare, and the directions are clearly given - all you add is water! - no margarine, no 1/4 cup of milk, so even for a destitute college student with NO other food in the fridge, a hot meal can still be eaten (as long as there is a microwave handy).

I cooked some, and from a kid's standpoint, I can say that my grandson (age 6, a veritable food critic) loved it. The noodles are the same size as the original, straight, about 2" long, which actually makes them easier for little ones to eat, and for some reason they do enjoy ~~schlooshing~~ them between their lips....then pretending the noodles are straws, and inhaling some more of the cheese thru the "straw".....

With the original Kraft Mac & Cheese, I sometimes had problems with the powdered cheese not dissolving fully, and ending up in dark yellow clumps - that does not seem to be a problem with this type however, whether because by cooking it in the microwave it is hotter, and therefore dissolves more thoroughly, or perhaps they have improved the cheese. It now comes out creamy and thick, and tastes more like real cheese than before. (not as good as brick cheese, like Velveeta melted, but better than the original version of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.)

The powdered cheese is stirred in after the water starts boiling (about 7 minutes). You add water to the uncooked noodles, and remember to stir them every 3 minutes or so, depending on your microwave, to avoid sticking. The total preparation time, from opening the box to putting the macaroni and cheese on the table took about 10 and a half minutes - not too bad, unless the kids are starving and pounding the spoons on the table.

The 6-pack cost $2.50 at the local grocery store, and since it is a "new" product, they might be running a 'special' in your vicinity as well - "2 6-packs for $4.65" at my store. While it might not be something to fix regularly, or even often, it is a nice product to have "on hand", in the cupboard, for when you want to give the kids something hot, fast and easy.

A variation on the way it is served, and one that is popular with my family, is to cut up little chunks of ham or bacon or even hot dogs, and add them with the cheese, as a "casserole". Keep in mind that these are "individual" servings, but the amount is pretty substantial for a child, especially if you add some meat. However, even after eating his bowlful, the 6 year old wanted more. I don't think that one packet would necessarily satisfy an adult, unless you had some other foods to add to it, or served on the side.

The packet that the cheese comes in looks the same as it always has, white, no-label, foil-lined, and the amount of noodles in the packet is a little over 1/2 cup uncooked. The directions are very simple, and in fact, I was able to almost walk the 6-year old connoisseur thru the process. He wanted to prepare it himself, but the bowl of boiling water is very hot.

One little aside note, and I am not sure if the original Kraft also had this, but it says it on the front in big letters - that it "now provides 10% of the calcium RDA" for an adult. (And just so you know, it also provides 15% of the iron RDA.)

I do recommend this product, but as I said, not for regular daily fare, but rather for something to have on hand for a quick hot meal that is very easy to prepare, with almost no added ingredients. Try it yourself, and if your kids like macaroni and cheese (I think most kids do)- it will probably find a place on your regular shopping list.










Recommended: Yes