Mac & Cheese (UK Price, Calories & Allergens 2026)
At £4.65 for a 270g portion, Costa’s Mac & Cheese offers a substantial hot meal option that leans into the classic comfort food territory. Containing 567 calories per serving, it promises warmth and a rich, creamy eating experience that can satisfy mid-day hunger or an afternoon craving for something savoury and indulgent.
Designed to be suitable for vegetarians, this dish balances the familiar savoury tang of mature cheddar cheese with a subtle hint of English mustard. The presence of dairy and wheat allergens is important to note for those with specific dietary restrictions. Offering a hearty portion size, it’s more substantial than a snack but more approachable than a heavy dinner.
This Mac & Cheese is positioned as a filling meal option with a creamy texture and savoury richness driven by its cheese sauce made from mature cheddar, single cream, and a touch of English mustard, lending depth without overpowering the classic comfort flavour.
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Portion (270g) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 186 | 567 |
| Energy (kJ) | 781 | 2382 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 21 | 65 |
| Sugars (g) | 2 | 6.1 |
| Fat (g) | 7.7 | 23 |
| Saturates (g) | 4 | 12 |
| Fibre (g) | 1.2 | 3.7 |
| Protein (g) | 7.4 | 23 |
| Salt (g) | 0.46 | 1.4 |
Quick Takeaways
- Contains 567 calories per 270g portion, providing a satisfying level of energy for a meal.
- Cheese and mature cheddar form the base flavours, enhanced by a subtle mustard note.
- Vegetarian friendly, but includes wheat, milk, and mustard allergens.
- Protein content of 23g supports a filling meal choice.
- Fat content is relatively high at 23g with 12g saturates, reflecting the rich cream and cheese content.
- Salt is moderate at 1.4g per portion, contributing to the savoury depth.
A Warm, Cheesy Comfort Meal
This Mac & Cheese is unmistakably a hot meal designed for comfort. It features cooked pasta enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce that combines mature cheddar, single cream, and flour for smoothness. The addition of English mustard gives the sauce a nuanced kick, enhancing the overall flavour without detracting from the creamy cheese focus. The parsley crumb topping adds a mild herbal note and a slight contrast in taste but doesn’t compete with the main cheesy elements.
The dish’s 270g portion size reinforces its role as a more substantial meal rather than a light snack, making it suitable for those seeking a comforting yet rich option during lunch or a casual meal break.
The Savoury Depth of Cheese and Mustard
Cheese is the undeniable star here, with mature cheddar delivering sharpness and depth. The cheese sauce’s cream and flour components create a velvety foundation, while the English mustard adds a gentle warmth and subtle tang. This combination offers a flavour profile that is both rich and savoury, avoiding excessive sweetness often found in some cheese-based meals.
The cooked durum wheat pasta acts as a neutral base, allowing the cheese flavours to shine, and the parsley crumb topping introduces mild herbal freshness and texture contrast, complementing the dish’s hearty character.
Richness, Energy, and Meal Suitability
With 567 calories, 23g of protein, and 23g of fat per serving, this dish offers a filling balance of macronutrients suited to those looking for a substantial energy boost. The fat and saturated fat content reflects the creamy nature of the cheese sauce, emphasising indulgence without excess. The fibre content, just under 4g per portion, comes primarily from the pasta, supporting a more balanced meal profile.
Given these nutrition values and the portion size, the dish feels well-suited for a mid-day meal or a more substantial snack option rather than a light bite or breakfast choice.
Who Should Consider Ordering This
Its vegetarian suitability makes the Mac & Cheese accessible to a wide range of eaters who avoid meat but still enjoy dairy. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate traditional British comfort foods that are creamy and rich. The protein level supports muscle maintenance and satiety, which may appeal to those requiring a more filling meal during busy days.
Conversely, anyone with allergies to wheat, milk, or mustard will need to avoid this dish. It is not vegan due to the use of cheese and cream. Those monitoring salt or saturated fat intake should be mindful, as both are present at moderate levels.
Allergens and Dietary Considerations
The presence of wheat, milk, and mustard is clear, aligning with the cheese and pasta base. The mustard flour in the sauce and the wheat flour in the crumb and pasta mean this is unsuitable for gluten-free diets. Milk allergens are present through mature cheddar cheese and single cream.
Vegetarians can enjoy this meal without concern for animal meat, but it is not suitable for vegans. Tree nut presence is noted as a source, which requires caution for those with tree nut allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Prices shown are typical UK menu estimates for 2026 and may vary by store location, promotions, delivery services, or eat-in vs takeaway pricing. Nutritional values are based on standard drink configurations and may change depending on size, milk choice, extras, or recipe updates made by the brand.