So, let’s be real for a second. We’ve all seen those weird, hyper-realistic food gummies at the checkout counter. Usually, it’s a tiny burger or a slice of pizza that tastes like generic strawberry. But when Gummy Mac and Cheese started appearing on shelves, people actually lost it. It felt like a fever dream. Kraft—the literal kings of the blue box—partnered with Frankford Candy to turn a savory, cheesy staple into a fruity candy.
You’d expect it to taste like cheddar. It doesn't.
Actually, the whole experience of eating Gummy Mac and Cheese is a masterclass in cognitive dissonance. Your brain sees the iconic ridges of a macaroni noodle. It sees that specific, neon-orange hue that usually signals a salt bomb. Then, you bite down, and it’s tropical pineapple. It’s a total trip. This isn't just another cheap candy; it’s a specific cultural moment where nostalgia and "stunt food" collide.
The Weird History of the Kraft Gummy Mac and Cheese Partnership
Frankford Candy has been doing this for a long time. They’re the same folks behind the gummy Oscar Mayer hot dogs and the gummy Lunchables. But the Gummy Mac and Cheese release felt different because Kraft is so protective of their brand identity. This wasn't a knock-off. This was an official licensed product.
When it first launched, social media went into a tailspin. TikTok was flooded with creators doing "blind taste tests" hoping for a savory disaster. They didn't get one. Instead of a cheese-flavored nightmare, they found a surprisingly high-quality gummy. Frankford uses a specific molding process that gives the "noodles" a texture that isn't too tough but has enough resistance to feel like al dente pasta. Sorta.
The box is the kicker. It’s a miniature version of the actual Kraft Blue Box. It even has the "Original Flavor" text on the front, which is arguably a lie since the flavor is definitely fruit. Honestly, the packaging is probably 50% of the reason people buy it. It’s a collector's item for people who grew up on the boxed stuff.
What Does Gummy Mac and Cheese Actually Taste Like?
If you’re looking for a savory snack, stop right now. You will be disappointed.
💡 You might also like: Wire brush for cleaning: What most people get wrong about choosing the right bristles
The primary flavor profile of Gummy Mac and Cheese is tropical. Specifically, it’s a very bright, slightly acidic pineapple flavor. Some people claim they get hints of tangerine or orange, but the consensus among candy reviewers—including the folks over at Sporked—is that it’s overwhelmingly pineapple.
It’s sweet. Very sweet.
There is zero dairy involved. No cheese powder. No salt. It’s basically corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and citric acid. The "cheese" color comes from Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, just like the real thing used to. It’s funny because Kraft spent years trying to remove artificial dyes from their actual pasta, only to lean right back into them for the candy version.
Why the Texture Matters
Texture is where these things win or lose. Cheap gummies are often waxy or they shatter when you bite them. The Kraft version is squishy. It’s got that bounce. If you’ve ever had a gummy bear from a high-end brand like Haribo, it’s closer to that than a generic gas station candy.
The shape is impressive too. They aren't just flat blobs. They are curved, hollowed-out tubes that look exactly like the macaroni you’d find in a bowl of the real stuff. You could honestly drop a few of these into a bowl of real mac and cheese and someone might not notice until they took a bite. Please don't do that. That’s a war crime.
The "Stunt Food" Economy and Why We Buy This Stuff
We live in an era of "viral foods." From the Pink Sauce to Flamin' Hot everything, brands know that if they make something weird enough, we’ll buy it just to see if it’s actually bad. Gummy Mac and Cheese fits perfectly into this niche.
📖 Related: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
It’s about the "shareability" factor. Nobody buys a box of gummy noodles because they’re craving fruit-flavored pasta for dinner. They buy it to post a photo on Instagram or to prank a sibling. It’s "entertainment food."
- Nostalgia: It taps into our childhood.
- Novelty: It’s a conversation starter.
- Low Stakes: It’s usually under five bucks. Why not try it?
The business model here is brilliant. Frankford doesn't need you to buy this every week. They just need you to buy it once. By the time you realize it's just a pineapple gummy, they’ve already won. And honestly, it’s a good gummy! It’s not like those "BeanBoozled" jelly beans that actually taste like dirty dishwater or barf. It’s a pleasant candy disguised as a polarizing meal.
Where to Find Gummy Mac and Cheese Right Now
Tracking this stuff down can be hit or miss. It’s not usually in the "candy aisle" with the Snickers bars. You have to look in the seasonal sections or the "novelty" bins.
- Walmart: This is the most consistent spot. They usually have a whole section of Frankford's "food-shaped" candies near the toys or the seasonal holiday aisles.
- Five Below: The holy grail of weird snacks. They almost always have the mini Kraft boxes.
- Amazon: You can buy them in bulk here, but be careful with the pricing. Sometimes resellers try to charge $15 for a box that costs $2 at Target.
- Walgreens/CVS: Check the ends of the aisles.
The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Five Dollars?
If you like pineapple gummies and you want a funny box to keep on your desk, yes. It’s a fun gimmick. It’s also a great "white elephant" gift or a stocking stuffer for a college student who basically lives on the real version.
However, don't go in expecting a culinary revolution. It’s candy. It’s sugary, slightly rubbery, and very orange. It won't change your life, but it will give you a weird story to tell next time someone asks what the strangest thing you've eaten recently is.
Actually, the best way to enjoy Gummy Mac and Cheese is to lean into the absurdity. Serve it in a tiny bowl. Give someone a tiny fork. Watch their brain struggle to process the fact that their eyes are seeing cheese but their tongue is tasting a luau.
👉 See also: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
Actionable Steps for the Gummy Curious
If you're going to dive into the world of savory-looking sweets, do it right. Here is how to handle your first box of gummy noodles:
Check the "Best By" Date
Gummies can get hard as a rock if they sit on a shelf for too long. Since these are often sold in discount stores like Five Below, they might have been sitting there since last Christmas. Squeeze the box. If it feels like a brick, put it back. You want that squish.
Temperature Control
Don't leave these in a hot car. Because of the specific gelatin blend used to hold the "noodle" shape, they melt into a giant orange blob faster than a standard gummy bear. On the flip side, putting them in the fridge for ten minutes gives them a really satisfying "snap" when you bite into them.
Mix Your Genres
If you really want to mess with people, get the whole set. Frankford makes a "Gummy Brunch" kit and a "Gummy Pizza." You can basically lay out an entire buffet of food that looks like dinner but tastes like a sugar crash. It's the ultimate low-budget prank for a party.
Repurpose the Box
The box is honestly the best part. Once you eat the candy (which won't take long, there aren't that many noodles in there), keep the box. It’s the perfect size for holding paperclips, or you can use it as a prop for a dollhouse if you're into that sort of thing. It’s a piece of pop culture kitsch that costs less than a latte.