Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese: Shells vs Elbows
By Chickpea Pasta - High Protein, High Fiber, Gluten Free Pasta | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Comparisons
Compare our Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese shells and elbows to find which shape and cheese flavor fits your family best. We break down the tradeoffs.
Quick answer
Choose the 6-pack of White Cheddar Shells for a creamy, classic mac experience, or the 12-pack of Yellow Cheddar Elbows for more servings and a sharper cheese flavor.
Shape and cheese matter more than you think
Both options combine wheat and chickpea protein for a familiar pasta texture with extra protein. But the shape and cheese type change how the dish feels and tastes. Shells hold more sauce inside each piece, giving you a creamier bite. Elbows offer a more traditional mac and cheese shape that many kids and adults already love.
Pack size and value
The 6-pack of shells is priced at $26.99 (compare at $35.99), making it a great entry point if you want to try a new shape. The 12-pack of elbows costs $40.79 (compare at $59.99), which gives you more servings per dollar. If you feed a larger family or plan to eat mac and cheese often, the 12-pack offers better value.
Shells vs Elbows: tradeoffs at a glance
- White Cheddar Shells (6-Pack): Creamier sauce retention due to shell shape. White cheddar flavor is milder and smoother. 6-pack is a lower upfront cost. Best if you want a creamy, indulgent mac experience and are okay with fewer servings.
- Yellow Cheddar Elbows (12-Pack): Traditional elbow shape with sharper yellow cheddar. 12-pack offers more servings per dollar. Familiar taste for picky eaters. Best for larger households or frequent mac and cheese eaters who want a classic flavor.
- Which one is healthier?: Both have the same wheat-and-chickpea protein base, so protein and fiber content are similar. The difference is purely shape, cheese, and pack size.
Product facts at a glance
- Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese Shells – White Cheddar (6-Pack): Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese Shells – White Cheddar (6-Pack) brings together wheat & chickpeas for classic taste and a boost of protein. The shell shape traps creamy white cheddar sauce, giving each bite a richer mouthfeel.
Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese Shells – White Cheddar (6-Pack) - Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese Elbows – Yellow Cheddar (12-Pack): Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese Elbows – Yellow Cheddar (12-Pack) combines wheat & chickpeas for classic taste and a protein boost. The elbow shape and yellow cheddar deliver a familiar, sharper cheese flavor that kids often prefer.
Wheat Protein Mac and Cheese Elbows – Yellow Cheddar (12-Pack)
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Families who want a creamier, sauce-filled mac and cheese experience (choose Shells)
- Larger households or meal preppers who want more servings at a lower per-serving cost (choose Elbows)
Not for
- Anyone who strongly prefers one cheese flavor over the other – white cheddar is milder, yellow cheddar is sharper
