Let's Raise A Cup... Part 2

I sure was surprised to see how many different kinds of these microwaveable cup mac n' cheese options there are.  At my local Safeway I had 5 Kraft/Velveeta meal varieties before I got into special noodle shapes like Sponge Bob, which added another two or three options (I thankfully passed on)!  I guess that shows how quick & easy meals like these are seen by parents as acceptable meal/snack options for the kids in the house.  As I said in a reply to a comment about yesterdays blog, these cups really don't serve as anything but a good emergency meal/snack for someone over the age of 12.  These should never be a primary mac n' cheese meal if you've got the means to cook something on a stove or some form of heating element.  Get that pot dirty, and just make one of the many kinds out there.  These cups just aren't meant to be a dinner.


The Review

Brand:
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese 'Triple Cheese'

Cost:
$1.29 at Safeway

Packaging Description:
None

Preparation:
Just like the Velveeta cup, the directions are exactly the same.  Really the only difference is our cheese mix is a powder and not a (cheesy) liquid.
*You first take off the top and remove the cheese pouch.  You'll notice some powder on the pouch and pasta, leave it there as it's some kind of agent that helps in the cooking of the pasta.

You'll need to take this to the tap and fill it up with water to a visible line on the inside of the cup.  The directions say not to go over the top of the line and I strongly concur.  Excess water post cooking is used to blend the cheese mix, but if there is too much you'll end up watering it down which just isn't good eatin'. 
*Once you've got the water in it, take your fork and mix things up a little. 
*Toss it in the microwave and set it for 3:30.  Make sure to leave it uncovered.
*After your mac is cooked, you'll notice some left over water. Leave it there.  It's needed!

*Rip open the pouch and dump the contents into the bowl.

*Mix the powder with fork until all clumps are gone and then let it sit for a minute or two.  The extra set time helps firm up the cheese sauce.

*Commence with the nomming!

Taste:
As mentioned before you could have slightly al dente pasta if your microwave is older model when following the preparation directions. 
The pasta was cooked perfectly, it just fell flat in the taste department.  It wasn't watery, but it really wasn't very cheesy either.  I had some right after giving it the 1~2 minutes to set, ate some about five minutes after that, and then finished it off another five or ten minutes after that.  There were fleeting moments of cheese, but it never truly manifested and to be honest the 'Three Cheese' didn't taste any different than the usual stove top Kraft mac n' cheese other than it wasn't as cheesy tasting. 
Final Score:
Another quick, no mess mac n' cheese.  I did feel a little fuller after eating this cup (though serving size of pasta I'm sure is the same as the Velveeta I wasn't as 'full' with) but I was left noticing a huge lack of cheesy flavor with this mac.  What makes this even sadder is that this 'Three Cheese' flavor wasn't any cheesier (it was less) and tasted no different than it's standard brethren.  Orangey-yellow mac with little flavor is not great noms.  Desert island, late night stuck at work edible yes, just not good for much else.

Nutritional Facts:

Serving Size 1 Package 58g
Calories  220   Calories From Fat  40

Total Fat 4.5g  (7% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 2.5g  (13% DV)
Trans Fat 0g  (0% DV)
Cholesterol 5mg  (2% DV)
Sodium 460mg  (19% DV)
Total Carbohydrates 39g  (13% DV)
Dietary Fiber <1g  (4% DV)
Sugars 5g
Protein 7g