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It’s only been a few weeks since Kraft thrilled gamers everywhere by announcing its new Super Mario Power-Up Shapes variety. And just earlier this year, Kraft Singles debuted three new flavors. Now, the iconic blue-boxed brand is at it again, with another big announcement: the unveiling of two new mac & cheese flavors.
The two new flavors were created with Gen Z in mind, according to a press release from the brand. Kraft says members of the generation, those born between 1997 and 2012, are fans of classic comfort foods but are looking for more “intense and exploratory” flavors from the brands they grew up trusting.
Kraft’s 2 New Mac & Cheese Flavors Are Jalapeño and Ranch
Allrecipes/Kraft
Kraft went big with their two new flavors of mac & cheese: Jalapeño and Ranch. Kraft Mac & Cheese Ranch brings the creamy tang of ranch dressing to blue box fans, while Kraft Mac & Cheese Jalapeño adds a spicy, peppery flair to the original variety. Both sell for $1.99 at major grocery retailers and are on store shelves now.
In the press release, Kraft says its research and development team tested nearly 30 new flavors before settling on ranch and jalapeño. The reason for choosing these flavorful new additions? The amount of “mac hacks” they saw being shared by Gen Z on social media that incorporated adding ranch or spicy seasoning to boxed macaroni and cheese.
Kraft also held their Fan Flavorites sweepstakes a few months ago, where the brand invited macaroni and cheese lovers to suggest their own flavor ideas. Among the top contenders from fan entries were jalapeño and ranch, each suggested thousands of times.
While some Gen Zers are adding things like frozen vegetables to their boxed mac, others are desperately seeking spice. Kraft cites an April 2024 In-Sight research study about the top Gen Z food preferences, which found that more and more young consumers are looking for spicy varieties of their favorite foods, something Kraft was happy to oblige with its two newest flavor offerings.