Five Cheese Bacon Macaroni, Five Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Five Cheese Bacon Macaroni, Five Cheese 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.
• Chemical Preservatives (Natamycin): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.

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 Five Cheese Bacon Macaroni, Five 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.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Pasteurized Whole Milk With Vitamin D3.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Cavatappi Enriched Macaroni Product (Durum Semolina, Water, Ferrous Sulphate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Nisin Preparation (Salt, Nisin [To Inhibit Microbial Growth]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Bacon Pieces (Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite. May Contain Smoke Flavoring).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Beta-Carotene Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.