Subscribe now

Kraft mac, cheese crackers a bit bland but fun to eat

Lorie Hutson

Parents can’t go wrong with that distinctive blue box – even when it’s full of crunchy crackers instead of noodles.

The Kraft Macaroni and Cheese kingdom now includes a trio of cheesy, noodle-shaped crackers, in cheddar, mild cheddar and white cheddar. The kids on our back-to-school tasting panel said, “Yummy” and chalked up a three-star rating for each of the crackers.

“I want my mom to buy these,” 7-year-old Katie Kazanis said.

Benjamin Alford, 11, added, “If you like Cheez-Its, you’ll like these.”

Even some of the adults liked the baked crackers.

“Nicely cheesy with a flavor that lingers perfectly,” said Skip Hubbard. “Fun noodle shape for easy eating.”

But most of the grown ups on the tasting panel were less impressed. Overall, adults gave the crackers two and a half stars.

“Ho-hum. Boring. Bland. Why bother? Good for toddlers who are teething?” Larry Inman said.

Andy Hoye added, “All show, no taste … blech.”

Bland was a complaint from some of the young testers as well.

“Flavorless,” was the one-word assessment of the mild cheddar flavor by Andrew Setzer, 12.

But most people found something nice to say. “Fun to eat, great taste and a shape that kids will love,” said Gabe Kohler.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers, Cheddar

Price: $2.99 for 8 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 150 calories, 7 grams fat (2 grams saturated, 42 percent fat calories), 3 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, less than 5 milligrams cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 280 milligrams sodium.

Kids

Taste: • • •

Adults

Taste: • • 1/2

Value: • • 1/2

Comments: “These are delicious. I love the cheesiness.” – Katie Kazanis, 7

“The best out of them all.” – Carter Martin, 9

“Quite bland.” – Andrew Setzer, 12

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers, Mild Cheddar

Price: $2.99 for 8 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 150 calories, 7 grams fat (2 grams saturated, 42 percent fat calories), 3 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, 5 milligrams cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 310 milligrams sodium.

Kids

Taste: • • •

Adults

Taste: • • 1/2

Value: • • 1/2

Comments: “They are OK. I have never really liked Cheez-Its. You can really taste the extra cheese on them.” – Lauren Setzer, 13

“Something to garnish a casserole with. I prefer old-fashioned Cheez-Its.” – Marilyn Moore

“Bright color, weak flavor. Skip this one.” – Andy Hoye

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers, White Cheddar

Price: $2.99 for 8 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 150 calories, 7 grams fat (2 grams saturated, 42 percent fat calories), 3 grams protein, 19 grams carbohydrate, 5 milligrams cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 310 milligrams sodium.

Kids

Taste: • • •

Adults

Taste: • • 1/2

Value: • • 1/2

Comments: “Yummy.” – Sam Hubbard, 5

“Ho-hum. Boring. Bland. Why bother? Good for toddlers who are teething?” – Larry Inman

“Bland. However, I detect a cheese flavor. Bite-sized pieces are easy to eat and they’re not greasy (oily). I like the crisp texture.” – Ruth Setzer

Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.