Best Vegan Mac and Cheese: 8 Creamy and Comforting Dishes

Mac and cheese reigns as a top comfort food loved by many. Here is why it is a classic favorite: it is simple to make. Picture a dish that is golden and crispy on the outside, yet inside it is a creamy delight packed with cheesy goodness.

The charm of mac and cheese lies in its perfect balance of textures. The outer layer crackles with a satisfying crunch, inviting you into the soft, velvety pasta underneath. Each bite is rich as the cheese melts, ensuring every mouthful is hearty and fulfilling.

Sure, mac and cheese is the kind of dish that not only fills your stomach but also soothes the soul. But the question is: can vegans also enjoy it?

Fortunately, the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ Nowadays, there are many plant-based alternatives that make this dish accessible to those following a vegan diet. Most of them boast amazing recipes, making them ideal as a snack or meal.

Likewise, creative vegan versions of mac and cheese replace dairy with ingredients like nutritional yeast, cashews, butternut squash, and plant-based milks. These substitutes mimic the creamy texture and savory flavor that regular cheese provides. Some recipes utilize various kinds of vegan cheese products available in stores for added convenience and taste resemblance.

To make things even better, there are plenty of boxed vegan mac and cheese that you can easily buy from online retailers and local grocery chains. This means that the joy of digging into a warm, creamy bowl of mac and cheese is more convenient for vegans than ever before.

If you are craving for mac and cheese but want to explore a vegan twist on this classic comfort food, you are in the right place. In this guide, we outlined five of the best vegan mac and cheese dishes from some of the best vegan brands. Each product is a boxed wonder, promising a tasty treat that mirrors those vegan mac and cheese recipes made from scratch.

Daiya Deluxe Cheddar Style Cheezy Mac

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Daiya Deluxe Cheddar Style Cheezy Mac, the ultimate choice for lovers of classic mac and cheese. This dairy-free delight boasts a velvety texture that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. With a delectable blend of vegan cheddar cheese sauce, it is a flavorful dish that is perfect for those following a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle.

This convenient boxed mac and cheese offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the comforting taste of conventional stovetop mac and cheese without compromising your dietary preferences.

Best Suited for:

Fans of classic cheddar flavor who are seeking a dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free option.

Pros:

·         Wonderful mac and cheese recipe that you’ll surely love as it is creamy and satisfying.

·         Great for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

·         Quick and convenient to prepare.

Cons:

·         The texture may vary slightly from traditional mac and cheese.

·         Some may find the flavor less intense compared to dairy-based mac and cheese since it uses plant-based dairy alternatives

Annie’s Homegrown Vegan Elbows & Creamy Sauce

Annie’s Homegrown Vegan Elbows & Creamy Sauce is absolutely the best vegan choice for families and kids who adore the timeless appeal of mac n cheese. Crafted with organic ingredients, including rice pasta, pumpkin powder, sweet potato powder, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, this delightful macaroni and creamy sauce combination is both nutritious and kid-friendly. 

Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, it provides a comforting meal that you can feel good about serving to kids and even non vegan adults. While its flavor may be milder compared to other options, its wholesome ingredients make it a reliable choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Best suited for: 

Families and kids looking for an organic, kid-friendly mac n’ cheese option will love this recipe.

Pros:

·         Delicious vegan mac made with organic ingredients.

·         Creamy and suitable for kids.

·         Free from artificial additives.

Cons:

·         Flavor may not be as rich as some delicious vegan alternatives.

·         Some may find the pasta texture slightly softer than regular mac and cheese.

Upton’s Naturals Ch’eesy Mac

Upton’s Naturals Ch’eesy Mac offers a unique and savory twist on traditional mac and cheese, making it the perfect choice for adventurous eaters. Crafted with real vegan ingredients and featuring the delightful addition of roasted red pepper, this mac and cheese variety is both authentic and flavorful.

If you are seeking a mac and cheese experience that breaks away from the norm, this option is a wonderful choice that may make it your next favorite vegan dish. However, please note that its distinct flavor may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Best suited for:

Those who enjoy innovative mac and cheese flavors and appreciate the use of real ingredients.

Pros:

·         Made with real ingredients.

·         Contains whole foods like roasted red pepper.

·        For a boxed vegan macaroni and cheese, this offers an authentic and unique flavor.

Cons:

·         Flavor may not appeal to everyone’s taste.

·         Some individuals may find that the roasted red pepper flavor is overpowering making the cheese sauce less noticeable.

Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze

Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze caters to the gluten-sensitive and rice-loving individuals seeking a tasty vegan mac and cheese alternative. This dairy-free delight uses an easy recipe that combines organic rice pasta with a velvety vegan cheese sauce, providing a comforting and satisfying meal. 

While it may not have the traditional wheat-based macaroni, it offers a unique twist for those with gluten restrictions. The creamy texture and rich flavor make this vegan and gluten-free mac and cheese a delightful choice for a quick and easy meal.

Best suited for:

Individuals who prefer rice-based alternatives and those who want to try vegan mac and cheese without worrying about their gluten-sensitivities.

Pros:

·         Gluten-free and rice-based.

·         Creamy and satisfying.

·         Organic ingredients.

Cons:

·         The texture of rice pasta may differ from traditional macaroni.

·         Availability may vary in some regions.

·         Mild flavor may not appeal to those seeking a stronger cheese taste.

Daiya Deluxe Alfredo Style Cheezy Mac

For those who crave a departure from the classic cheddar, Daiya Deluxe Alfredo Style Cheezy Mac offers a creamy and indulgent twist. This vegan mac and cheese option features a luscious Alfredo-style sauce, providing a sophisticated and savory flavor profile. Ideal for those who appreciate variety and a departure from traditional flavors, this boxed mac and cheese adds a touch of elegance to your meal. It also pairs well with grilled vegan cheese sandwiches. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer the classic cheddar taste.

Best suited for:

Seasoned and new vegans looking for a creamy and sophisticated Alfredo-style vegan mac and cheese.

Pros:

·         Creamy and indulgent.

·         Alfredo-style sauce for a unique flavor.

·         Suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

Cons:

·         May not appeal to those who prefer the classic cheddar taste.

·         Availability may vary in some regions.

·         Slightly higher in fat content compared to other options.

Goodles Vegan is Believin’ Mac & Cheese

Goodles Vegan is Believin’ Mac & Cheese is a must-try for mac and cheese enthusiasts looking for a mouthwatering vegan option. This delightful dairy free mac and cheese features a velvety, cheesy sauce that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. 

Crafted with high-quality ingredients, like wheat flour, chickpea, and vegan white cheddar derived from dried cashew milk, it offers a rich and indulgent experience. While this is a vegan and dairy-free mac and cheese, it does not skimp on flavor or creaminess, making it a top choice for those seeking the ultimate vegan mac and cheese taste that can rival the homemade vegan ones.

Best suited for:

Anyone craving a rich and cheesy vegan mac and cheese experience.

Pros:

·         Creamy and indulgent.

·         Suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

·         Offers an exceptional cheesy flavor.

Cons:

·         Availability may vary by region.

·         Some individuals may find it slightly more expensive than other options.

 

Pasatabilities Vegan Ruffles Mac and Cheese

Pasatabilities Vegan Ruffles Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese, perfect for those who enjoy a unique presentation.

This vegan mac and cheese combines the creaminess of macaroni and cheese with the delightful crunch of ruffled potato chips. It offers a satisfying textural contrast that adds excitement to your mac and cheese experience. While it is a creative take on the classic, some individuals may find the potato chips a departure from traditional mac and cheese. Still, its recipe isn’t complex but packs a lot of punch in terms of flavor.

Best suited for:

Adventurous eaters looking for a fun and crunchy twist on mac and cheese.

Pros:

·         Unique and playful presentation.

·         Creamy and flavorful.

·         A creative take on the classic.

Cons:

·         Availability may be limited in certain regions.

·         Some may find the potato chips alter the traditional mac and cheese texture.

GrownAs Vegan Mac & Cheese

GrownAs Vegan Mac & Cheese is a delectable choice for those seeking a satisfying and cruelty-free macaroni and cheese experience. This vegan mac and cheese boasts a luscious, creamy sauce that mirrors the comfort of traditional mac and cheese while respecting your dietary choices.

Crafted with plant-based ingredients, this 100% vegan mac and cheese provides a guilt-free and flavorful option for vegans and those with dairy sensitivities. While this easy vegan mac and cheese dish works well with any plant-based milk, it tastes even more delicious with oat milk. 

Best suited for:

Vegans and individuals with dairy sensitivities seeking a creamy and satisfying mac and cheese alternative.

Pros:

·         Creamy and indulgent.

·         Suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

·         Offers a classic mac and cheese flavor.

Cons:

·         Availability may vary in certain regions.

·         Some may prefer a more pronounced cheesy taste.

Conclusion

Vegan mac and cheese is not only a healthier and cruelty-free choice but also a delightful comfort food that can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.

If you are craving a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness but are pressed for time to whip up a vegan mac and cheese recipe from scratch, you can always opt for a convenient pre-packaged product that is as good the homemade ones. 

The best vegan mac and cheese dishes we recommend above cater to every taste and preference. From convenient and quick solutions to innovative twists and nutritional enhancements, these products showcase the versatility and deliciousness of vegan comfort food.

Embrace the convenience, savor the flavors, and let these best mac and cheese vegan products transform your mealtime into a deliciously simple and inclusive feast.