Calories in Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese has about 446 calories per 1 cup (200 g), or 223 kcal per 100 g. That serving gives you 17.4 g protein, 46.2 g carbs and 21 g fat.
Nutrition facts
Lab-analysed values from USDA FoodData Central (Macaroni or noodles with cheese). Source: USDA FDC #2708811
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | 1 cup (200 g) | 1 side (½ cup) (100 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 223 kcal | 446 kcal | 223 kcal |
| Protein | 8.7 g | 17.4 g | 8.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23.1 g | 46.2 g | 23.1 g |
| Fat | 10.5 g | 21 g | 10.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g | 2.4 g | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 2.4 g | 4.8 g | 2.4 g |
| Sodium | 358 mg | 716 mg | 358 mg |
About Mac and Cheese
Elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar sauce, whether from a box or baked at home. A one-cup serving is about 446 kcal with 17.4 g protein; restaurant baked versions with a breadcrumb crust run higher.
Tip: Stir in steamed broccoli or peas to stretch a serving — you get a bigger bowl for the same calories.
Burn off 446 kcal
Rough estimates for a 155 lb (70 kg) adult.
- Brisk walking99 min
- Running41 min
- Cycling56 min
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Portion sizes are where calorie counts go wrong. Take a photo of your mac and cheese and FoodMate AI estimates the portion and logs calories, protein, carbs and fat in seconds. Free to download.
Common questions
How many calories are in mac and cheese?+
About 446 kcal per 1 cup (200 g), or 223 kcal per 100 g.
How many calories in 1 side (½ cup) of mac and cheese?+
1 side (½ cup) (100 g) is roughly 223 kcal with 8.7 g protein, 23.1 g carbs and 10.5 g fat.
Is mac and cheese high in protein?+
It has a fair amount — 1 cup gives about 17.4 g protein (16% of its calories). Add a lean protein on the side if you're trying to hit a daily protein target.
Is mac and cheese good for weight loss?+
Mac and cheese is moderate in calories (223 kcal per 100 g). It can fit a weight-loss diet in a normal portion — the key is keeping the serving to around 200 g and watching what you eat alongside it.
Related foods
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce712 kcal per 1 restaurant plate
- Pepperoni Pizza313 kcal per 1 slice (14-inch pizza)
- Chicken Alfredo927 kcal per 1 restaurant plate
- Bagel (plain)277 kcal per 1 medium bagel
- Bagel with Cream Cheese382 kcal per 1 bagel with 2 tbsp cream cheese
- Pancakes321 kcal per 3 pancakes (4-inch)
Values are averages for general information only and are not medical or dietary advice. Actual calories depend on the recipe, cooking oil and portion size. Browse all foods in our food calorie database.