Macaroni & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.

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 Macaroni & 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: Enriched Macaroni Product (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

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: Color Added (Beta Carotene, Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide To Reduce Caking.

Common in powdered processed foods.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.