Chef Boyardee Macaroni and Cheese, 15 Oz

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Chef Boyardee Macaroni and Cheese, 15 Oz scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

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 Chef Boyardee Macaroni and Cheese, 15 Oz'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, Wheat Protein Isolate [Wheat Gluten, Phosphate, Lactic Acid], Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Flavor (Dehydrated Blend Of Whey, Granular And Blue Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine (Liquid Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Water, Salt, Vegetable Monoglycerides And Soy Lecithin [Emulsifiers], Nonfat Dry Milk, Cultured Nonfat Dry Milk, Vitamin A Palmitate, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Colored With Beta Carotene).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.