- Goodles microwaveable mac-and-cheese cups are high in fiber and protein.
- Unlike many other instant noodle cups, they are rich, creamy and flavorful.
- These single-serving cups take less than 7 minutes to make in the microwave.
As a child, my favorite meal was mac and cheese. At first, it was all about Kraft with its iconic blue box and orange noodles. But as I matured, so did my taste buds, and I began to branch out into another famous boxed mac and cheese: Velveeta. The smooth flavor and comforting warmth was my go-to meal.
Once I hit adulthood, I scaled back the boxed meals for a while. But when my kids turned out to have some sensory issues with food, they made a big comeback. There was a time when white shell mac and cheese was the only meal both my kids and I could all eat without serious strife. Eventually, though, I began to expand my personal noodle repertoire to bring some variety into my life, while also trying to get my kids to try something new, even if it was a slight variation on their favorite.
Then I found Goodles single-serving microwaveable mac and cheese cups.
Why I Love Goodles
Courtesy of Brand
They’re Surprisingly Nutritious
After a jaw injury last summer, I was relegated to a soft diet. There are only so many cold smoothies a gal can handle before she craves a warm meal. So, I took to the grocery store and stocked up on several flavors of Goodles, which are advertised as a healthier alternative to other boxed mac and cheese.
Since these have more fiber, protein and nutrients from plants per serving than other leading mac-and-cheese brands, I gravitated toward them for an easy meal that gave me more nutritional bang for my buck.
You can find Goodles sold in boxes or single-serve cups. The single-serving cups have a few differences compared to the box, mostly because they use water instead of milk in the sauce. Boxed Goodles also have the option to add butter, which doesn’t do much to make it healthier but does make it taste great.
One single-serve microwavable Cheddy Mac cup delivers 6 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein. I was particularly excited about the high fiber content, since fiber has so many benefits, including more stable blood sugar, improved digestion and better heart health. Plus, it promotes satiety, meaning it keeps you full for longer. Despite these perks, just 5% of people in the U.S. hit their daily fiber goals. With nearly a quarter of my daily fiber in one cup, Goodles makes a big dent.,
But it’s not just about the fiber and protein. These noodles are surprisingly nutritious. One cup delivers 15% of the Daily Value for iron, which I happen to be deficient in. It also provides 15% of my daily zinc, manganese and copper. It also gives me 15% of several B vitamins plus 20% of the DV for folate and 40% of my day’s selenium. Not bad for one little cup!
They Come in Loads of Tasty Options
Since a whole box of mac and cheese contains multiple servings and, unfortunately, my kids refused to try a new color of boxed mac and cheese, I was forced to eat Goodles alone (poor me). I was glad to see they had a single-serving option in a cup. Not only is it nice to have the correct amount of pasta at home, but I can also take the microwaveable cups with me to eat on the go.
While the cups come in two varieties (Cheddy Mac and Shella Good), the boxes offer all sorts of flavor options. So, I sometimes lean on those, too. Down the Hatch, which has a green chile kick, became my favorite. But if cacio e pepe is your thing, there’s Mover & Shaker. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can always grab a box of Here Comes Truffle.
I’m also a fan of their vegan and gluten-free options, since we sometimes have kids or adult friends over with dietary restrictions.
My fondness for Goodles isn’t just because they’re tasty and good for you. Their products have earned the Clean Label Product Purity Award, which means they are free of contaminants, like unwanted chemicals, plastics, pesticides and other toxins. Goodles is the first boxed mac and cheese to receive this stamp. Additionally, the cups are made from BPA-free paper, which makes them easy to take with you and dispose of. I also appreciate that they donate products to organizations that help alleviate food insecurity.
They’re Easy!
Much like other noodle cups, Goodles microwaveable cups are quick, putting a meal in your hands within minutes. And the sauce has the creamy consistency of boxed mac and cheese that you’d make on the stovetop, not the powdery, chalk-like texture of other microwaveable varieties.
All you have to do is remove the lid, tear off the protective film, and remove the cheese packet. Then just add cold water to the fill line, stir and microwave on high for 4 minutes. There’s no need to drain them. Just stir in the cheese, put the paper lid back on and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir one more time before eating, and that’s it! The whole process takes 6 to 7 minutes.
The Bottom Line
Goodles’ microwaveable cups of mac and cheese are high in fiber and protein. They also give you lots of iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins and boast more plant nutrients than similar products. So, they’re packed with nutrition to get you through your day. The cups are easy to make and are ready in less than 7 minutes. But the real beauty isn’t just about nutrition or convenience–it’s the taste. Their rich flavor and creamy sauce are guaranteed to satisfy any mac and cheese craving.
