If you're a fan of Macaroni & Cheese, you know how delicious it can be. But have you ever stopped to consider its nutritional value? With 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese containing 340 calories, it's important to be mindful of your portions. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional information and offer some practical tips for enjoying this classic dish in a healthier way.
In addition to its calorie content, 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese contains 17 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 1 gram of trans fat. It also has 45 milligrams of cholesterol and 810 milligrams of sodium. On the positive side, it offers 35 grams of total carbohydrate, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 5 grams of sugars, and 14 grams of protein.
When it comes to enjoying Macaroni & Cheese in a healthier way, there are a few strategies you can try. For example, you can switch to whole-grain pasta to increase your fiber intake. You can also use reduced-fat cheese or try adding some vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, to boost the nutritional value.
Servings per container
The number of servings in a container of Macaroni & Cheese depends on the brand and package size. Be sure to check the label to determine the appropriate serving size for the type you're consuming.
Amount per serving
One serving of Macaroni & Cheese, which is typically 1 cup (259 g), contains 340 calories. It also has 17 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 1 gram of trans fat. Additionally, it offers 35 grams of total carbohydrate, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 5 grams of sugars, and 14 grams of protein.
Calories from fat
Of the 340 total calories in 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese, 153 of them come from fat.
Total fat
1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese contains 17 grams of total fat.
Saturated fat
Out of the 17 grams of total fat in 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese, 8 grams of it is saturated fat.
Trans fat
One serving of Macaroni & Cheese contains 1 gram of trans fat.
Cholesterol
1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese contains 45 milligrams of cholesterol.
Sodium
One serving of Macaroni & Cheese has 810 milligrams of sodium.
Total carbohydrate
With 35 grams of total carbohydrate, 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese can be a significant source of this macronutrient.
Dietary fiber
While 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese only contains 1 gram of dietary fiber, you can increase this amount by opting for whole-grain pasta or adding vegetables to your dish.
Sugars
One serving of Macaroni & Cheese contains 5 grams of sugars.
Protein
With 14 grams of protein, 1 cup (259 g) of Macaroni & Cheese can contribute to your daily protein needs.
5 FAQs About Macaroni & Cheese calories
1. How many calories are in one cup of macaroni and cheese?
There are 340 calories in one cup (259g) of macaroni and cheese.
2. How does the calorie count change if I add extra cheese or other ingredients?
The calorie count will increase if you add extra cheese, butter, milk, or any other high-calorie ingredients to your macaroni and cheese.
3. Is macaroni and cheese a healthy food option?
While macaroni and cheese can be a delicious comfort food, it is not considered a healthy food option due to its high calorie and fat content.
4. Are there any ways to make macaroni and cheese healthier?
Yes, there are some ways to make macaroni and cheese healthier. You can use low-fat cheese, skim milk, and whole wheat pasta to reduce the calorie and fat content. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
5. How can I enjoy macaroni and cheese without consuming too many calories?
You can enjoy macaroni and cheese in moderation by measuring your portion sizes and adding healthier ingredients like vegetables. You can also have it as a side dish instead of a main dish, and pair it with a lean protein source like grilled chicken or fish.