Kraft NotCo Plant Based Mac & Cheese – Lunchbox Safe Mac for School Nut and Dairy Allergy Classrooms, 6 oz Original Box
Kraft NotCo Plant Based Mac & Cheese – Lunchbox Safe Mac for School Nut and Dairy Allergy Classrooms, 6 oz Original Box
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Trusted Kraft brand heritage combined with NotCo's innovative plant-based formula reduces risk of trying a dairy-free mac
- AI-developed recipe via Chef Giuseppe replicates the familiar creamy, cheesy taste without dairy
- Suitable for people with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those following vegan/flexitarian diets
- Fast 7-8 minute stovetop preparation makes it practical for busy schedules
- Variety of flavors and sizes lets households match the box to their appetite or recipe need
- Lower environmental footprint than traditional dairy-based mac and cheese appeals to eco-conscious shoppers
- powder looks pale/white but mixes into a lovely orange cheddar color
- less salty than other vegan mac options
- same noodles as the original Kraft
- nostalgic taste that returns childhood memories
- affordable compared to typical vegan alternatives (not 6x the price)
- cheaper on Amazon than at the grocery store (~$2 less per box)
- easy and fast to prepare like the original
- convenience food safe for severe dairy allergies
- even non-vegan/dairy-eating family members enjoy it
- no artificial dyes
- 12-year-old couldn't tell the difference from regular Kraft
Perfect for
- Quick weeknight plant-based dinner for dairy-free households
- Meatless Monday main dish the whole family will eat
- Comfort food alternative for vegans missing classic mac and cheese
- Lactose-free lunch option for office or school
- Easy side dish for potlucks and casual gatherings
- pairing with kimchi and hot sauce for extra flavor
- preparing with pasta water instead of plant milk (1/4 cup swap)
- adding Gardein crumbles warmed in the microwave as a protein topping
- adding black pepper and nutritional yeast
- adding lots of vegan butter and smoked paprika
- preparing to custom texture (sticky vs. soupy)
- serving as both a side dish and a standalone meal
- using plain unsweetened soy milk (West Life brand) and Earth Balance to avoid sweetness
Product Information
One 6 oz box of Kraft NotCo Original Flavor Plant Based Mac & Cheese Our warm, cheesy macaroni that fills your belly and feeds your soul is now plant-based Introducing Kraft NotMac&Cheese, Kraft Mac & Cheese’s first ever plant-based option in the US NotCo uses patented AI tech, Chef Giuseppe, to create delicious plant-based products To prepare, boil 6 cups of water, stir in macaroni, cook 7-8 minutes, drain the water, then add 4 tbsp plant-based butter, 1/4 cup unsweetened original plant-based milk and sauce mix; mix well
Package Dimensions : 7.2 x 3.5 x 1.34 inches; 6 ounces UPC : 990016700110 Manufacturer : Kraft Heinz Units : 6.0 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #3,882 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this safe to pack in a school lunch for a child with a severe dairy allergy?
Yes. Kraft NotCo Plant Based Mac & Cheese is fully dairy-free and is widely used by families managing severe dairy allergies. It contains no dairy or lactose, making it a trusted lunchbox option.
Will my picky eater actually eat this, or will they push it aside?
Most picky eaters, including 12-year-olds in customer reviews, have reported not being able to tell the difference from regular Kraft mac, so it tends to clear the plate without a fight.
Does it have any artificial dyes I should worry about for my kids?
No. The formula is free from artificial dyes, which is a meaningful upgrade for parents who want a kid-friendly mac without synthetic colors.
How fast is it on a chaotic weeknight with hungry kids at the table?
It is ready in 7 to 8 minutes on the stovetop with simple add-ins, so it works well as a fast weeknight dinner or a quick side for the family table.
Is it safe to send to a nut-free, dairy-free classroom if the school allows shelf-stable meals?
Yes. It is a shelf-stable dry mix with no dairy, which makes it a practical option for classrooms that accommodate dairy-allergic students. Always check the current ingredient label and your school's specific allergy policy before sending.
Will my non-vegan spouse and dairy-eating kids eat the same meal without complaints?
Yes. This is one of the most commonly reported wins: even family members who regularly eat dairy enjoy the taste, so you can serve one meal for the whole household without cooking separately.
Is the box the right size for a kid's portion, or will I have leftovers?
The 6 oz single-serve box is portion-controlled for one hungry kid or a small lunchbox portion, and an 8.2 oz box is also available if you want a heartier plate or a kid who tends to ask for seconds.
What flavor should I try first for a kid who only knows classic orange mac?
Start with the Original flavor, which mimics the familiar orange cheddar color and taste kids expect. The White Cheddar plant-based variety is also well-liked and a good second box to keep in rotation.
How is this different from Annie's vegan mac or other plant-based kids' mac options?
Kraft NotCo is widely described as less salty than other vegan mac options, more affordable than many vegan alternatives, and it uses the same noodles as the original Kraft, which keeps the texture familiar for kids.
Is it cheaper to buy a multi-pack on Amazon than at the grocery store?
Yes. Many customers report that the Amazon price is roughly $2 less per box than the grocery store price, which adds up quickly for families buying multiple boxes a month.
Can my child help make it, or is the stovetop too dangerous for little hands?
Older kids can help measure plant milk and vegan butter and stir the pot. The stovetop step requires adult supervision, but the rest of the process is simple enough for a kitchen helper to participate.
Will the flavor hold up after sitting in a thermos or lunchbox for a few hours?
Yes. Many parents pack it for school lunches, and customers report that the creamy, cheesy taste holds up well. For best results, pack it in an insulated container and keep it chilled until lunchtime.
I am nervous about hidden dairy derivatives. Is the ingredient list truly dairy-free?
Yes. The product is fully plant-based and made by Kraft Heinz specifically for dairy-free, lactose-intolerant, and vegan households. Always double-check the current package label if you are managing a severe allergy.
Can I dress it up so my kid gets more protein without losing the mac appeal?
Yes. Warming Gardein crumbles in the microwave and stirring them in adds protein while keeping the dish tasting like mac and cheese, which kids tend to accept far more readily than a 'veggie-forward' swap.
What if my kid does not like it. Is there a return option?
Amazon's standard return policy applies, but most families report that kids enjoy it on the first try. Starting with a single 6 oz box is a low-risk way to test the waters before stocking up.
Is this a healthier option than regular mac and cheese for a meatless Monday dinner?
It contains no artificial dyes, is fully plant-based, and has a lower environmental footprint than dairy-based mac, making it a more parent-friendly pick for Meatless Monday dinners the whole family will actually eat.
How do I prepare Kraft NotCo Plant Based Mac & Cheese on the stovetop?
Boil the noodles in water for about 7 to 8 minutes until tender, drain, then return them to the pot and stir in the cheese powder along with plant butter and plain unsweetened plant milk (or 1/4 cup of pasta water as a milk-free swap). Stir until creamy and serve.
Can I use any plant milk, or does it have to be a specific brand?
Any unsweetened plant milk works. For best results, many customers prefer plain unsweetened soy milk (West Life is a popular pick) because it does not add sweetness. Sweetened or flavored plant milks can make the finished dish taste dessert-like.
How do I adjust the texture to be creamier or thicker?
Add a little more plant milk for a soupier, saucier bowl, or reduce the liquid and add a little more vegan butter for a stickier, thicker mac. Stirring in a splash of pasta water at the end is a common trick to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
Is Kraft NotCo Plant Based Mac & Cheese safe for people with dairy allergies?
Yes. The formula is fully plant-based and contains no dairy or lactose, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, including those with newly developed allergies. Always check the current package label if you are managing a severe allergy.
Does it contain any common allergens like nuts or soy?
It is dairy-free, but the recipe and the plant milks or butters you add may contain soy, and Kraft facilities may process other allergens. Review the ingredient label on the current box if you or someone in your household has additional allergies beyond dairy.
What is included in the box and what do I need to buy separately?
Each box contains the dry pasta and the plant-based cheese-style powder. You need to supply your own plant butter (such as Earth Balance), plant milk (such as plain unsweetened soy milk), and water for boiling. A pot and a stove are the only tools required.
Is Kraft NotCo Mac & Cheese healthier than regular Kraft mac and cheese?
It is fully plant-based, contains no artificial dyes, and uses NotCo's AI-developed recipe to deliver a familiar cheesy taste without dairy. It also has a lower environmental footprint than traditional dairy-based mac, though it is still a boxed convenience food and best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Does it taste the same as original Kraft mac and cheese?
Most customers, including 12-year-old testers and long-time vegans, report that the taste is very close to original Kraft mac, with a familiar creamy, cheesy, slightly nostalgic profile. The dry powder looks pale but mixes into a lovely orange cheddar color in the finished dish.
What is the difference between plant-based mac and cheese and regular mac and cheese?
Regular mac and cheese is made with dairy milk, butter, and cheese. Plant-based mac and cheese, like Kraft NotCo, replaces those dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives (plant milk, vegan butter) and uses a NotCo-developed formula to replicate the cheesy taste without any actual dairy.
