Beefy Macaroni in Tomato Sauce

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Beefy Macaroni in Tomato Sauce scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Less Than 2% Of: High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Proteins (Textured Vegetable Protein (Soy Flour, Caramel Color)): Extensive modification indicates UPF.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzyme Modified Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Sodium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Natural Flavors (Flavorings): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Soup & Chili, this product is more processed than about 64% of the 7,596 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Beefy Macaroni in Tomato Sauce's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.