Annie's New Mac And Cheese Flavors Double Down On The Cheddar

Boxed macaroni and cheese is a great quick meal for when you want to indulge your inner child. Simply boil the pasta in some water, add milk, butter, and the cheese packet, and you have an easy, delicious meal. You can even add some fresh veggies, protein, or extra cheese for an upgraded version of this classic.

Annie's sells a variety of snacks, cereals, and baking mixes in grocery stores nationwide, but the company's macaroni and cheese was what started it all. Annie's Mac & Cheese has been around since 1989 and has been fully organic since 1998.

Though it is beloved by consumers as it is – The Washington Post put the Shells & White Cheddar variety in second place overall in their ranking of store-bought brands — customers have consistently asked for more cheese in each box. And now, as revealed in a press release, the brand is delivering, just in time for National Pasta Day on October 17.

According to a press release sent to Tasting Table, their new Extreme Cheese Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese variety features 50% more cheese than their original Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. Annie's Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese also got an upgrade, with 50% more cheese added to its new Extreme Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese recipe. The release also states that these new flavors are an "upgraded comfort food."

Each 6-ounce box contains organic pasta and real cheese, with no added artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or preservatives, and all ingredients are non-GMO, per the company's website. Each serving — two come in each box — is only 300 calories, and packed with 10 grams of protein, 15% of the daily recommended amount of calcium, and 6% of the daily recommended potassium and cholesterol.

Both Extreme varieties retail for $3.98 per box and can be found now at Target stores nationwide, or ordered on the Annie's website.