Whole Foods Launches Vegan Kraft-Style Healthy Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Whole Foods Market is now selling healthy vegan mac ‘n’ cheese.

The supermarket chain has added Ark Foods’ dairy-free Cauli Mac and Cheese to its store shelves. The product features fresh cauliflower florets with cashew-based cheddar. Ark Foods describes the dish has “impossibly rich and creamy, with a hint of smokiness.”

The microwaveable meal, which is available in flavors Classic Cheddar and Jalapeño Cheddar, offers seven grams of protein.

The veg-forward company also sells Veggie Spaghetti made with fresh rutabaga noodles with homestyle marinara or kale pesto. Ark Foods also sells shishito, red fresno, jalapeño, and poblano peppers by the box, because sometimes you just need a big ol’ box of spicy veg.

“Ark Foods sells amazing veggie products. Plain and simple. Why? We love vegetables. They are awesome,” the company writes on its website. “Did you know that there are over 3,000 different varieties of potatoes in Peru? Why do we always eat the same ones? Fresh veggies are natural, versatile, adventurous, and delicious. Oh yeah, and they’re also good for you.” 

The company’s vision is good news for those trying to eat more plant-based foods. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 90 percent of American adults don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. Similarly, in the UK, 80 percent of kids aren’t eating enough vegetables, a statistic that inspired frozen food brand Birds Eye to launch a range of vegan food products. The line includes plant-based meatballs, sausages, and burgers. Birds Eye also recently launched vegan rainbow waffles made colorful with real vegetables like peas and beetroot.

Vegan Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Whole Foods loves vegan mac ‘n’ cheese. The company, which was founded by vegan entrepreneur John Mackey, recently began stocking Vegan Mac, a dairy-free mac ‘n’ cheese line that is packed with protein and comes in three flavors: Southwest, Classic Cheddar, and White Cheddar.

Last year, Whole Foods introduced vegan mac ‘n’ cheese at hot bars in 55 locations in the Pacific Southwest region. The company just added the plant-powered option to hot bars in 44 stores in the Northern California region.

The public’s love for cheesy, veggie goodness goes beyond Whole Foods. Starbucks and Frankie & Benny’s launched their own vegan mac ‘n’ cheese and Daiya’s version of the dish is now available in Sainsbury’s.