Macaroni and Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Industrial Enzymes (American And Swiss And Enzyme Modified Cheeses (Part Skim And Whole Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan And Guar Gums): 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 and 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 Enriched Macaroni (Water, Semolina Wheat [Wheat, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto And B-Apo-8 Carotenol.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.