My childhood food memories are 50% mac 'n' cheese, 25% chicken nuggets, and 25% mystery fruit snacks. To this day, a big bowl of mac 'n' cheese still hits me in the nostalgia feels. But let's be honest, it's not the most nutritious weeknight option. With the carb-heavy pasta, the low-protein "cheese powder," and the salty sauce, it may be good for my emotional health, but not necessarily my body.

Over the past few years, I've seen a shift in the macaroni aisle, away from artificial colors and flavorings toward "all natural" and "protein-packed" varieties... but are they really a substitute for the classic brand?…