Garden Vegetable Ranch Mac

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Garden Vegetable Ranch Mac scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate Added To Protect Flavor): 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 Garden Vegetable Ranch Mac'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 Enriched Ditalini (Durum Wheat Semolina, Ferrous Sulfate [Iron], Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Mayonnaise (Soybean Oil, Water, Egg Yolks, Distilled Vinegar, Contains Less Than 2%: Salt, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Spice, Lemon Juice Concentrate).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.