How many calories in Mac and cheese?
Mac and cheese, 1 cup (230 g): about 513 calories, with 20 g protein, 53 g carbs and 24 g fat. Across common recipes it usually ranges from 150 to 225 kcal per 100 g, depending on how it's made.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | 1 cup (230 g) | 1/2 cup (115 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 223 kcal | 513 kcal | 256 kcal |
| Protein | 8.7 g | 20 g | 10 g |
| Carbs | 23.1 g | 53 g | 27 g |
| Fat | 10.5 g | 24 g | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g | 3 g | 1 g |
What makes Mac and cheese higher or lower in calories?
Preparation changes the answer a lot: homemade baked mac and cheese is about 223 kcal per 100 g, restaurant about 151, boxed mix 164 to 190 and canned about 82. Butter, cream and the amount of cheese decide the rest.
Tips for a lighter portion
- One 230 g cup is about 513 kcal for the homemade version vs about 347 kcal for the restaurant one: preparation changes the answer more than portion size.
- A version with tomato added is 148 kcal per 100 g vs 223: tomato or vegetable add-ins make it lighter per bite.
How long to burn off 1 cup?
126min · Walking
45min · Running
65min · CyclingFor a 70 kg (154 lb) person, from the Compendium of Physical Activities (2024).
Find out how many calories you need →
Numbers come from the Tabaq food database and are checked against published food-composition tables. They are estimates: every kitchen is different. How we calculate · General information only, not a substitute for advice from your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central: Macaroni or noodles with cheese (FNDDS 2708811)
- USDA FoodData Central: Macaroni or noodles with cheese, from restaurant (FNDDS 2708812)
- USDA FoodData Central: Macaroni or noodles with cheese, made from packaged mix (FNDDS 2708813)
- USDA FoodData Central: Macaroni or noodles with cheese, canned (FNDDS 2708814)
