Annie's Homegrown Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Mac and Cheese, 6 oz 12-Pack — Organic, Real Wisconsin Cheddar

Annie's Shells and Real Aged Cheddar is an organic pasta-and-cheese meal kit that combines tender shells with real aged Wisconsin cheddar for a quick, family-friendly dish ready in about 10 minutes.

This shelf-stable 6 oz pack from Annie's Homegrown uses organic pasta and real cheese, naturally colored with annatto, to deliver a familiar creamy taste without artificial colorants. Each box makes roughly two and a half servings, so a 12-pack is a convenient pantry staple for families, busy households, or anyone who wants a fast, wholesome comfort meal. Annie's emphasizes responsible sourcing and simple ingredients, reflecting its long history of bringing organic macaroni and cheese to U.S. kitchens.

How do I prepare Annie's Shells and Real Aged Cheddar quickly?

Preparing this mac and cheese is designed to be fast and straightforward—perfect for weeknights. You boil the shells, drain, then stir in the cheese sauce mix with milk and butter (or preferred substitutes) until smooth and creamy.

• Boil shells per package instructions (~7–8 minutes) until tender but firm.
• Drain and return pasta to pot; add cheese mix, milk, and butter and stir until combined.
• Adjust creaminess with extra milk or butter; serve hot in under 10 minutes total.

What makes this mac and cheese different from other boxed varieties?

Annie's focuses on organic pasta and real cheese rather than powdered cheese colors and artificial ingredients. The aged Wisconsin cheddar provides a richer, more authentic flavor, and the product uses annatto for natural orange color instead of synthetic dyes.

• Organic wheat pasta for a cleaner ingredient list.
• Real aged Wisconsin cheddar delivers real-cheese taste and texture.
• Annatto provides natural color; no artificial dyes.

How can I use Annie's shells in meals beyond a simple side dish?

The versatility of shells and cheese makes them an easy base for many meals and snacks. Mix-ins and toppings can turn a single-serving box into a heartier main dish or a shareable side for family plates.

• Add cooked vegetables (broccoli, peas, or roasted tomatoes) for extra nutrition and color.
• Stir in proteins like shredded chicken, canned tuna, or browned ground turkey for a fuller meal.
• Top with breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of extra cheddar and broil briefly for a golden crust.

How long does a 6 oz box last and how should I store it?

Unopened boxes are shelf-stable—store them in a cool, dry pantry away from direct heat. Once prepared, refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and consume within 3–4 days for best texture and flavor.

• Pantry storage: store unopened at room temperature, away from moisture.
• Prepared leftovers: refrigerate in airtight container; use within 3–4 days.
• 12-pack is useful for stocking up or meal prepping for busy weeks.

Who is this for? Annie's Shells and Real Aged Cheddar is suited to parents seeking a familiar, kid-approved meal made with cleaner ingredients, busy adults who want a fast but flavorful comfort food, and anyone who prefers real cheese and organic pasta over highly processed alternatives. The 12-pack format fits households that like to keep quick, wholesome options on hand for lunches, dinners, or portable snacks.

Ingredients

Organic Pasta (organic wheat flour), Dried Cheddar Cheese (cultured pasteurized milk, salt, non-animal enzymes), Whey, Salt, Corn Starch, Sodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide (for anticaking), Lactic Acid, Annatto Extract (for color).