Cheddar Elbows vs. Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells: Which Mac Is Right for You?

Quick Answer

If you crave that nostalgic, classic mac and cheese experience, go with Cheddar Elbows. If you prefer a plant-based option with a richer, cheese-holding shell shape, Deluxe Shells are your best bet. Both are gluten-free and protein-packed, so your choice comes down to texture and dietary preference.

Mac and cheese is comfort food royalty, but choosing between classic elbows and fancy shells can be tricky. When you add dietary needs like gluten-free or plant-based, the decision gets even more important. We're here to help you pick the right box for your next cozy dinner.

Both Cheddar Elbows and Deluxe Shells come from the same gluten-free chickpea pasta family, but they're designed for different cravings. Let's break down what sets them apart so you can make the best choice for your taste buds and lifestyle.

Texture and Shape: Elbows vs. Shells

The shape of your pasta changes more than just looks. Elbows are small, curved tubes that cook evenly and feel familiar. They're perfect for scooping up just the right amount of cheese sauce and are a hit with kids and adults alike. Cheddar Elbows bring that classic mac experience straight to your bowl.

Shells, on the other hand, are larger and cup-shaped, designed to hold maximum cheese in every bite. Deluxe Shells are little 'dreamboats of flavor' that give you a richer, more indulgent mouthfeel. If you love getting a big burst of sauce in every spoonful, shells are the way to go.

• Elbows: classic shape, even cooking, familiar bite
• Shells: cup shape holds more cheese, richer mouthfeel

Nutritional Profile: Protein and Fiber

Both mac options are made from chickpeas, so they're naturally high in protein and fiber. This makes them a more filling choice than traditional wheat-based mac and cheese. You get the comfort food you love with a nutritional boost that keeps you satisfied longer.

Deluxe Shells pack a solid 12g of protein per serving, which is great for anyone looking to add more protein to their meals. While exact numbers for Cheddar Elbows aren't listed here, both are described as 'packed with protein' and 'filled with fiber,' so you're getting a nutritious upgrade either way.

• Deluxe Shells: 12g protein per serving
• Both are gluten-free and made from chickpeas

Flavor and Cheese Sauce: Classic vs. Plant-Based

Cheddar Elbows feature a yellow cheddar cheese sauce that's a nostalgic nod to childhood mac and cheese. It's creamy, savory, and familiar. This option is ideal if you're looking for that classic, cheesy flavor without any dietary compromises.

Deluxe Shells are described as 'luxurious' and 'designed to house maximum cheese.' While they're not labeled as vegan, they offer a plant-based alternative that still delivers on rich, cheesy taste. If you're exploring plant-based options or just want a more decadent mac, these shells are worth trying.

• Cheddar Elbows: classic yellow cheddar flavor
• Deluxe Shells: rich, luxurious cheese experience

Trade-Offs to Consider

• Classic Flavor vs. Plant-Based: Cheddar Elbows deliver the traditional yellow cheddar taste you grew up with. Deluxe Shells offer a plant-based alternative that still feels indulgent. Choose based on your dietary needs and flavor preference.
• Shape and Texture: Elbows are small and familiar, while shells are larger and hold more sauce. Your choice affects how much cheese you get in each bite. If you love a saucy bite, go with shells; if you prefer a classic forkful, elbows win.
• Protein Content: Deluxe Shells are clearly labeled with 12g protein per serving. Cheddar Elbows are also protein-packed, but exact numbers aren't specified here. If you're tracking protein precisely, Deluxe Shells give you a clear number.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Cheddar Elbows: Chickpea mac n’ cheese that’ll make your whole dinner table go quiet, except for the clinking of spoons and occasional deep sigh of satisfaction. This one is the OG classic: elbows and yellow cheddar cheese. If you want the familiar, comforting taste of classic mac and cheese, this is your pick. The elbow shape is perfect for kids and anyone who loves a traditional bite.
• Deluxe Shells: Little dreamboats of flavor made from chickpeas and designed to house maximum amounts of precious, savory cheese. And with 12g protein per serving, you’ll be crushing those mac cravings on the daily. The shell shape holds more cheese in every bite, giving you a richer experience. Plus, the 12g of protein makes it a more filling meal option.

Which Mac Fits You Best?

Best for

• Families with kids who love classic mac and cheese
• Anyone craving a nostalgic, familiar cheesy flavor

Not for

• Those who prefer a plant-based option with a richer, cheese-holding shell shape
• People who want a clearly stated protein count per serving

Both Cheddar Elbows and Deluxe Shells bring the comfort of mac and cheese to your table with a gluten-free, protein-packed twist. Your final choice comes down to whether you value classic nostalgia or a more indulgent, plant-based experience. Whichever you pick, you're getting a delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy.