Key findings
- 1Kraft's cheese powder is dairy fractionation in reverse; cheese is broken into components and reassembled with emulsifying salts
- 2Of the 352 Kraft Mac & Cheese products we score, 111 are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 123 are Level 2
- 3Less processed alternatives include mac and cheese made with real block cheese melted into a roux (butter, flour, milk), a short list of recognizable ingredients
What goes into Kraft Mac & Cheese products?
The cheese powder in Kraft Mac & Cheese is not simply dried cheese; it is a reconstructed dairy product. Real cheese is separated into its fractions (whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milkfat), then reassembled with emulsifying salts (sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium phosphates) that prevent the proteins from clumping when hydrated. Depending on the variety, the color comes from paprika extract, annatto and turmeric, or from Yellow 5 and Yellow 6; the label says which. The enriched wheat flour in the pasta carries added iron, B vitamins and folic acid, as federal enrichment rules require.
How 352 kraft mac & cheese products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Kraft Mac & Cheese brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a Kraft Mac & Cheese label
- 1
The cheese powder lists dairy fractions (whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate) before any actual cheese; it is reconstructed, not simply dried
- 2
Sodium tripolyphosphate is an emulsifying salt that prevents proteins from clumping when the cheese powder is hydrated
- 3
Varieties differ on color: some use paprika extract, annatto and turmeric, others Yellow 5 and Yellow 6; check the box you are holding
- 4
Enriched flour contains added vitamins and minerals; the enrichment itself adds processing steps beyond simple milling
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Frequently asked questions
What is in Kraft Mac & Cheese powder?
The powder contains whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, sodium tripolyphosphate (an emulsifier), citric acid, and a colorant: paprika extract, annatto and turmeric in some varieties, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 in others. It is reconstituted dairy fractions, not dried cheese.
Does Kraft Mac & Cheese contain artificial dyes?
It depends on the variety. Some boxes are colored with paprika extract, annatto and turmeric; others list Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Both keep the same emulsifying salts and dairy fractions, so check the ingredient list on the box.
Is homemade mac and cheese less processed?
Yes. Homemade mac and cheese using pasta, butter, flour, milk, and real cheese is a short list of recognizable ingredients. Kraft Mac & Cheese products list many ingredients, including industrial emulsifying salts.
Why is Kraft Mac & Cheese so orange?
The color comes from added colorants: paprika extract, annatto and turmeric in some varieties, Yellow 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (sunset yellow) in others. Real cheddar cheese does not produce this color intensity.