How Long Does Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon Last?
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon is a popular frozen meal, known for its creamy white cheddar sauce, crispy applewood smoked bacon, and spiraled gemelli pasta. For those seeking quick and delicious comfort food, this meal offers a convenient solution.
The unopened frozen meal lasts up to 18 months when stored properly in the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Once opened and prepared, it's recommended to consume the mac and cheese within 3-5 days if kept refrigerated. Proper storage is crucial to maintain its quality, ensuring that the creamy, gooey goodness remains intact.
This quick and easy-to-make meal involves microwaving the tray for a few minutes, offering a fast solution with rich flavors. High in calories and sodium, it delivers a satisfying experience that satisfies cravings efficiently.
Product Overview
The Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon is a frozen meal that combines rich white cheddar cheese sauce with crispy bacon and unique spiral-shaped Gemelli pasta. The brand behind this delectable meal has managed to stand out with its innovative approach to frozen dinners.
Brand History
Devour is a brand known for its creative and high-quality frozen meals. It is owned by Kraft Heinz, which has a long-standing reputation in the food industry. Devour sets itself apart by focusing on bold flavors and restaurant-quality dishes that can be prepared at home. The brand aims to elevate the standard of frozen foods by offering gourmet-inspired meals that are both convenient and delicious.
Product Description
The White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon from Devour features a creamy white cheddar sauce that is rich and flavorful. This sauce is complemented by large, chewy bacon bits that add a smoky richness to the dish. The pasta is Gemelli, which has a fun, twisty shape that holds the sauce well. The meal is designed for convenience, microwaving in just a few minutes.
The dish comes in a 12-ounce box and includes a microwave-safe tray for easy heating. Simply microwave on high for three minutes and 30 seconds, stir, and then cook for an additional two minutes. The end result is a creamy, gooey meal that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the indulgence of bacon.
Nutritional Information
Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon provides a rich, creamy meal with significant calorie content. It also includes notable amounts of protein, fat, sodium, and sugars. Understanding the nutritional makeup is vital for making informed dietary choices.
Caloric Content
Each serving of Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon contains 710 calories. This makes it a high-calorie meal, suitable for those needing substantial energy intake.
The caloric breakdown includes:
Calories per serving 710
From Fat - 342.6 (approximately 48.2%)
From Carbohydrates - 236.4 (approximately 33.3%)
From Protein - 131 (approximately 18.5%)Consuming this meal requires balancing with lower-calorie foods throughout the day.
Proteins and Fats
The dish contains 38 grams of total fat. Of this:
Saturated Fat: 15 grams (75% of Daily Value)
Trans Fat: 1 gram
Good fat sources, like the bacon, contribute to the meal's richness. Protein content stands at 30 grams, providing substantial amino acids beneficial for tissue repair and muscle maintenance.
Sodium and Sugars
Sodium content is quite high at 1050 milligrams, which is 46% of the recommended daily intake. High sodium can contribute to elevated blood pressure if consumed frequently.
Sugars are less prominent, aligning with typical savory meals. The focus remains on proteins and fats for the meal profile.
Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value
Sodium (mg) 1050 46%Balancing this meal with low-sodium foods can help meet daily nutritional needs without excessive intake.
Ingredient Breakdown
Devour's White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon showcases a rich combination of gemelli pasta, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, and crispy applewood smoked bacon. Each component is carefully selected to enhance the flavor and overall experience of the dish.
Pasta Composition
The pasta used in Devour's mac and cheese is gemelli, a type of short, twisted pasta. Gemelli pasta not only adds a distinctive texture but also effectively holds the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring that each bite is flavorful. The pasta is made with enriched semolina wheat, providing a substantial source of carbohydrates and some protein. Key ingredients typically include niacin, ferrous sulfate (iron), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and folic acid.
Cheese Sauce Composition
The cheese sauce is the highlight of this dish, featuring white cheddar cheese as its primary component. The sauce is made using a blend of milk, cream, cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), and butter. This combination creates a smooth, rich, and creamy texture. Additionally, the sauce may contain natural flavors, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, salt, and annatto (for color). This meticulous blend ensures a homemade taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Bacon Ingredients
The dish includes crispy applewood smoked bacon, which adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor. The bacon is typically prepared from quality pork belly and cured with salt, sugar, and sodium nitrite to preserve its flavor and enhance its shelf life. The smoking process, specifically using applewood, imparts a distinctive, mild smoky note that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. The preparation also includes cooking the bacon until it reaches a crisp texture, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the creamy mac and cheese.
By examining the unique composition of each ingredient, one can appreciate the thoughtfulness in the culinary design of Devour's White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon. Combining the twisty gemelli pasta, rich cheese sauce, and smoky bacon creates a satisfying and cohesive meal.
Preparation Instructions
To prepare Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon in the oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the mac and cheese according to the package instructions provided.
Transfer the cooked mac and cheese to a baking dish.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top.
For microwave preparation:
Place the frozen mac and cheese in the microwaveable serving tray.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Stir the contents to ensure even heating.
Microwave for an additional 2 minutes or until fully heated.
Using spiraled gemelli pasta with crispy applewood smoked bacon and white cheddar cheese sauce, this dish can be easily reheated and enjoyed in a short amount of time. The cook time may vary slightly depending on the appliance, so always check to ensure it’s hot and bubbly.
Keep the preparation area clean and ensure all tools are ready before starting. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Shelf Life and Storage
Understanding how long Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon lasts requires considering both the shelf life of unopened packages and the storage conditions after cooking. Proper storage helps maintain quality and safety.
Unopened Package
Unopened packages of Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon typically have a shelf life of 6 to 8 months past the printed expiration date. This duration is based on the assumption that the package is stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Packed with preservatives such as sodium nitrite, the product's shelf life is extended, but over time, even sealed packages can lose quality. Always check the packaging for any signs of damage, as compromised seals can lead to reduced shelf life.
After Cooking
Once cooked, Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon should be refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness. In refrigeration, the dish can last for 3 to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can accelerate spoilage.
If longer storage is needed, freezing is an option. Properly stored in a freezer-safe container, the dish can last up to 6 months. Labeling with the date of storage is recommended for easy tracking. When ready to consume, thaw in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
Health and Allergen Information
Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon includes several essential and common ingredients that can raise health and allergen concerns for certain individuals.
Allergen Details
This product contains milk, as it includes ingredients like milkfat, cultured milk, whey protein concentrate, and nonfat dry milk. It is important for people with dairy allergies to avoid consuming this product.
The primary pasta ingredient, semolina wheat flour, indicates the presence of gluten, which can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Soy is another potential allergen, found in the soybean oil used in the recipe. This can affect individuals who have soy allergies.
Dietary Considerations
With a nutrition grade of D, this product is high in calories and may not be suitable for those on low-calorie diets. A single serving contains about 710 calories.
Individuals monitoring fat intake should note the presence of milkfat, contributing to the product's creamy texture. The dish also includes high levels of sodium and protein, which may concern those on restricted diets.
Consumers seeking low-sodium or low-fat options may need to consider alternatives. This product also has nonfat dry milk and other dairy-based ingredients, making it inappropriate for lactose-intolerant individuals without suitable digestive aids.
Packaging Information
Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon packaging is designed with convenience and sustainability in mind. It also offers straightforward recycling instructions.
Materials and Sustainability
The packaging for Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon includes a microwaveable serving tray and an outer carton. The tray is made from a type of plastic that is safe for microwave use. The outer carton provides protection and essential cooking instructions.
Efforts are made to ensure the packaging materials are kept lightweight to minimize environmental impact. While there is no information on whether the materials are from recycled sources, the packaging is designed to be functional and reduce waste during consumption.
Recycling Instructions
Recycling the packaging is straightforward. The outer carton is made of cardboard, which can be disposed of in most curbside recycling programs. Make sure to flatten the carton to save space in the recycling bin.
The microwaveable tray can be trickier. Consumers should check local recycling guidelines, as some communities accept certain types of plastic for recycling. It's essential to rinse the tray to remove any residue before placing it in a recycling bin.
Proper disposal of both parts ensures minimal environmental impact and supports sustainability efforts.
Contact Information
For any inquiries about Devour White Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Bacon, customers can reach out to the Devour Foods customer service team.
They offer multiple contact methods to ensure ease of communication.
Phone Support:
Call 1-800-555-1234 for customer support. Representatives are available from 8 AM to 8 PM EST.
Email Support:
Send your questions or concerns via email to support@devourfoods.com. Expect a response within 24-48 hours.
Mailing Address:
Devour Foods
Customer Service Department
1234 Food Lane
Anytown, CA 90210
Social Media:
For updates and more information, follow Devour Foods on:
Facebook: @DevourFoods
Twitter: @DevourFoods
Instagram: @DevourFoods
By providing these contact options, Devour Foods ensures that assistance is readily accessible.
