Quick answer
Choose Annie's White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Shells for a creamy, kid-friendly pasta side or Amy's Medium Chili for a hearty, plant-based bowl with a kick of spice.
Spice level and flavor profile
The biggest difference comes down to heat. Amy's Medium Chili uses a Mexican-style broth with red beans and tofu, giving it a noticeable but manageable spice. Annie's mac and cheese relies on real white cheddar for a creamy, mild flavor that works for sensitive palates.
If you're craving warmth and complexity, the chili delivers. If you want something soothing and familiar, the mac and cheese is your go-to.
Texture and serving style
Texture also sets them apart. The chili is a thick, spoonable stew with beans and tofu chunks, while the mac and cheese features tender pasta shells in a smooth cheese sauce.
Consider how you plan to serve them. The chili works as a standalone meal or a base for toppings like avocado or cilantro. The mac and cheese shines as a side dish or a canvas for add-ins like bacon or roasted vegetables.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Heat level: Amy's Medium Chili offers a medium spice from its Mexican-style broth; Annie's mac and cheese is mild and creamy with no heat.
- Dietary fit: The chili is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free; the mac and cheese contains dairy but uses organic pasta and no artificial colors. Check your dietary needs before choosing.
- Serving size and use: The chili comes in a 14.7-oz can and works as a full meal; the mac and cheese is a 6-oz box better suited as a side or small portion. For a hearty dinner, go with chili; for a quick side, pick mac and cheese.
Product facts at a glance
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Mac & Cheese Shells, White Cheddar: One 6 oz box of Annie's White Cheddar Shells Macaroni and Cheese Dinner with Organic Pasta, made with no artificial flavors or synthetic colors. You get a quick, organic pasta dish that's free from artificial additives, ideal for a clean-eating pantry staple.
Mac & Cheese Shells, White Cheddar
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Medium Chili: One 14.7-oz can of Amy's Organic Medium Spice Vegan Chili with organic red beans and tofu simmered in a thick Mexican-style broth. This chili is USDA-Certified Organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it a versatile plant-based option for quick meals.
Medium Chili
Which one fits your meal?
Best for
- Quick, plant-based dinners with a spicy kick: Amy's Medium Chili
- Creamy, kid-friendly pasta sides: Annie's White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Shells
Not for
- Those avoiding any spice: choose the mac and cheese instead of the chili
- Dairy-free or vegan diets: the mac and cheese contains dairy
