Shells & chReese by Road's End Organics

My favorite vegan mac and cheese
From Kara of Green Bay, Wisconsin on 1/28/2018.

This is my favorite brand of vegan mac and cheese. They don't taste just like the non vegan versions but better.

Not bad (relatively) but not great
From Anonymous of Vail, Arizona on 7/22/2015.

The semolina and chreese was edible, the best vegan mac & cheese I've tried and much better than the pretty much inedible Pastariso and Earth Balance versions, but Road's End wasn't crazy fabulous. I'm not sure a fabulous vegan mac & cheese exists.

very good
From kris of West Orange, New Jersey on 9/10/2013.

I really like the Cheddar with Shells and i always have some around. I have also just bought the chreese sauce to use on things (potatoes, vegetables). I just add the water or almond milk and earth balance but don't follow the directions. Very high in protein too! I did notice a "different" flavor recently as the other person said...not sure why but if they changed the ingredients they should go back to the way it was!!!!

Used to love it but now completely hate it
From Adam of University Place, Washington on 7/5/2013.

I use to enjoy eating these a whole and would load up my pantry with these things. A few months back, noticed their was a label over their previous cooking directions and the chreese sauce tasted very weird. Honestly thought it was maybe the pan my pasta was cooking in but that was not the case. I had to add a good amount of cayenne pepper in order to even stomach this stuff. Would highly encourage others who are fans of this product to contact the company and voice your concerns if you too have had this same experience. Thank you

Vegan Nostalgia
From Anonymous of Noho, Massachusetts on 12/3/2012.

So nostalgic! The shells are my favorite - quick and comforting with a little earth balance. That said, you could easily make just as good a mac n' cheese yourself, but it's nice to have a few boxes of Chreese in the cupboard for when you're busy or just feeling lazy.

Great!
From cheryl devine of ukiah, California on 10/4/2010.

These are great! They have improved the directions and it comes out fantastic!

Horrible
From Anonymous of Denver, Colorado on 7/21/2010.

I guess I'll come up with my own recipe, it was gross!

Pretty good...
From Anonymous of Seattle, Washington on 6/9/2010.

...but Leahey Gardens blows this stuff out of the water!

Pretty Yummy...If You DON'T Follow the Package Directions!
From Anonymous of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 11/24/2009.

This stuff is pretty good, but I kind of had to figure out a way to make it good, because making it by only following the package directions leads to disappointment. Here's a tip: add way more soymilk (or whatever you use)than the directions call for. I add enough so that the pasta is basically swimming in soymilk. This will make the product cheesier and thicker...and overall, better tasting. Very yummy.

Yummmmmmm
From Amanda P. of Kansas City, Missouri on 11/4/2009.

The sauce uses nutritional yeast, and anyone who's ever made a nutritional-yeast-based sauce knows that if you don't stir constantly (I recommend a small whisk) and KEEP cooking it until it congeals (it's easier if you do it in a saucepan separately from the noodles, IMHO), then it's just gritty and gross. So the people who didn't like it--I'm guessing they didn't follow the directions. If you do, it's amazingly delicious. It reminds me of the homemade shells-n-cheese I grew up with that used milk and American cheese to make the sauce. Very yummy!! I also like to buy the powder in bulk so I can add it to my own noodles (if you eat a lot of this, it's cheaper that way). Their recipe is MUCH better than my homemade nutritional-yeast sauces, so it's a staple in my kitchen.

Rice Penne and Chreese
From Anonymous of Cedarburg, Wisconsin on 9/18/2009.

I remember trying one of these a few years ago... 123's and Chreese I believe, and I hated it. But maybe I did something wrong in the instructions, because I just tried the Rice Penne and Chreese the other day and LOVED it.

Don't get me wrong... it does NOT taste like *real* boxed mac and cheese. but it is still so yummy.

However, if you don't love nutritional yeast, you probably won't dig this. I am totally addicted to it on the other hand, so I ate the whole box really fast :)

Omnivorous boyfriend really liked it too.

Garlic + Gritt = Gross
From Anonymous of Exeter, New Hampshire on 6/25/2009.

Desperate for vegan mac and cheese, I tried this product about a year ago (after I had already been vegan for three years), and I found it to be disgusting. I couldn't eat it and had to throw the entire pot out - it tasted and smelled EXTREMELY garlicky. Thinking that maybe I had made it wrong or just wasn't used to the taste of nutritional yeast, I tried it again and found it to be just as bad. In the trash again. Clearly, Shells and Chreese have quite a few devoted fans, but, in my experience, if you are looking for a more authentic vegan macaroni and cheese, I would suggest Leahey Farms' version, not this.

Awful
From Charity of Hernando, Mississippi on 4/19/2009.

This stuff stinks and it tastes awful. My little boy who is allergic to dairy wanted mac and cheese. Well, since I am new to the whole dairy free thing, I did not know what to do so I tried this. YUCK!!!!

Ick
From Anonymous of Denver, Colorado on 2/13/2009.

Not good. The sauce tastes weird.

The pasta isn't even that good.


The boxes are not built properly either, and there are holes in the corners.


Better to buy a high quality pasta and use another topping, like raw parma or parmazaan with fresh herbs.

Shells and Chreese good
From Joseph of Normal, Illinois on 11/23/2008.

Ok, As vegans, we are never going to get the ABSOLUTE texture equivalent to Mac and cheese, but if you're going to replace it with something, The shells and chreese are AMAZING. It's not the same as Mac and Cheese, but it's still good. I'd be cautious about getting the alfredo or elbow one... for some reason, the shells one is the best. I'm a grad student with a night class and this quick meal has saved me SO MANY TIMES at 9 o'clock at night.

awful
From kaylie dowler of brookfield, Connecticut on 8/14/2008.

i believe i tried the shells..
and i'm assuming all the cheeses are her same...
maybe i didn't make it right....?
but it was horrendous!

Yummy!
From PW of Salisbury, Maryland on 5/31/2008.

OMG. Totally make it w/ coconut milk. Talk about rich and creamy!!!

It's an aquired taste but good!
From Anonymous of N/A, Kansas on 3/31/2008.

The first time I tried Mac and Chreese, I'll be honest, I thought it was disgusting. It was my first time trying nutritional yeast, and as a lacto-vegetarian considering veganism, I had expectations for a product like my dairy favorite. Not quite.
Now as a vegan, however, I have to say I really like Chreese! It's quick, tasty, and has pretty good nutritional value too. One thing to note, though: It tastes nothing like dairy cheese. It has a nice, sort of garlicky flavor, however, and with a small pat of Earth Balance margarine (about 1/2 tsp) and maybe a little pinch of salt, it can kill a craving for the old stuff. The whole wheat pasta one is good, but I like the Shells and Chreese or 1-2-3's (which is less garlicky) the best! Plus, I still think it's great vegans have their own version of the "blue box".

doesn't taste like the real thing, but it's SO good!
From Anonymous of Annandale on Hudson, New York on 10/28/2007.

this stuff tastes nothing like macarni and cheese, but the shells and chreese are sooooo delicious! the first time i thought it was just okay, but after the second try i'm hooked!

It's alright
From Marilyn of Sturbridge, Massachusetts on 10/27/2007.

This product is okay if you want a quick meal, but I prefer real pasta with homemade nutritional yeast sauce. This was way too salty.

yucky
From LeighAnna Willinger of stockton, Missouri on 10/21/2007.

the only vegan mac and cheese around my town and it's disgusting :(

The alfredo flavor is nasty
From Anonymous of Indianapolis, Indiana on 9/11/2007.

I haven't tried the others yet.

blech!
From Jenn of Berkeley, California on 8/22/2007.

I have to say - these don't taste that great. Even my cats wouldn't eat the portion I couldn't finish. It's a bit bland, but the flavor just doesn't work for me. I really tried to like it - had bought one of each flavor chReese, and found both unpalatable.

Shells and Chresse is the Best!
From Melissa Brown of Modesto, California on 9/13/2006.

I would highly reccomend anyone to buy the shells and chReese, it is so good. Even people who arent vegan and think "eww vegan food" when i gave it to them they were in love. i must say i like to mix it up a little more buy adding bell peppers, oni0ons, and nutrional yeast but it is good as is!

Yum!
From Chrissy of Missoula, Montana on 8/14/2006.

This is a great boxed Mac & Cheese for vegans and others trying to eat healthier. Some say it doesn't taste like "real" Mac & Cheese, but that's part of what makes it great... instead of tasting processed cow juice, you taste healthy, natural ingredients tastes a lot like cheese!

wow if u don't like this stuff u have got to be crazy!
From sharon khalsa of Kirkland, Washington on 6/19/2006.

this stuff tastes so good! i can't belive it! it's a maricle in a box! don't miss out if u make it right it tastes great don't screw up though otherwise u will end up giving this great food a poor rating over your own mistake and mislead others! JUST DON'T SCREW UP!

Yumm-oh-la!
From Rachel Donovan of San Francisco, California on 3/18/2006.

Despite the negative reviews, I whirled caution to the wind and ordered me up some Mac & Chreese, cheddar style. I followed the directions, noted it was a little bland, and then added some Earth Balance margarine, some extra nutritional yeast to make it cheesier, some extra soy milk to make it creamier, and some of Kansas City's own GATES hot-n-spicy all-purpose seasoning to make it hot-n-spicier!!! And, MMMM-MMMMM, that is GOOD!

I'm enjoying the shells & chreese
From Teresa of Vero Beach, Florida on 3/11/2006.

I've been ordering the semolina shells & chreese regularly; it's become one of my staples. I like it by itself or with any number of vegetables. I fix it with Earth Balance margarine and Silk soy milk, and then add a little salt. The 123's are good too. I'm pretty much afraid to try the other 2 varieties after reading the reviews.
By the way -- a word to new vegans: You're gonna have to get over the desire to have vegan products taste like clones of their animal-derived counterparts. Just judge each food on its own merits.

Edible but not good
From Anonymous of Miami, Florida on 3/9/2006.

It was edible, but I would not repurchase. It was sort of tasteless and was seriously lacking creaminess.

Nasty
From Addie of Baton Rouge, Louisiana on 2/5/2006.

I tried two of them and they both tasted like chemicals and were very gritty...I ended up saving a box in hopes of salvaging the noodles from it.

Love it, love it, love it!
From Anonymous of New York, New York on 1/13/2006.

I was a big cheese-o-phile before I became vegan, and this stuff is good enough for me. No, it doesn't taste exactly like cheese, but it's very tasty and only takes 15 min to prepare. I bought the Shells and Chreese - I didn't add any soymilk, just 2 tsp margarine and left some extra water in the pot. It's great topped with Parma or Bacuns. This is a new staple in my kitchen.

Not Kraft Dinner, but still good
From beegaza of Surrey, British Columbia on 1/9/2006.

I bought this hoping to get an exact replica of Kraft Dinner and was sorely disappointed. However, my toddler, who has never had Kraft Dinner, is absolutely crazy for this stuff. And when you get past the fact that it's not KD, it's actually pretty good stuff. I get cravings for it, and it's now a staple in our house. But my husband, an omni, won't touch it. :)

Could be better
From Karyn Mott of Edmonton, Alberta on 1/4/2006.

On the internet you can get a "yummy mac and cheese" vegan recipe with nutritional yeast that is excellant on pasta and as a dip...better than buying this stugg

Kinda gross
From Sarah Plumb of Windsor, Ontario on 10/15/2005.

I hate to insult vegan products but I thought it tasted like cardboard. :(

Hmm...
From Giselle of Annandale On Hudson, New York on 9/2/2005.

Not enough powder and not a strong enough flavor

Takes a little getting used to
From Anonymous of Boston, Massachusetts on 8/12/2005.

This stuff is an aqquired taste...once you gte used to it, it's delicious.

pretty good
From liz of San Bernardino, California on 7/7/2005.

I like the shrells and chreese, but do not expect it to taste very much like cheese. After eating it awhile the tang becomes eminiscent of cheese, but that's about it. The wheat macoroni and chreese was not as good, I didn't think.

Delicious
From Anonymous of Daytona Beach, Florida on 7/6/2005.

It was delicious! I will order more.

Brings the pain
From Andrew Savage of Denton, Texas on 6/26/2005.

These ones are good but the best is 123's and Chreese. Oh man, that stuff brings the PAIN yall.

Satisfying!
From Anonymous of Los Angeles, California on 6/24/2005.

Tried the gluten free brown rice Penne and Cheddar Chreese... I was pretty pleased! The chreese needs some sort of tangy kick to make it perfect, but for a vegan cheese it's creamy and satisfying. I might try it with a little margarine next time - but I'm planning to buy a bulk bag of the GF Cheddar Chreese soon!

Not like the real thing - Great in casseroles!
From Brenda Marie of New York, New York on 6/16/2005.

They are nothing like real mac and cheese - but it is the only substitute I have ever seen. For the taste - I never really eat them alone as I have done with the real mac and cheese in my past life. I will say that they are terrific in casseroles. I guess if you mix it with other stuff - it gets closer to the real thing. The shells are the best. I have to add salt, pepper, and some vegan butter to make them, though.

VERY YUMMY!
From Anonymous of St. Paul, Minnesota on 4/21/2005.

My meat-eating friend loved it! I had to add pepper and water to help the consistency with some margarine. So yummy! I ate the semolina version.

like crack
From Jennifer of Tampa, Florida on 3/3/2005.

I am addicted. For no apparent reason, the shells are my favorite. It does not taste like velveeta, it's better because it is yeasty. More likely to snag the nutritional yeast junkies than the cheese junkies. mmmmmmmmm.

Yummy Chreese
From George of New Brunswick, New Jersey on 3/1/2005.

Have tried the semolina shells and chreese and the wholewheat mac and cheese. The semolina shells is a great alternative to macaroni cheese and I love the taste. The wholewheat version was not nearly as enjoyable.

Dissapointed
From Pam of Ft. Myers, Florida on 2/19/2005.

I tried the Penne and I had to throw it out. It had a strange flavor and a slightly gritty texture. I think it may have been the sauce... I was pretty sad to waste it, but I couldn't get past those things.

A Delicious Meal
From Renee Ann Sawyer of Rockville, Maryland on 12/16/2004.

This is truly a delicious meal but do not, DO NOT expect it to taste like mac-and-cheese. Be prepared to add a generous dose of vegan margarine to this. And you CAN fix it in a microwave oven!

needs inprovement
From Anonymous of oakland, Michigan on 11/11/2004.

Didn't like the taste.

Penne n Chreese
From Sarah B. of Prattville, Alabama on 11/1/2004.

With just a bit of salt, this is a great dinner.

New to Veganism
From Anonymous of Howell, New Jersey on 8/29/2004.

I rely heavily on reviews. I tried the Whole Wheat Macaroni & chReese. I LOVED IT even froze it since I am the only one in my house and only one I know who is a Vegan and cooking for one produces more then a side dish. This product freezes EXCELLENT for anyone who needs it!

on the real
From My Name is Adam of Highland, Indiana on 8/29/2004.

I know Chreese doesn't traste like mac and cheese as we are used to, but I swear give it a few times and you will be begging for shells and chreese. I am in love with Road's End from now on. Just keep trying it, they will grow on you and become a staple of your dining experience.

a bit dissapointed
From emily balch of westlake, Ohio on 8/22/2004.

i tried the whole wheat variety and didn't find it to be as good as i anticipated. i don't think it was so much the chReese as it was the pasta, although the chReese would take some getting used to. this is not the best cheese alternative i have tried.