Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.
Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give 'em a report card. (Check out all of our tried and tested faves here.)
The assignment…
To see if Goodles macaroni and cheese ($15.96+/4 pack) deserves a permanent place in your kitchen pantry. With flavors like cacio e pepe and aged white cheddar, the brand offers a flavorful twist on the traditional comfort food.
Straight A’s in…
Flavor. We loved the richness of Goodles, especially the traditional cheddar and aged white cheddar noodles. Each bite packed a punch, even when we didn’t add in the optional butter serving. The included cheese packets were more than enough to create bold flavor. Note: adding in the 1/4 cup of milk will enhance flavor and creaminess.
Ingredients. Our editors really appreciated how transparent Goodles is about their ingredients. From what’s in the noodles to what’s in the cheese, ingredients are clearly stated. One serving (1 cup) has 14 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber with prebiotics, 21 nutrients from plants, and is made with no artificial flavor or preservatives, and real cheese. Can you say wow? Many other competitor brands lack nutritional value.
Convenience. The noodles are quick to prepare, making them a super-convenient option for busy weeknights, anyone with kids, or a late-night snack. The overall process (from boiling water to mixing in the cheese) took us about 20 minutes.
Variety. The mac and cheese is available in packs so you can test different flavors to see which you like most. There's also a vegan option.
Room for growth…
Texture. While delicious, we found that in the end, the sauce could be creamier, with other well-known brands being a bit smoother. If you want it to be thicker, adding in butter is definitely helpful. Note, of course, that this will affect the nutritional value of a single serving. Another helpful note — the milk definitely increases creaminess if you choose to go sans butter (preparation calls for milk). One editor chose to use almond milk, which worked just as well. When you're making the cacio e pepe option, you can sub the milk for pasta water (as noted on the box).
Ability to reheat. We also tried Goodles at a later time and found that the noodles did not reheat as well as we would have liked. The cheese sauce got sticky, and the mac and cheese was not creamy the second time around. If you serve it right after making, you won’t have this issue, but if you’re a lover of leftovers, we don’t recommend putting Goodles in the microwave. Try reheating slowly on the stove to avoid stickiness.
Price. The variety pack goes for $16.99 for 4 boxes, while a single flavor is priced at $15.96 for 4 boxes. This means that one box of Goodles is about $4, which is on the pricier end compared to competitors (other brands range from $1-$3 per box).
Plays well with…
Those who want a quick, tasty, and nutritious lunch, dinner, or snack — for themselves or their kiddos. The noodles cook in under 15 minutes.
Mac and cheese lovers who want a bit of variation in flavor. Cheddar is tried-and-true, but we love that there’s a cacio e pepe and vegan option.
Those who want to up their protein and nutrient intake. A 1-cup serving has 21 nutrients from organic plants.
Gets extra credit for…
The subscription option. You’ll receive 15% off and can pause or cancel at any time.
Goodles is the first boxed mac and cheese to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award. Aka it’s been tested for over 400 contaminants, and only products that meet the highest standard are certified.
The boxes are bright and cheerful. We loved having them in our kitchen cabinet and can clearly see how they’d be eye-catching on a grocery store shelf.
How we did our homework…
Three editors taste-tested Goodles over the course of several weeks. They tried all flavors in the variety pack, made the noodles with only the provided cheese packets, and also ate them with the added ingredient of butter (it is recommended but not necessary). They were mindful of how full they felt after eating them, paying special attention to how long they could go before feeling hungry again. They discussed flavor, texture, ease of preparation, and how the noodles tasted as leftovers.
Footnotes…
15% off your first order with email sign-up
Each flavor is nut-free
Shelf life is 12 months from the date of production
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.