Mac & Cheese Shells

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Mac & Cheese Shells scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Organic Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Organic Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• 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 Shells' 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.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Organic Fruit Juice [Organic Pumpkin, Organic Apple], Organic Annatto Extract, Colors Added Dioxide.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon 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.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Mixed Tocopherols.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.