Classic Mac & Cheese
Processing Score
11.6Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
2/10Poor
The processing score reflects 53 ingredients, including modified ingredients, emulsifiers or gums and natural flavoring. The nutrition score reflects high saturated fat. It also contains trans fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Saturated Fat
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
078742248592
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size249 g
Amount per serving
Calories
420
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g
31%
Saturated Fat 13g
65%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 70mg
23%
Sodium 1230mg
53%
Total Carbohydrate 38g
14%
Dietary Fiber 2g
7%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 14g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 250mg
19%
Iron 2mg
11%
Potassium 70mg
1%
* 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
14 listed · 7 flagged for reviewMACARONI AND CHEESE: WATER, CREAM REPLACER (CREAM, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, XANTHAN GUM, NATURAL FLAVOR), PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE SPREAD (AMERICAN CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, WHEY, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF MILKFAT, SALT, SODIUM ALGINATE, LACTIC ACID, [BETA]-APO-8'-CAROTENAL [COLOR]), MACARONI (SEMOLINA [WHEAT], EGG WHITES, NIACIN, IRON [FERROUS SULFATE], THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN OIL, CHEDDAR CHEESE INGREDIENT (CHEDDAR CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE), MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, SALT, NATURAL BLUE CHEESE FLAVOR (NATURAL FLAVORS, WATER, SALT, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, XANTHAN GUM), XANTHAN GUM, STABILIZER BLEND (SODIUM POLYPHOSPHATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE), LACTIC ACID BLEND (LACTIC ACID, CALCIUM LACTATE). CRISPY BREAD CRUMBS: BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, CANE SUGAR, YEAST.
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, Classic Mac & Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Other Additives (Stabilizer Blend (Sodium Polyphosphate, Sodium Phosphate)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
Within Frozen Dinners, this product is more processed than about 37% of the 5,358 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 Classic Mac & 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: Macaroni (Semolina [Wheat], Egg Whites, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).
Natural sources but industrial application.
- 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.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid Blend (Lactic Acid, Calcium Lactate). Crispy Bread Crumbs: Bleached Wheat Flour.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Cane Sugar.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator
In this product: Yeast.
Industrial fermentation for additive production.
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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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