Macaroni & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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'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 (Enriched Semolina Wheat Flour [Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg White).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Salad Dressing (Soybean Oil, Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Egg Yolks, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Salt, Mustard), Sweet Relish (Cucumbers, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate [Preservative], Celery Seed, Mustard Seed, Alum, Dehydrated Red Bell Pepper, Natural Flavoring, Turmeric, Dehydrated Onion, Blue 1, Polysorbate 80, Calcium Chloride), Sugar.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.