Cheesy Shells
Processing Score
16.4Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
—/10No Data
The processing score reflects 45 ingredients, including artificial colors, MSG, preservatives, plus 4 more we flag. The nutrition score reflects high sodium.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein SourceGood Fiber Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Sodium
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
041220672820
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size38 g
Amount per serving
Calories
140
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g
4%
Saturated Fat 1.5g
8%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol <5mg
2%
Sodium 620mg
27%
Total Carbohydrate 25g
9%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 4g
Calcium 40mg
3%
Iron 0.7mg
4%
Potassium 100mg
2%
* 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
22 listed · 10 flagged for reviewENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (DURUM FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON [FERROUS SULFATE], THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBIFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WHEY, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, ENZYMES MODIFIED CHEDDAR CHEESE AND BUTTER (CHEDDAR CHEESE [MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], BUTTER [CREAM, SALT, COLOR (ANNATTO EXTRACT)]CHEESE CULTURE, ENZYMES), CORN STARCH, SALT, PALM OIL, OF: BUTTERMILK, BLUE CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SLAT, ENZYMES), MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, SUGAR, LACTIC ACID, CODIUM PHAOSPHATE, SODIUM CASEINATE, REDUCED-LACTOSE WHEY, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 5 LAKE, YELLOW6, CITRIC ACID, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, EMULSIFIER (MONOGLYCERIDES), GUAR GUM, PRESERVATIVES (TBHQ), SODIUM SILICOALUMINATE.
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, Cheesy Shells scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
- Industrial Enzymes (Enzymes Modified Cheddar Cheese And Butter (Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Butter [Cream, Salt, Color (Annatto Extract)]Cheese Culture, Enzymes)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
- Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
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 Cheesy 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.
- Other AdditivesUPF marker
In this product: Emulsifier (Monoglycerides), Sodium Silicoaluminate.
Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
- Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker
In this product: Guar Gum.
Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator
In this product: Enriched Macaroni Product (Durum Flour, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamin Mononitrate, Ribiflavin, Folic Acid), Preservatives (Tbhq).
Natural sources but industrial application.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Palm Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Sugar.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Dipotassium Phosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
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1.09.5
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Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
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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