Mac 'N Beef

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Mac 'N Beef scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Contains Less Than 2%: High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzyme Modified Romano Cheese (Romano Cheese [Pasteurized Cow'S Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Salt, Disodium Phosphate)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Soup & Chili, this product is more processed than about 64% of the 7,596 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 Mac 'N Beef'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, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.