Valentine's Day might make us do some silly things such as buying copious amounts of candy or shifting through aisles to find the perfect box of chocolates. While both of these things are well within the realm of reason for acceptable Valentine's Day chaos, there's one thing that isn't: mac 'n cheese that tastes just like candy. It might sound like something that was dreamt up by someone with an unusual craving but alas, it exists, and Kraft announced at the end of January that this extraordinarily odd flavor would be released to a select number of lucky (subject to opinion) fans.The special pink Valentine's Day limited edition mac 'n cheese sports a bold color and an even bolder flavor, according to those who have had the chance to try it. The reception the mac 'n cheese received before it was released was quite vast, with some people applauding the sweet twist on the traditionally savory dish and others sharing gagging emojis with their retweets. Whether you're a fan of the sweet concoction or prefer your mac 'n cheese to stay on the salty and cheesy side, there's no denying that this unique box is full of somethin', although we're not really sure how to describe it. Luckily, others already have.
Is It An Abomination Or A Stroke Of Genius?
Kraft Candy Mac & Cheese starts out seemingly normal with the same recipe that boxed mac 'n cheese fans have known and loved for decades. However, the twist comes in the packet of powder that, when opened, reveals a hot pink dusting of sugar that adds a hefty candy flavor to the already cheesy mac. This candy-flavored powder had been the subject of much debate as people argue over whether or not candy and cheese actually belong together. One thing that might support the argument for 'yes' is the fact that cheese and candy boards became popular in recent years around Halloween, thanks to all of that leftover candy. While one doesn't normally eat them both at the same time, it could be said that the saltiness of the cheese powder combined with the sweetness of the candy powder could perform some kind of magic... maybe.
It's safe to say that the reactions to the combination were far worse than the actual flavor of it. Some were absolutely outraged, threatening breakups for anyone who dared to serve them the new addition over regular mac 'n cheese for Valentine's Day. Others served up devotion to the unheard-of dinner that could only be described as having a craving for something you've never even tried. Overall, the reactions were equally mixed and served as a great buildup to the actual release of the mac 'n cheese, which was sent out in a cute heart-shaped box complete with themed confetti and a box of the overwhelming pink pasta. For those who received the mac 'n cheese - of which there were 1,000 winners chosen - the appearance of the candy powder was a little bit off-putting. It was lighter in color than the photo on the box, however, this all changed once it was added to the mix.
When the candy powder hits the orangey-yellow mac 'n cheese, it becomes a bright, bold magenta that reminiscent of every Valentine's Day color ever created, leaving even more of an impression on those who had the chance to try it. For one Insider writer, the mac 'n cheese had a veiled flavor allusion to maple syrup, which was described as being somewhat watered down but sweet all the same. The kick from the candy powder is not so much of a kick, as many people thought, but more the hint of a whisper of potential sweetness. While the flavor isn't necessarily bad, it's definitely something that's designed to confuse the tastebuds and perform tricks on the mind as both rush to determine what the combination flavor is similar to. Of course, it wouldn't be similar to much unless you're prone to eating cheese powder with a side of pancakes and maple syrup.
All in all, the Candy Mac & Cheese can be described as unique and not altogether bad but definitely not a replacement for the real thing. The cheese flavor that everyone values and loves so much needs no embellishment via the help of candy powder, although it is an interesting twist for those who have a pension for sweet and salty foods. For everyone who hasn't had a chance to experience the candy-flavored mac 'n cheese, never fear - you can always just mix some Fun Dip into your next bowl of Kraft.