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Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

by Sarah De Heer
We boiled, stirred and microwaved our way through more than 50 boxes in search of the very best boxed macaroni and cheese. In the end, we selected several runners-up and a winner in each of four categories: cheese sauce, organic, powder and microwaveable, as well as an overall winner and the absolute worst. Did our panelists find a new fave, or were they loyal to that nostalgic blue box? Read on for results.

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Velveeta 2% Milk

Creaminess: Very creamy and thick, almost gloppy.
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "With a creamy texture, it had a decent taste without being overwhelming."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Kraft Deluxe 2% Milk

Creaminess: Very creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "While creamy and smooth, the cheese flavor was mild, not particularly tangy or cheesy."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Velveeta -- Original

Creaminess: Very Creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 5
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The cheese tasted very eggy, too rich -- though it was smooth."

Runner-up: Cheese Sauce
Clear Value Shells

Creaminess: Sauce was really smooth, but became overwhelming creamy.
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The shells were kind of rough, but the sauce made up for that. Though, it had absolutely no taste and didn't even smell like cheese."

Rachel Been, AOL

Winner: Cheese Sauce
Kraft Deluxe -- Sharp Cheddar Sauce

Creaminess: Extremely thick and creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 3
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The noodles are thick, therefore they hold the sauce well. The cheddar flavor stands out; it's hearty and satisfying."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Organic
365 Organic Cheddar (Whole Foods Market)

Style: Powder
Creaminess: Gummy and viscous
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "Using less butter or unsalted butter would improve the flavor of the cheese. The powder mixed well with the pasta, leaving behind no chunks."

Runner-up: Organic
Annie's Elbows & Four Cheese Sauce

Style: Cheese Sauce
Creaminess: Thick, but not too sticky
Cheese Factor (1-5): 5
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "Great balance between al dente shells and cheese. The four-cheese blend was delicious."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Organic
Annie's Whole Wheat White Cheddar

Style: Powder
Creaminess: Not creamy at all, sauce sat at the bottom of the pot
Cheese Factor (1-5): 2
Instructions (1-5): 5
Our panel says: "The whole wheat shells were great -- nutty and grainy just like whole wheat pasta should be. Though, the texture of the sauce was too runny to match the density of the pasta. With a little added grated cheese, this boxed mac and cheese could be a winner."

Rachel Been, AOL

Runner-up: Organic
Annie's Bunny Pasta

Style: Powder
Creaminess: Slightly creamy
Cheese Factor (1-5): 4
Instructions (1-5): 4
Our panel says: "While it had a great texture and certainly pleased our craving, I would use less powder, butter and milk next time."

Rachel Been, AOL