10 Things to Know Before Buying Trader Joe’s Macaroni and Cheese
Mac & Cheese is a staple in many homes across America, and it’s not only a delicious lunch, but a delicious dinner that the whole family will love.
You might be wondering what macaroni and cheese Trader Joe’s has, where you can find it in the store, and whether it has a vegan or gluten-free option.
This article answers these questions and more. Here are 10 things you need to know before buying Trader Joe’s mac & cheese!
10 Things to Know Before Buying Trader Joe’s Macaroni and Cheese in 2022
1. Trader Joe’s Has Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
While Mac & Cheese is traditionally made with milk, butter, and cheese, there is another option for those who can’t eat these ingredients.
Trader Joe’s has vegan macaroni and cheese made with coconut milk and butternut squash for a smooth texture.
Consumers say it’s delicious with a little nutritional yeast in it.
2. Trader Joe’s has gluten-free macaroni and cheese
Luckily, Trader Joe’s has gluten-free macaroni and cheese, which according to reviews is very similar to regular macaroni and cheese.
However, customers did say that the pasta was not as tender as they would have liked.
Unless you need or want gluten-free macaroni and cheese, one reviewer says you should stick with regular macaroni and cheese.
3. Some of Trader Joe’s Macaroni and Cheese Frozen
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of frozen macaroni and cheese to suit everyone’s taste.
Based on customer reviews, here’s a list of the types of macaroni and cheese dishes you’ll find in Trader Joe’s freezer section, from best to worst:
- Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese
- Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Macaroni and Cheese
- Trader Joe’s Guilt-Reduced Macaroni and Cheese
- Joe’s Dinner Macaroni & Cheese
- Trader Joe’s Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese Bowl
- Trader Joe’s French Onion Macaroni and Cheese
- Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese
4. Trader Joe’s doesn’t make its own macaroni and cheese
Trader Joe’s does not have its own factory to manufacture its own products. Instead, it sources goods from other well-known companies in the United States.
This could explain why some of Trader Joe’s products are very similar to what you’ve tried from a competitor’s grocery store.
5. Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese is quick and easy to prepare
Is it true that we don’t want to spend hours toiling in the kitchen on a busy weeknight? Fortunately, Trader Joe’s has a solution.
Its frozen macaroni and cheese and boxed macaroni and cheese are super easy to prepare.
Start with boxed macaroni and cheese, which is similar to other brands you may have tried.
All you need to do is cook the noodles and add the cheese, butter and milk as directed on the package.
As for its frozen macaroni and cheese, just follow the package directions to set the oven to the correct time, then add it to the tray and wait for the macaroni and cheese to bubble and get hot.
6. Trader Joe’s has other pasta options besides macaroni and cheese
Besides macaroni and cheese, Trader Joe’s has many other types of pasta to choose from.
Such as those pre-made with sauce, and those that you need to cook yourself and add your own.
These are as follows:
- Italian screwdriver
- Organic Tricolor Pasta
- Cappellini, Italy
- spaghetti
- Fafar, Italy
- Pasta Riget
- Organic Italian Artisan Gigli Pasta
- Organic Yellow Lentil Brown Rice Pasta
- Truffle Cream Dough
- Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese Bowls
- Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Dumplings brewed from the outside in
- Gluten-Free Cheese Ravioli
- Vegan Spinach Cashew Ravioli
- Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
- Spinach Dumplings
- Ricotta and Lemon Peel Ravioli
- Sweet Corn, Burrata and Basil Ravioli
7. Trader Joe’s Box Macaroni and Cheese
Trader Joe’s has some pretty good boxed macaroni and cheese that can be found in the dry pasta aisle.
According to reviews, Trader Joe’s Wisconsin Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese is fine, but customers do want it to be creamier.
As a tip, you can try adding some extra creamy ingredients like shredded cheese, cream cheese, or even just some extra milk.
8. Trader Joe’s has the ingredients to make macaroni and cheese at home
Sometimes all we need is a bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese. Luckily, Trader Joe’s has everything you need to make it at home.
Trader Joe’s even has an easy recipe for homemade macaroni and cheese on its website. The basic items needed for the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce are as follows:
- butter
- Bread crumbs
- sea salt
- dry pasta
- whole milk
- cream cheese
- seasoning
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Green onions or cooked bacon for garnish
Thankfully, all the ingredients can be conveniently found at your local Trader Joe’s.
9. Customers say Trader Joe’s has great macaroni and cheese
If you’re looking for the perfect snack that’s crispy on the outside and sticky on the inside, look no further than Trader Joe’s freezer aisle.
Next time you’re in the store, you’ll want to pick up some Trader Joe’s Mac & Cheese Bites.
According to consumers, air frying them is one of the best ways to cook them!
Not only are they crispy on the outside, but cheesy and gooey on the inside, they’re ready in about 10 minutes.
10. Trader Joe’s Has Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese
According to one consumer, Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese is one of the best frozen macaroni and cheese they’ve ever eaten.
While it takes a little longer to cook than your average frozen macaroni and cheese, it’s worth the wait.
To learn more, you can also read our post on things to know before buying Trader Joe’s Cheese, Dips, and Ice Cream.
in conclusion
I think we can all agree that macaroni and cheese is one of the best comfort foods you can get, and while it’s not exactly healthy, we all need a good macaroni and cheese every once in a while.
Luckily, Trader Joe’s has a wide selection of macaroni and cheese, and whether you want something extra creamy or a little spicy, the Macaroni and Cheese section at Trader Joe’s has something for everyone.
