Wegmans Combines Mac & Cheese, Ravioli

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Pasta-filled pasta is the latest food innovation sold under Wegmans’ Food You Feel Good About private label. Frozen Mac & Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Cheddar Cheese filling is the brainchild of Wegmans Italian buyer turned product developer Dan Mezzoprete, who set out to combine two comfort foods.

“He knew that kids loved their boxed Mac and Cheese, but also had a strong hunch that there are a lot of adults who ‘secretly’ enjoy it. So with that in mind, why not marry it to another favorite, a ravioli,” wrote Mary Ellen Burris, senior vice president of consumer affairs, in a Fresh Stories blog post.

Mezzoprete had trouble getting internal buy-in until Wegmans President Colleen Wegman suggested he make it a Food You Feel Good About Food with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Mac & Cheese Ravioli is filled with a blend of ricotta, American and cheddar cheeses, has 15 grams of protein and 25% of the daily value for calcium.