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Mac and NOT Cheese

Read a short science news article about a new plant-based mac and cheese

By Dani Leviss
From the September 2024 Issue
Other Focus Areas: Engineering

KRAFT HEINZ

For many kids, nothing beats a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese. Kraft is one of the most popular boxed mac and cheese brands. It recently introduced a new version of the food that’s missing one key ingredient—cheese! Kraft’s newest mac and cheese is vegan, or made without animal products.

“We wanted to create a plant-based mac and cheese that still had the yummy taste and smooth creaminess that people love,” says Robert Scott, who works at Kraft Heinz. These traits normally come from the protein and fat in cheese and cow’s milk.

Kraft worked with a company that makes plant-based foods to brainstorm and develop the recipe. Food scientists tested more than 100 recipes for the plant-based mac and cheese. They chose a formula that replaces cheese and milk with powders from coconuts and fava beans. Corn and tapioca (made from a root vegetable called cassava) help thicken the sauce. Would you dig into a bowl?

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