Deluxe Elbows vs Deluxe Shells: Which Mac Shape Wins
By Chickpea Pasta - High Protein, High Fiber, Gluten Free Pasta | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare Deluxe Elbows and Deluxe Shells mac and cheese from Chickpea Pasta. Learn the trade-offs between classic elbows and cheese-hugging shells.
Quick answer
Choose Deluxe Elbows for a classic, creamy cheddar experience with extra protein and fiber. Choose Deluxe Shells if you prefer a shape that holds more cheese per bite and a slightly different cheese flavor.
Shape matters for cheese delivery
The biggest difference between these two deluxe mac options is the pasta shape. Elbows are the classic macaroni shape—curved tubes that trap some cheese but let plenty coat the outside. Shells, on the other hand, have a cupped shape that holds more cheese sauce inside each piece. If you love getting a pocket of cheese in every bite, shells will be your go-to. If you prefer a more even distribution of cheese across the pasta, elbows do that job well.
Cheese flavor profile
Deluxe Elbows come with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce—the familiar yellow cheddar that most people grew up with. Deluxe Shells use a different cheese blend that the brand describes as 'precious, savory cheese.' The shells' sauce is designed to be rich and decadent, and the shape helps it cling to every surface. If you're a cheddar purist, go with the elbows. If you're open to a more nuanced, savory cheese experience, the shells are worth trying.
Protein and fiber content
Both products are made from chickpeas, so they share the same base nutritional advantage: more protein and fiber than traditional wheat-based mac and cheese. Deluxe Shells explicitly state 12g protein per serving, while Deluxe Elbows are described as having 'more protein and fiber than your average mac.' Neither product lists exact fiber grams in the supplied facts, but both are significantly better than standard mac and cheese. The shape doesn't affect nutrition—it's purely a texture and cheese-delivery preference.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Deluxe Elbows: Classic elbow macaroni shape with creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Familiar, nostalgic mac experience with a protein and fiber upgrade.
- Deluxe Shells: Cupped shell shape that holds more cheese per piece. Savory, rich cheese blend. 12g protein per serving. Slightly lower price point.
- The trade-off: Elbows give you even cheese coating and a classic cheddar flavor. Shells give you cheese pockets in every bite and a more savory cheese sauce. Neither is objectively better—it's about what you crave. If you can't decide, try both. They're different enough to justify having a box of each in your pantry.
Product facts
- Deluxe Elbows: Deluxe Elbows: creamy cheddar taste, more protein and fiber than average mac. Made from chickpeas. Priced at USD 29.19 (compare at USD 39.99). If you want a classic cheddar mac with a familiar elbow shape and a protein/fiber boost, this is the straightforward choice.
Deluxe Elbows - Deluxe Shells: Deluxe Shells: 12g protein per serving, shell shape designed to hold maximum cheese. Made from chickpeas. Priced at USD 26.39 (compare at USD 39.99). The shell shape gives you more cheese per bite, and the savory cheese blend offers a different flavor experience from traditional cheddar.
Deluxe Shells
Which shape fits you?
Best for
- Cheddar lovers who want the classic mac and cheese taste with a protein boost
- Home cooks who want a quick, easy meal that's familiar and kid-friendly
Not for
- Anyone who wants a cheese sauce that stays mostly in the pasta rather than coating the outside
- Those who prefer a more savory, less cheddar-forward cheese sauce
