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Quick answer

Our overall pick is Kraft PowerMac Original (7.25 oz), which lists 17 g of protein per serving and no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. Shoppers who need gluten-free options will find them grouped separately, and the dairy-free and vegan group suits plant-based cooks. Our picks come from comparing manufacturer listings, not from cooking with these products.

If you are searching for instant pot mac and cheese, the first thing to know is that none of the 19 listings below mention pressure cookers. This roundup compares packaged mac and cheese products, including boxed, frozen, cup and chickpea options, using the facts each Amazon listing states. For more kitchen ideas, browse our recipes section.

Use this list to narrow down size, dietary claims and protein per serving, then follow your own appliance manual and the package directions for cooking. If you also cook in a slow cooker, our best Crock-Pot recipes cover that method.

Quick picks

19 Best Instant Pot Mac and Cheese compared

# Product Best for Size Number of items Dietary or ingredient claims (as listed)
1 Kraft PowerMac Original, 7.25 oz Best overall: 17 g protein per serving 7.25 oz 1 17 g protein per serving; no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes
2 Banza Shells and White Cheddar, 5.5 oz Best chickpea shells, 15 g protein 5.5 oz 1 Gluten free; vegan; non-GMO; no artificial flavors or preservatives
3 Banza Elbows and Classic Cheddar, 5.5 oz Best for highest listed protein 5.5 oz 1 Gluten free; vegan; non-GMO; no artificial flavors or preservatives
4 Kraft Gluten Free Original, 6 oz Best 2.5-serving gluten-free box 6 oz 1 Gluten free; no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes
5 Kraft Gluten Free Cups, 4 x 1.9 oz Best gluten-free microwave cups 4 cups, 1.9 oz each (7.6 oz total) 1 Gluten free; no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes
6 Amy’s Rice Mac and Cheese, 9 oz Best frozen gluten-free rice pasta 9 oz 1 Gluten free; tree nut free; soy free; non-GMO; Certified Kosher
7 Goodles Shella Good Gluten Free, 5.6 oz Best for a shell-style gluten-free box 5.6 oz 1 Gluten free (title only)
8 Jovial Organic Gluten Free Truffle, 6 oz Best organic truffle made in Italy 6 oz 1 Organic; dairy free; gluten free; keto friendly
9 Pastabilities Vegan Sea Creature Shapes Best sea creature shapes for kids 9 oz per box (pack of 6) 1 (spec sheet) Vegan; dairy-free; non-GMO; organic durum wheat
10 Daiya Cheddar Style Vegan, 10.6 oz Best squeeze-pouch vegan cheese sauce 10.6 oz 1 Dairy free; gluten free; soy free; no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
11 Daiya Mac and Cheese Aged Cheddar, 5.5 oz Best for avoiding synthetic nitrates 5.5 oz 1 No synthetic nitrates or nitrites; no hydrogenated fats or HFCS; no bleached or bromated flour
12 Daiya Alfredo Style Vegan, 10.6 oz Best dairy-free Alfredo style 10.6 oz 1 Dairy free; gluten free; vegan; 100% plant-based
13 Kraft Deluxe Original Cups, 4 x 2.39 oz Best 4-pack microwave cups 4 cups, 2.39 oz each 1 No artificial flavors or dyes; real cheddar cheese (title)
14 Kraft Original Mac and Cheese Bowl, 3.5 oz Best single-serve microwave bowl 3.5 oz 1 No artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes
15 Amy’s Mac and Cheese, Organic, 9 oz Best frozen organic meal 9 oz 1 Organic pasta; vegetarian-friendly
16 Kraft Original Mac and Cheese, 4 boxes Best 4-box multipack 7.25 oz each (pack of 4) 4 No artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes
17 Kraft Deluxe Gluten Free Cheddar, 12 oz Best large gluten-free cheddar box 12 oz 1 Gluten free; no artificial flavors; real cheddar (title)
18 Velveeta Gluten Free Shells and Cheese, 12 oz Best for a creamy, melting sauce 12 oz 1 Gluten free; made with real cheese
19 Banza Deluxe Elbows Creamy Cheddar, 11 oz Best large chickpea box, 11 oz 11 oz 1 Gluten free; vegan; non-GMO; no artificial flavors or preservatives

How we chose

We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of November 2026. We did not cook, taste or test any product, so each pick reflects only what its listing states.

We looked at the stated size and pack count, listed protein per serving, dietary and ingredient claims, and whether the listing includes preparation directions. Where a spec field looked implausible or conflicted with the listing title, we left that detail out.

Best for high-protein picks

These chickpea and Kraft boxes state protein per serving in their listings.

1. Best overall: 17 g protein per serving: Kraft PowerMac Original, 7.25 oz

One 7.25 oz box of Kraft PowerMac Original Mac and Cheese. The listing states 17 g of protein per serving, made with protein from plants and dairy, and says the product contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. It is described for snacks, sides, kids meals or as an addition to easy meals. The listing shows one box in the pack.

Best for: Shoppers who want a familiar boxed mac and cheese with 17 g protein per serving and no artificial flavors.

2. Best chickpea shells, 15 g protein: Banza Shells and White Cheddar, 5.5 oz

One 5.5 oz box of Banza Shells and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese made with chickpea pasta. The listing says it has 15 g of protein per serving, is gluten free and vegan, and uses non-GMO ingredients with no artificial flavors or preservatives. The listing says it is ready in 8 minutes.

Best for: Chickpea-pasta fans who want 15 g of protein per serving in a 5.5 oz box.

3. Best for highest listed protein: Banza Elbows and Classic Cheddar, 5.5 oz

One 5.5 oz box of Banza Elbows and Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese. The listing states 18 g of protein per serving, the highest figure among the 19 products here. It is gluten free, vegan and made with non-GMO ingredients, and the listing repeats the 8-minute ready time.

Best for: Shoppers who want the highest protein per serving among the listings here.

Best for gluten-free needs

These products are labeled gluten free in their titles or feature text.

4. Best 2.5-serving gluten-free box: Kraft Gluten Free Original, 6 oz

One 6 oz box of Kraft Gluten Free Original Mac and Cheese made with brown rice and corn pasta. The listing says it contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or dyes and makes about 2.5 servings. It is a smaller box than the 12 oz Kraft Deluxe option, and the listing suggests it for gluten-free snacks, sides and family dinners.

Best for: Gluten-free shoppers cooking for a small group who want a 6 oz box.

5. Best gluten-free microwave cups: Kraft Gluten Free Cups, 4 x 1.9 oz

Four 1.9 oz cups of Kraft Gluten Free Original Mac and Cheese made with corn pasta, for a total of 7.6 oz per pack. Each cup is one serving, and the listing says the cups contain no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. The listing describes the cups as microwave food for gluten-free snacks, sides or family dinners.

Best for: Gluten-free households who want single-serve cups of corn-pasta mac and cheese.

6. Best frozen gluten-free rice pasta: Amy’s Rice Mac and Cheese, 9 oz

One 9 oz frozen single-serve meal of Amy’s Rice Mac and Cheese, made with rice pasta and cheddar cheese and labeled gluten free. The listing says it is a good source of protein and calcium and is tree nut free, soy free, non-GMO and Certified Kosher. The listing describes it as a meal the whole family will like.

Best for: Gluten-free shoppers who want a frozen, rice-pasta single-serve dinner.

7. Best for a shell-style gluten-free box: Goodles Shella Good Gluten Free, 5.6 oz

A 5.6 oz package of Goodles Shella Good Gluten Free Mac and Cheese. The listing’s feature section contains only the brand name, so we cannot confirm ingredients or preparation from the listing. The title names gluten free status, and the product name suggests a shape, though the listing does not describe it.

Best for: Gluten-free shoppers who want a 5.6 oz box and will check the package for details.

Best for dairy-free and vegan

These options are described as dairy free, vegan or plant based in their listings.

8. Best organic truffle made in Italy: Jovial Organic Gluten Free Truffle, 6 oz

One 6 oz box of Jovial Organic Gluten Free Truffle Mac and Cheese made from brown rice pasta, which the listing describes as dairy free. The listing says it is USDA Certified Organic, keto friendly and produced in a dedicated gluten free facility. The pasta is described as made in Italy with bronze dies and slow drying.

Best for: Organic and dairy-free shoppers who want a truffle-flavored option made in Italy.

9. Best sea creature shapes for kids: Pastabilities Vegan Sea Creature Shapes

A six-pack of Pastabilities Vegan Mac and Cheese with fun sea creature pasta shapes, with the listing saying each box serves four. The pasta is made with 100% organic durum wheat, the cheese mix is plant-based, and the product is non-GMO and made in the USA. The listing says kids will enjoy the shapes.

Best for: Families who want kid-friendly sea creature shapes that are vegan and dairy-free.

10. Best squeeze-pouch vegan cheese sauce: Daiya Cheddar Style Vegan, 10.6 oz

One 10.6 oz package of Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Cheddar Style Vegan Mac and Cheese. The listing says it is free from gluten, soy, eggs and peanuts and contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The cheese sauce comes in a squeeze pouch, and the directions say to cook your own gluten-free noodles, drain and pour.

Best for: Plant-based cooks who want a squeeze-pouch cheese sauce and a boil-and-pour method.

11. Best for avoiding synthetic nitrates: Daiya Mac and Cheese Aged Cheddar, 5.5 oz

One 5.5 oz package of Daiya Mac and Cheese Aged Cheddar. The listing says it contains no hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup, no bleached or bromated flour, and no synthetic nitrates or nitrites. The listing does not state gluten-free or dairy-free status, so check the package before buying for a restricted diet.

Best for: Shoppers who want a mac and cheese with no synthetic nitrates or nitrites in the listed ingredients.

12. Best dairy-free Alfredo style: Daiya Alfredo Style Vegan, 10.6 oz

One 10.6 oz package of Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Alfredo Style Vegan Mac and Cheese. The listing describes it as dairy free, gluten free and 100% plant-based, with a creamy texture meant to echo traditional Alfredo sauce. It says the meal can be prepared in minutes for a dairy-free dinner.

Best for: Dairy-free cooks who want a creamy Alfredo-style sauce in a 10.6 oz package.

Best for quick single servings

These products are sold as single cups, bowls or meals.

13. Best 4-pack microwave cups: Kraft Deluxe Original Cups, 4 x 2.39 oz

A four-pack of 2.39 oz Kraft Deluxe Original Mac and Cheese cups, each listed as one serving. The title says it is made with real cheddar cheese, and the listing says the cups contain no artificial flavors or dyes. The listing describes them as microwave food for quick meals, kids meals and easy dinners.

Best for: Anyone who wants single-serve microwave cups of the original Kraft flavor in one pack.

14. Best single-serve microwave bowl: Kraft Original Mac and Cheese Bowl, 3.5 oz

One 3.5 oz bowl of Kraft Original Mac and Cheese, listed as one serving per bowl. The listing describes it as microwave food with no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes, and suggests it for quick meals, kids meals and easy dinners. It is a single-bowl purchase, which keeps the quantity small compared with the multi-box packs in this list.

Best for: One person who wants a single microwave bowl without opening a box.

15. Best frozen organic meal: Amy’s Mac and Cheese, Organic, 9 oz

One 9 oz frozen meal of Amy’s Mac and Cheese made with organic pasta and cheddar cheese. The listing calls it vegetarian-friendly, says it heats up quickly and easily, and presents it as a dinner or lunch option. It is described as a convenient alternative to takeout, with authentic flavor at home.

Best for: Shoppers who want a frozen single meal made with organic pasta and cheddar.

Best for larger boxes and multipacks

These products have larger listed sizes or come in multi-box packs.

16. Best 4-box multipack: Kraft Original Mac and Cheese, 4 boxes

Four 7.25 oz boxes of Kraft Original Mac and Cheese in one pack. The listing says each box makes about 3.5 servings and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. It is positioned for snacks, sides, kids meals and easy meals. The spec sheet gives a total weight of 2.041 pounds for the pack.

Best for: Families who want four boxes of original Kraft mac and cheese in one purchase.

17. Best large gluten-free cheddar box: Kraft Deluxe Gluten Free Cheddar, 12 oz

One 12 oz box of Kraft Deluxe Gluten Free Original Cheddar with brown rice and corn pasta. The title says it is made with real cheddar cheese, and the listing says it contains no artificial flavors. The listing states about four servings per box and suggests sides, family dinners and easy meals.

Best for: Gluten-free shoppers who want a larger 12 oz Kraft box made with real cheddar.

18. Best for a creamy, melting sauce: Velveeta Gluten Free Shells and Cheese, 12 oz

One 12 oz box of Velveeta Gluten Free Shells and Cheese, which the listing says makes about three servings. The listing says it is made with real cheese and that the sauce melts into a creamy texture. The listing gives the color as orange and suggests the box for gluten-free snacks, sides and family dinners.

Best for: Shoppers who want a gluten-free shells and cheese with a creamy, melting sauce.

19. Best large chickpea box, 11 oz: Banza Deluxe Elbows Creamy Cheddar, 11 oz

One 11 oz box of Banza Deluxe Elbows Mac and Cheese with Creamy Cheddar, the largest Banza box in this roundup. The listing states 15 g of protein per serving and says the product is gluten free, vegan, non-GMO and free of artificial flavors and preservatives. It is listed as ready in 8 minutes.

Best for: Families or big eaters who want the largest chickpea box, 11 oz.

How to choose instant pot mac and cheese

Start with how you plan to cook for instant pot mac and cheese. The listings in this roundup are packaged products, and most do not describe a cooking method beyond the feature text. If you use an electric pressure cooker, follow your appliance manual for lid, liquid and release steps, and follow the package directions for the product you buy.

Next, check dietary claims as they are written. A gluten-free label, a dairy-free statement and a vegan claim are different, and some listings state one without the others. Where a listing is silent, our product notes say so instead of filling the gap.

Then compare size and pack count. Single items in this roundup range from a 3.5 oz bowl to a 12 oz box, and some packs hold several boxes or cups. Serving estimates come from each manufacturer, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.

Protein is listed per serving for several chickpea and Kraft products. Compare those figures on the same serving basis, and check the package label for current numbers.

For food safety, store leftovers promptly and reheat them according to the USDA guidance. The FDA’s buy, store and serve guidance and the USDA safe temperature chart explain the basics. For more slow cooker and pressure cooker ideas, see our best Crock-Pot recipes and our Instant Pot egg guide.

What to look for

  • Dietary claims stated in the listing, such as gluten free, dairy free, vegan or organic
  • Size and pack count, including whether the pack holds several boxes or cups
  • Protein per serving, when the listing states it
  • Ingredient claims such as no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes
  • Whether the listing includes preparation directions
  • Your own appliance manual for any pressure cooker or slow cooker use

FAQ

Are these listings written for an Instant Pot?

No. None of the listings in this roundup mention pressure cookers or Instant Pot. We chose them from packaged mac and cheese listings, so use your appliance manual and the package directions for any cooking method.

How do I make instant pot mac and cheese safely?

Follow your electric pressure cooker’s manual for setup, liquid and release steps, and do not open the lid until the manual says it is safe. Handle and store hot food carefully, using the FDA guidance linked above.

Which picks suit gluten-free or dairy-free diets?

Use the groups above as a starting point. The gluten-free group lists products labeled gluten free in their titles or feature text, and the dairy-free and vegan group lists products described that way. Listings can change, so read the current package label before you buy.

References

  1. Amazon product listings and manufacturer specifications (accessed November 2026)
  2. FDA, Buy, Store, Serve, Safe Food
  3. USDA FSIS, Safe Temperature Chart