Macaroni and Cheese
Annie's Homegrown Shells & Real Aged Cheddar
This all-organic macaroni and cheese uses carefully sourced ingredients and 100 percent real cheese. Shells & Real Aged Cheddar, $2.49, Annie's Homegrown.
What the kids said: Even with no butter added, Annie's sauce turned out rich, though slightly runny and pale in color. The girls, however, gave the brand mixed reviews. "It tasted cheesy, but not as cheesy as the other kinds I've had," said Heather, 7, who gave the taste an average 3. Samantha, 7, was keener on the mild flavor. "It's really, really good. You don't taste the cheese at all."
The verdict: Taste, 3; Excitement, 3
Nutritionist's Score: 4
Road's End Organics 123'z & Chreese
Dairy-, soy-, lactose-, and cholesterol-free, this "cheddar style" pasta dinner boasts a large amount of fiber (seven grams!) and is a good source of protein. 123'z & Chreese, $2.29, Road's End Organics.
What the kids said: Some of the girls were thrown off by the clumpy consistency and neon orange of this mac and cheese. "I don't really like the taste of it," said Sydney, 7. "It's funny." For others, the flavor of the sauce was overpowering. "It's a little too cheesy. Just too much," said Heather.
The verdict: Taste, 3; Excitement, 2
Nutritionist's Score: 2.5
Back to Nature Harvest-Wheat Elbows & Cheddar
Owned by Kraft, Back to Nature's version of this kid favorite is fairly close to the classic box macaroni and cheese. The twist comes with the whole-grain pasta and real cheese. Harvest-Wheat Elbows & Cheddar, $6.27 for three, Back to Nature, Hannaford.
What the kids said: The clear winner in its category, this macaroni and cheese earned raves across the board. "This is the best macaroni I've ever had!" said Tessie, 7. Giovanna, 7, concurred. "This is the awesomest mac 'n cheese ever!"
The verdict: Taste, 5; Excitement, 4
Nutritionist's Score: 3.5
What the nutritionist said: Nutritionally, Brewster says that all three of these brands trump the most popular mainstream brands of macaroni and cheese, which often contain high sodium and virtually no fiber. Traditional brands also tend to contain artificial coloring, which has have been shown to increase impulsivity and decrease attentiveness in children. Comparing the three side by side, Brewster likes Annie's Homegrown best. "There's still a fair amount of sodium, but I like the higher fiber and the fewer, more natural ingredients." Road's End Organics, while packed with fiber, comes in last. The product may be more geared to children with special dietary needs, but for the average child, parents should look for natural, nonenriched products. Back to Nature holds down the middle spot. "It's pretty neutral," says Brewster. "It's like the traditional product but a little better for you."
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