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How Kraft Lost Its Mac and Cheese Crown

February 2, 2026·21 min·2 clips

A former Kraft employee tasted the classic mac and cheese and realized he could make a healthier, more grown-up version.

This episode explores how Kraft lost its dominant position in the mac and cheese market after decades of control. It traces the brand's history, the impact of the Kraft-Heinz merger, the rise of competitors like Annie's and Goodles, and ongoing corporate challenges that led to a significant decline in market share.

As heard by us

A crisp pantry aisle business story about Kraft, Goodles, and how nostalgia can lose shelf space.

Kraft's mac and cheese slide makes for a tidy consumer goods story: a pantry staple that once owned the aisle now faces a shelf full of better targeted rivals.

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