LITTLE ROCK — WHAT: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Veggie Pasta
STATS: Varies by flavor. The original contains 260 calories and 4 fat, 47 carbohydrate, 3 fiber and 10 protein grams (there’s also a three-cheese version).
THE SKINNY: Enriched Cauliflower Pasta Product & Cheese just doesn’t have a ring to it.
So Kraft calls its new produce-enhanced noodle-and-cheese-powder product - aimed at moms who want to sneak plant life onto their kids’ plates - Veggie Pasta.
Is it delicious? Or merely cruciferous?
We didn’t notice cauliflower’s flavor, as much as its fragrance, particularly during cooking. The prepared result tasted pretty close to regular mac-and-cheese.
What’s also similar to regular mac-and-cheese: the calories and fat. While it contains more fiber, Veggie Pasta offers no dietary savings. Stirring in skim milk and light butter instead of full-fat varieties will keep down calories - as will limiting portion size.
Slim Pickings is a weekly review of light foods. E-mail:
Food, Pages 38 on 11/28/2012