Welcome to the first installment of a new feature on The Product: Mac & Cheese Monday. The concept is simple: Every Monday, I will post a review of a different brand and/or type of macaroni & cheese.

Here are the rules. The mac & cheese must be prepared precisely according to the instructions on the box. In the event that there are several sets of instructions, such as "light" preparations or "extra flavor" preparations, we will adhere to the standard preparation. No adjuncts such as hot dogs or peas will be allowed.

OK, let's get on with the review.

Shoppers Value Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
Price: 44¢
Additives: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup 2% milk
Synopsis: Bland, but rather nice

When conducting any experiment, there is always the potential for human error. Such was the case while preparing this particular boxed meal. While I was boiling the water, the phone rang. I continued talking while adding the noodles to the water, but then I lost track of time. The noodles were overcooked, as opposed to the al dente texture I prefer. Undaunted, however, I continued to make the meal.

The cheese flavor of Shoppers Value leaves a lot to be desired. It's fairly bland compared to what I was expecting. However, here is where the human error turns into a "happy accident." The ultra-soft noodles, in combination with the buttery, bland flavor made for a very soothing meal. This was pure comfort food, and its psychological effect was noticable. This wasn't a crazy duck in sunglasses surfing on a tidal wave of cheese. This was naptime in a bowl, and I enjoyed it.

Fourty-four cents well spent. I give Shoppers Value a thumbs-up.