Mac and Cheese vs. Pasta: Which Single-Serve Option Is Better for Meal Prep?

Quick Answer

For meal prep, single-serve pasta is the better choice if you want plant-based or dairy-free options and a saucy, hearty meal without added sugar. Single-serve mac and cheese wins when you crave that classic, cheesy comfort food and want the fastest prep at just 60 seconds. Both are shelf-stable and portable, so your decision comes down to flavor preference and dietary needs.

Meal prep doesn't have to mean spending your Sunday cooking big batches. Single-serve cups of mac and cheese and pasta are shelf-stable, quick to heat, and easy to pack. But which one deserves a spot in your weekly rotation?

We compared Surreal's mac and cheese and pasta options on the facts that matter: protein, prep time, flavor variety, and dietary fit. Here's how they stack up for meal prep.

Protein and Satiety: Keeping You Full

Protein is a key factor for meal prep because it helps keep you satisfied between meals. In the mac and cheese lineup, Original Cheddar packs 11g of protein, while Bacon Cheddar bumps it to 13g. On the pasta side, Sundried Tomato Basil offers 11g, Spicy Tomato has 10g, and Meatball Marinara leads with 14g.

If your meal prep goal is to hit a higher protein target, the Meatball Marinara Pasta is the clear winner. But if you prefer a lighter option, Spicy Tomato Pasta still offers a respectable 10g. The Bacon Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a strong contender if you want a meaty, cheesy flavor without going the pasta route.

• Check the protein per cup to match your daily needs.
• Pair with a side of veggies or a protein shake if you need more.

Prep Time: Speed Matters

When you're meal prepping, every minute counts. Mac and cheese options are ready in just 60 seconds, making them the fastest choice for a quick lunch at work or between meetings. Pasta options take a bit longer at 90 seconds, but that's still faster than cooking a full meal from scratch.

The extra 30 seconds for pasta might not seem like much, but if you're rushing out the door, mac and cheese could be the difference between eating and skipping. However, the slight wait for pasta is negligible if you're already heating something else or setting up your desk.

• Keep a few mac and cheese cups for days when you're extra pressed for time.
• Pasta cups are still quick enough for a standard lunch break.

Flavor Variety and Dietary Fit

Variety is the spice of meal prep. Mac and cheese offers classic cheddar and bacon cheddar – both creamy and indulgent. Pasta, on the other hand, brings more diversity: Sundried Tomato Basil is dairy-free and plant-based, Spicy Tomato is also plant-based with a kick, and Meatball Marinara is a filling, meaty option.

If you follow a plant-based or dairy-free diet, the pasta options are your go-to. Mac and cheese contains dairy and is not suitable for those avoiding it. Also, note that Surreal does not add artificial colors to their mac and cheese, so it won't be bright yellow – a detail that might matter if you expect the classic neon look.

• For plant-based meal prep, choose Sundried Tomato Basil or Spicy Tomato Pasta.
• If you're not dairy-free, mac and cheese offers that nostalgic comfort.

Trade-Offs to Consider

• Speed vs. Variety: Mac and cheese heats in 60 seconds, pasta in 90. But pasta offers more flavor profiles, including plant-based and dairy-free options. If you value speed above all, choose mac and cheese. If you want variety, pasta wins.
• Protein vs. Dietary Preferences: Meatball Marinara Pasta has the most protein (14g), but if you're plant-based, you'll need to opt for Sundried Tomato Basil or Spicy Tomato Pasta (11g/10g). Mac and cheese options are not plant-based. Decide what matters more: hitting a high protein number or sticking to your dietary lifestyle.
• Comfort vs. Health-Conscious: Mac and cheese is pure comfort food, creamy and cheesy. Pasta options like Spicy Tomato offer a lighter, plant-based alternative with a kick. Your mood and nutrition goals will guide your choice each week.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Original Cheddar Mac & Cheese: Ready in 60-seconds, 11g protein, 0g added sugar, shelf stable, no artificial colors. Fastest prep and a classic cheesy flavor, but contains dairy and may not be as vibrant in color as traditional mac and cheese.
• Meatball Marinara Pasta: Ready in 90-seconds, 14g protein, no added sugar, filling meal with spiral pasta and meatballs in tomato cream sauce. Highest protein among the compared options, making it a satiating choice for meal prep, though it's not plant-based.

How to Choose

Best for

• Busy professionals who need the fastest possible meal prep (mac and cheese).
• Plant-based or dairy-free eaters looking for a saucy pasta meal (Sundried Tomato Basil or Spicy Tomato).
• Those seeking the highest protein per cup (Meatball Marinara Pasta).

Not for

• If you're strictly avoiding dairy, skip the mac and cheese options.
• If you dislike spicy food, avoid Spicy Tomato Pasta and opt for milder choices like Sundried Tomato Basil.

Both single-serve mac and cheese and pasta have their place in a meal prep routine. Mac and cheese delivers speed and comfort, while pasta offers more variety and plant-based options. Consider your time, dietary needs, and flavor cravings to pick the right cup for each day. Whichever you choose, you'll have a shelf-stable, satisfying meal ready in minutes.