Product Review: Annie's Organic Macaroni and Cheese

When I changed my food eating habits earlier this year, I was not about to give up my love for pastas. I wanted to eat more organic foods and was pleased to come across Annie's brand of pastas. They are very distinguishable with bold box colors (including a green "banner" signifying organic) and feature a rabbit on their box. Annie's pasta products come in a variety of cheeses (white and yellow cheddar) and pasta types (traditional macaroni, shells, and even PBS' Arthur). I purchased a blue box of macaroni and cheese and an orange box of shells and cheese. Both were featuring orange cheese, as I do not like white Cheddar.

While this macaroni is two to three times more expensive than regular boxes, I can definitely feel a difference. I have to stick to a low-residue diet and "cheap" macaroni products were always making me bloated and sick (I have Crohn's). I did not want to give up my pasta and I also try to lead a vegetarian lifestyle (pasta is one of my main staples), so I decided to try Annie's brand of organic pasta.

This was the best purchase I have ever made. No longer am I "sick" after eating macaroni and cheese. Additionally, the box goes a long way. When preparing for myself, I divide the hard, uncooked pasta into three bags (about ½ cup each) and eat one serving now. Likewise, I do the same for the cheese packet, as I use my fingers to hold and divide the packet into thirds, and only shake out as much as the third. Served along with some green beans, this pasta is excellent!

I am so grateful I have found pasta that I can eat. Both the shells and the traditional macaroni shapes are high quality and I would recommend either. Flavors/shapes can vary by retailer, along with price. On the high end, Publix Supermarkets carry Annie's products for around $2 a box in about four different varieties, including self-serve and family-size boxes (which cost more). On the lower end, I was pleased that Big Lots and Target carry Annie's traditional 6 ounce boxes for a little over a dollar (on sale).