Arby’s Mac and Cheese: Is It Actually Worth Ordering?

I used to skip right past the sides menu at Arby’s until a coworker practically forced me to try their mac and cheese on a whim. That one order changed how I look at Arby’s sides completely.

If you are trying to figure out whether Arby’s mac and cheese lives up to the hype, or you just want the real details before you order, I am breaking down everything from taste to price to nutrition based on actually eating this thing more times than I probably should admit.

What Is Arby’s Mac and Cheese?

Arby’s mac and cheese is officially called the White Cheddar Mac N Cheese on their menu. It is made with cavatappi pasta, which is that short, tube-shaped, slightly curled noodle, coated in a white cheddar cheese sauce.

It is not a permanent item everywhere. Availability shifts by region and by season, which is one of the more frustrating things about ordering it consistently if you find yourself craving it.

What Does Arby’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Taste Like?

This is not the bright orange, kid-friendly mac and cheese you might expect from a fast-food chain. The white cheddar mac and cheese at Arby’s leans sharper and more savory than sweet or mild.

Sharp Cheddar, Not Processed Cheese

The sauce has a noticeably grown up flavor compared to something like a boxed mac and cheese. There is a real cheddar bite to it rather than the flat, overly smooth taste you get from processed cheese sauces at some competitors.

The cavatappi noodles hold the sauce well because of their shape, so you are not left with a watery bottom layer once you get a few bites in, which is a common complaint with fast-food mac and cheese in general.

Arby’s Mac and Cheese Price and Portion Size

Pricing for Arby’s White Cheddar Mac N Cheese typically runs between $2.50 and $4.00 depending on whether you order it as a standalone side or as part of a combo meal upgrade.

In my own experience ordering it across a few different locations, prices have leaned closer to $2.99 for a regular side portion, though this can shift based on local franchise pricing and whether you are ordering in the app versus at the counter.

Portion size is reasonable for a side dish. It is not going to fill you up as a full meal on its own, but it works well paired with a sandwich.

Arby’s Mac and Cheese Nutrition and Calories

If you are keeping an eye on calories, a regular side (227g) of Arby’s White Cheddar Mac N Cheese runs approximately 470 to 510 calories, based on Arby’s published nutrition data.

That number puts it on the heavier side compared to some of Arby’s other sides, like a side salad or curly fries in a smaller portion, so it is worth factoring in if you are watching your intake for the day.

How It Compares to Other Arby’s Sides

Compared to curly fries, the mac and cheese tends to run slightly higher in calories per portion but lower in sodium in most cases. If you are choosing between the two purely on a lighter eating day, curly fries in a small size usually edge it out, but the mac and cheese wins on protein content thanks to the cheese sauce.

Is Arby’s Mac and Cheese Always Available?

This is the question I get the most, and the honest answer is no, not always. It has come and gone as a limited time or regional item at different points, which means checking your local menu before you build your whole order around it is a smart move.

If you are planning a visit specifically for this side, it helps to check Arby’s hours first, since not every location keeps identical hours or the same rotating menu items. You can also check what time Arby’s serves lunch, since sides like this are typically part of the lunch and dinner menu rather than the Arby’s breakfast hours lineup.

Best Arby’s Menu Pairings With Mac and Cheese

From my own orders, a few pairings genuinely work better than others:

• Classic roast beef sandwich, since the savory beef balances the sharpness of the cheddar sauce nicely
• Beef and cheddar sandwich, if you want to lean fully into the cheese flavor across your whole meal
• A Jamocha Shake on the side, if you want something sweet to offset the savory richness

If you like recreating Arby’s favorites at home, our copycat Arby’s roast beef recipe pairs really well with a homemade white cheddar mac and cheese for a full copycat meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arby’s mac and cheese always on the menu?

Not always. It has been available as a permanent item in some markets and a limited time offer in others, so checking your local menu is the most reliable way to know.

How much does Arby’s white cheddar mac and cheese cost?

Expect to pay somewhere between $2.50 and $4.00 for a regular side, depending on your location and whether it is part of a combo.

How many calories are in Arby’s mac and cheese?

A regular side portion (227g) runs approximately 470 to 510 calories based on Arby’s official nutrition information.

What kind of pasta does Arby’s use for their mac and cheese?

Arby’s uses cavatappi, a short, curled, tube-shaped pasta, rather than the elbow macaroni most people expect.

Final Thoughts

Arby’s mac and cheese earned my respect the first time I actually gave it a real shot instead of defaulting to curly fries out of habit. The sharp white cheddar sauce and the sturdier pasta shape put it ahead of a lot of other fast food mac and cheese options I have tried.

If you have not ordered it yet, or you have not had it in a while since it is not always on the menu, it is worth checking next time you are in line. For more honest, fan written breakdowns of Arby’s menu items, prices, and hours, take a look around therbysmenu.com.