Great Value, Macaroni & Cheese, Original

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Great Value, Macaroni & Cheese, Original 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.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 4,145 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 Great Value, Macaroni & Cheese, Original'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 Macaroni (Wheat Flour, Durum Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Reduced Iron, Disodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.