Mac & Cheese Showdown: Walmart's Great Value vs. Kraft
By Editor • August 22, 2026 • 2 min read
In the world of boxed mac and cheese, few products are as iconic as Kraft. Yet, Walmart's Great Value line offers a budget-friendly alternative that many might consider. In this culinary face-off, I compared both brands to see how they stack up against each other.
During my visit to a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Las Vegas, I purchased both the standard and deluxe versions of Great Value mac and cheese, alongside the corresponding Kraft products. Each product was prepared with care, aiming for that perfect al dente texture. However, the taste experience varied significantly.
The standard Great Value mac and cheese, priced at just $0.64, had a firm pasta texture, but unfortunately, that was its only redeeming quality. The flavor was notably weak, offering a hint of artificial cheddar that left much to be desired. In stark contrast, the Deluxe Great Value variety, which costs $1.48, was a complete disappointment. The cheese sauce carried an unpleasant taste that evoked memories of spoiled vegetables, making it nearly inedible.
On the other hand, Kraft's offerings provided a more satisfying experience. The standard Kraft mac and cheese, sold at $1.00, tasted bland with the added milk and butter, but it was still preferable to its Walmart counterpart. Surprisingly, Kraft's Deluxe mac and cheese, at $2.48, emerged as the clear winner in this comparison. Despite its noodles being slightly softer than intended, the sauce had a mild creaminess that lent it a more enjoyable flavor, albeit not quite as robust as one would hope.
Ranking the four products, Great Value's Original mac and cheese secured the second spot, primarily due to its decent pasta quality. However, Kraft's Deluxe version claimed the top position. While Great Value may have offered a passable option, it ultimately fell short, especially with its Deluxe variant tasting unappetizing. If you're looking for a reliable boxed mac and cheese, Kraft's Deluxe stands out as the superior choice over Walmart's offerings.
Source: www.thetakeout.com
