Brown Rice Mac and Cheese Buying Guide
By Chickpea Pasta - High Protein, High Fiber, Gluten Free Pasta | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for when buying brown rice mac and cheese, from gluten free pasta texture to vegan options. Compare cheddar shells, white cheddar elbows, and microwavable cups.
Quick answer
Focus on three factors: pasta shape (elbows vs. shells), cheese type (classic cheddar, white cheddar, or vegan), and preparation convenience (stovetop vs. microwavable). Brown rice pasta delivers a firm al dente bite without gluten, but the sauce and cook time vary between products.
Why the pasta base matters
Brown rice pasta has a distinct texture and nutritional profile. It's naturally gluten free and tends to hold its shape better than some alternative grain pastas. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy. Most brown rice mac and cheese products are designed to cook in about the same time as traditional wheat pasta, but always check the package directions.
If you're used to regular mac and cheese, the brown rice version will feel slightly different in the mouth — slightly firmer and with a mild nutty note. That's normal and actually desirable for many recipes.
Cheese flavor and dietary needs
The cheese sauce is where these products differ the most. Traditional cheddar shells and elbows use dairy cheese for a classic, creamy finish. White cheddar elbows offer a milder, tangier flavor that some find less heavy. For those avoiding dairy entirely, the vegan deluxe cheddar shells use plant-based cheese that still delivers a creamy, savory sauce without gluten or animal products.
All options are gluten free, but only the vegan version is also dairy free. Check the ingredient list if you have additional sensitivities.
Convenience trade-offs
Stovetop versions (cheddar shells, white cheddar elbows, vegan deluxe shells) require a pot and about 10 minutes of active cooking. The microwavable cheddar elbows cut that down to about 90 seconds in a microwave-safe cup. The trade-off is price — the microwavable option costs more per serving, and you lose some control over the final texture. If you're meal prepping or cooking for a family, the stovetop versions are more economical and allow you to adjust the sauce consistency.
Decision rules for choosing brown rice mac and cheese
- Pick your pasta shape: Elbows (white cheddar or microwavable) have a smaller, more uniform shape that cooks quickly and holds sauce well. Shells (classic cheddar or vegan deluxe) have larger curves that trap more cheese in each bite.
- Choose your cheese type: Classic cheddar for traditional flavor, white cheddar for a milder tang, and vegan deluxe for dairy-free needs. All are gluten free. If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, go with the vegan deluxe cheddar shells.
- Decide on preparation method: Stovetop versions take about 10 minutes and allow you to control the sauce consistency. The microwavable version is ready in 90 seconds but costs more and offers less control. For meal prep or feeding a family, stovetop is more economical. For a quick lunch at work, the microwavable cup is convenient.
Product highlights
- Brown Rice White Cheddar Elbows: Crafted for that iconic, cheesy flavor and classic pasta texture with none of the gluten. The white cheddar sauce is milder than yellow cheddar, making it a good choice if you prefer a less sharp cheese taste.
Brown Rice White Cheddar Elbows - Brown Rice Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells: Crafted for that iconic, cheesy flavor and classic pasta texture with none of the gluten. This vegan version uses plant-based cheese, so it's suitable for dairy-free diets while still delivering a creamy mac and cheese experience.
Brown Rice Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells - Brown Rice Cheddar Shells: Crafted for that iconic, cheesy flavor and classic pasta texture with none of the gluten. Classic cheddar shells offer the most familiar mac and cheese taste, ideal for those who want the traditional flavor without gluten.
- Brown Rice Microwavable Cheddar Elbows: Crafted for that iconic, cheesy flavor and classic pasta texture with none of the gluten. The microwavable cup format is the fastest option — ready in about 90 seconds — but costs more per serving than stovetop versions.
Which brown rice mac and cheese is right for you?
Best for
- Classic cheddar shells: traditional mac and cheese lovers who want a familiar taste without gluten
- White cheddar elbows: those who prefer a milder, tangier cheese sauce
- Vegan deluxe cheddar shells: dairy-free or vegan diets that still want creamy mac and cheese
- Microwavable cheddar elbows: quick lunches or office meals with no stovetop needed
Not for
- Anyone who needs a high-protein pasta (brown rice pasta is naturally lower in protein than legume-based pastas)
- Those who dislike a slightly firmer al dente texture compared to traditional wheat pasta
