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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Kraft Dinner

Kraft Dinner (KD) is a boxed macaroni-and-cheese product sold by Kraft Heinz and best known as a Canadian pantry staple.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Kraft Dinner (KD) is a boxed macaroni-and-cheese product sold by Kraft Heinz. It has been a Canadian pantry staple since 1937.

What it is

Kraft Dinner is a boxed meal consisting of pasta and a powdered cheese sauce mix. Introduced in 1937, it became popular during the Great Depression because it was inexpensive and convenient. In Canada, the product is commonly called KD and is often used as a generic term for boxed macaroni and cheese.

Why it matters in Canada

Kraft Dinner is widely regarded as a Canadian comfort food and cultural staple. Its familiarity across generations and low cost have made it one of the most recognizable packaged foods in the country. The brand name is so ingrained that many Canadians use 'KD' to refer to any boxed mac and cheese.

Key details

Kraft Heinz reports millions of boxes sold globally each week, with a significant share in Canada. Beyond the original cheese flavour, the brand offers varieties such as white cheddar, bacon, and four cheese. The product is marketed as Kraft Mac & Cheese in the United States.

In short

  • Launched in 1937
  • Commonly called KD in Canada
  • A Canadian comfort food staple
  • Millions of boxes sold weekly
Canadian angle

Kraft Dinner is strongly associated with Canadian food culture, where it is commonly called KD and often treated as a comfort food or pantry staple.

Quick questions

What is Kraft Dinner?
Kraft Dinner is a boxed macaroni-and-cheese product sold by Kraft Heinz and commonly known as KD in Canada.
When was Kraft Dinner introduced?
It was introduced in 1937 in the Canadian and U.S. markets.
Why is it called KD in Canada?
KD is a common short form of Kraft Dinner, and the brand name became widely used in Canada as a generic term for boxed macaroni and cheese.

Sources

  1. Daily Hive — https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/kraft-dinner-mac-cheese-canada-facts
    Supports: Canadian cultural significance, 1937 introduction, sales figures, product varieties
  2. OpenEd / Food History — https://foodhistory.opened.ca/kraft-dinner/
    Supports: 1937 introduction, Great Depression context, Canadian popularity, packaging and production details
  3. Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-kraft-macaroni-and-cheese-2020-5
    Supports: Name differences by country, Kraft Dinner in Canada versus Kraft Mac & Cheese elsewhere
  4. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/07/14/mac-and-cheese-day-kraft-history/74372947007/
    Supports: 1937 launch, original name Kraft Dinner, early pricing and sales context
  5. Cracked — https://www.cracked.com/article_35281_canadian-cheese-the-strange-story-of-kraft-dinner.html
    Supports: Canadian usage of Kraft Dinner and cultural association
  6. Price Smart Foods — https://www.pricesmartfoods.com/product/kraft-dinner-original-macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-id-00068100905380
    Supports: Current product naming as Kraft Dinner Original Macaroni and Cheese Dinner