Kraft Mac and Cheese is a popular comfort food that many people enjoy, especially when they are looking for a quick and easy meal. However, just like any other food, it's important to be aware of the number of calories it contains. If you're interested in knowing how many calories are in a cup of Kraft Mac and Cheese, continue reading.
Macaroni and Cheese: The nutritional breakdown
As previously mentioned, Kraft Mac and Cheese is made with macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce mix. When combined, the two components create a dish that is high in both calories and fat. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of the cheese sauce mix found in Kraft Mac and Cheese.
According to the nutrition facts provided, one serving (2.5 ounces or approximately 70 grams) of Kraft Mac and Cheese contains:
- Calories: 110
*Total fat: 10 grams
*Saturated fat: 3 grams
*Trans fat: 0 grams
*Cholesterol:trace amounts
*Sodium: 450 milligrams
*Total carbohydrates:40 grams
*Dietary fiber:2 grams
*Sugars:3 grams
*Protein: 6 grams
As you can see, one serving of Kraft Mac and Cheese contains 110 calories, which is a moderate amount of energy. However, it's important to remember that the remaining portion contains an additional 2.5 ounces of macaroni pasta, which alone contributes about another 80-100 calories.
When you factor in the 2.5 ounces of pasta, the total calories in two cups of Kraft Mac and Cheese would be around 270-280 calories, depending on the brand. This is several hundred calories more than the 200-calorie reference amount recommended by the 2015 data.
To get a better sense of the number of calories you're actually consuming, it's helpful to compare it to other common foods. For example, a meal containing grilled chicken and steamed vegetables would typically provide around 350-400 calories. This means that two cups of Kraft Mac and Cheese contain around 65-70% of the calories you'd get from a well-rounded meal.
It's also worth noting that Kraft Mac and Cheese is quite rich in vitamins and minerals, despite its relatively high calorie count. For instance, each serving provides small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc. However, since these values are so low, it's not appropriate to use them as a basis for calculating your overall nutritional intake., while two cups of Kraft Mac and Cheese contain around 270-280 calories, it's important to realize that most of these calories come from macaroni and cheese. As with any other meal, it's wise to balance your diet by including a variety of foods to ensure you're getting the proper balance of nutrients.
