Macaroni & Cheese, Original
Processing Score
15.4Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
—/10No Data
The processing score reflects 63 ingredients, including ingredients listed as artificial, modified ingredients, enriched flour or grain, plus 2 more we flag.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
018894317524
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size225 g
Amount per serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g
22%
Saturated Fat 10g
50%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 45mg
15%
Sodium 810mg
35%
Total Carbohydrate 32g
12%
Dietary Fiber 2g
7%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 17g
Calcium 300mg
23%
Iron 1.4mg
8%
* 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
14 listed · 10 flagged for reviewCOOKED MACARONI (DURUM SEMOLINA ENRICHED WITH NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN AND FOLIC ACID), REDUCED FAT MILK, WATER, CHEDDAR CLUB CHEESE [CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), ENZYME MODIFIED CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, MILKFAT, SALT, CHEESE CULTURE, ENZYMES), WATER, SALT, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA (COLOR), APOCAROTENAL (COLOR)], CHEDDAR CHEESE [CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), WATER, MILKFAT, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, LACTIC ACID, SALT, APOCAROTENAL (COLOR)], FLOUR (BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), MARGARINE (SOYBEAN OIL, PALM OIL, PALM KERNEL OIL, WATER, SALT, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SOYBEAN LECITHIN, ARTIFICIAL BUTTER FLAVOR, BETA CAROTENE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE), SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, MALTODEXTRIN, XANTHAN GUM, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, LACTIC ACID, ANNATTO.
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, Macaroni & Cheese, Original scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Industrial Enzymes (Cheddar Cheese [Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Water, Milkfat, Sodium Phosphates, Lactic Acid, Salt, Apocarotenal (Color)]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
- Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
Within Frozen Dinners, this product is more processed than about 37% of the 5,358 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 Macaroni & Cheese, Original'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: Cooked Macaroni (Durum Semolina Enriched With Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin And Folic Acid).
Natural sources but industrial application.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Cheddar Club Cheese [Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Enzyme Modified Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Water, Sodium Phosphate, Milkfat, Salt, Cheese Culture, Enzymes), Water, Salt, Oleoresin Paprika (Color), Apocarotenal (Color)], Potassium Chloride.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Margarine (Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Water, Salt, Mono And Diglycerides, Soybean Lecithin, Artificial Butter Flavor, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate).
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Maltodextrin.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Annatto.
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
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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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