Mac & Cheese Elbows
Processing Score
8.4Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
4/10Fair
The processing score reflects 28 ingredients, including emulsifiers or gums and natural flavoring. The nutrition score reflects high sodium and saturated fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High SodiumHigh Saturated Fat
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
070038640714
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size78 g
Amount per serving
Calories
250
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g
10%
Saturated Fat 4.5g
23%
Trans Fat N/A
Cholesterol 20mg
7%
Sodium 650mg
28%
Total Carbohydrate 34g
12%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 9g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 100mg
8%
Iron 1.4mg
8%
Potassium 70mg
1%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
18 listed · 6 flagged for reviewORGANIC ELBOWS: ORGANIC DURUM WHEAT SEMOLINA, MILD CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE: ORGANIC CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED ORGANIC MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), WATER, ORGANIC BUTTER (PASTEURIZED ORGANIC SWEET CREAM, SALT), ORGANIC MALTODEXTRIN, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, ORGANIC NONFAT DRY MILK, ORGANIC SOYBEAN OIL, OF: SALT, ORGANIC NATURAL FLAVORS, COLORS ADDED (ORGANIC FRUIT JUICE [ORGANIC PUMPKIN, ORGANIC APPLE], ORGANIC ANNATTO EXTRACT), LACTIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, ORGANIC GUAR GUM, SILICON DIOXIDE, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, ORGANIC CARNAUBA WAX, MIXED TOCOPHEROLS.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Mac & Cheese Elbows scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Natural Flavors (Organic Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Organic Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Other Additives (Organic Carnauba Wax): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 4,145 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 Mac & Cheese Elbows' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Organic Maltodextrin.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Phosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Organic Soybean Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Of: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Colors Added (Organic Fruit Juice [Organic Pumpkin, Organic Apple], Organic Annatto Extract).
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator
In this product: Silicon Dioxide.
Common in powdered processed foods.
- Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator
In this product: Mixed Tocopherols.
Fortification often compensates for processing losses.
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Similar Products
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About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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