What happened to my Shells and Cheese?

@Bensen32 (28620)
United States
February 12, 2026 2:19pm CST
I just made some Shells and Cheese, and I have to say I’m a little disappointed. They tasted just fine, but the issue lies somewhere between the dye at the manufacturer and my boiling pot. I’m not sure I was supposed to get little broken pieces of pasta, I think they are supposed to appear like little shells. The box was undamaged and in good condition, but when I opened it, I noticed they were all broken. I’m not sure if the manufacturer swept up all the broken pieces and threw them in the box, or maybe the stock people in the store were using it as a football getting psyched up for the big game. Either way it was broken good, but I was already committed to having them, so I did. It was fine, a little mushier than normal but that’s alright.
7 people like this
7 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (112502)
• United States
6h
Have you noticed them taking out the dye, and replacing it with turmeric changed the taste in any way? It’s really weird how damaged the shells were.
1 person likes this
DE
@DaddyEvil (167728)
• United States
6h
I wonder if that's the flavor difference Pretty complained about?
1 person likes this
Amber
@AmbiePam (112502)
• United States
6h
@DaddyEvil It could be.
1 person likes this
Sandy
@velvet53 (24323)
• Palisade, Colorado
1h
That is weird. I guess as long as they were good it doesn't matter what shapes the shells are in. After a all, they will be small pieces after eating them. Sorry I couldn't resist that.
RasmaSandra
@RasmaSandra (94178)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4h
I am no longer a big fan of mac and cheese, I used to like it a lot as a kid,
DianneN
@DianneN (248808)
• United States
5h
I would call the manufacturer’s customer service and complain. They would probably ask for information from the box, but most likely would send you a coupon or two for a new box.
NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (126311)
• United States
6h
Very occasionally I get them when I'm in the mood for absolute crap food that reminds me of my teenage years.
Jimlos Tatooth
@Ineeddentures (17493)
•
4h
As long as it was edible , And you didn't mind it being mushier than normal. That's all that counts
DE
@DaddyEvil (167728)
• United States
6h
Pretty used to LOVE the Velveeta Shells and Cheese and would have them a couple of times a week. Then she started complaining about them tasting different and won't buy them at all now. (I don't eat shells and cheese but will eat other types of pasta with cheese. Mom made them too often when I was growing up and I just can't eat them.) If the box was fine, there's no reason for your pasta to be all broken up inside the box. I would have called and ask the company if they had a machine malfunction when that box was made.