Canada leads the world in macaroni-and-cheese consumption per person, especially through the boxed product known there as Kraft Dinner, or “KD.” Canadians consume about 55% more Kraft mac and cheese per capita than Americans, making Canada the canonical answer to this trivia question.
Kraft Dinner became deeply rooted in Canadian households after Kraft introduced its boxed macaroni and cheese during the Great Depression. Its low price, long shelf life, and simple preparation made it especially attractive during World War II, when food rationing and limited household budgets encouraged inexpensive pantry meals.
The dish is not uniquely Canadian: macaroni and cheese has European roots, and the United States has a strong tradition of homemade and boxed versions. The common mix-up comes from confusing total consumption with per-capita consumption. The United States eats more in total because its population is much larger, but Canada consumes more per person.
In Canada, “Kraft Dinner” is more than a brand name—it is a familiar cultural staple and is often treated as an unofficial comfort-food classic. Kraft’s Canadian product is marketed as Kraft Dinner, while the same product is generally called Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the United States and several other markets.