Mac N Cheddar Salad, Mac N Cheddar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Flavoring (Yeast Extract, Salt)): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Prepared Salads, this product is more processed than about 43% of the 1,234 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 Cheddar Salad, Mac N Cheddar'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 (Semolina, Egg White, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sour Cream (Milk, Cream, Sugar, Whey, Modified Corn Starch, Sodium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Sodium Citrate, Locust Bean Gum, Bacterial Culture, Potassium Sorbate [Preservative]), Sugar, Flavoring (Dextrose, Salt, Onion Powder, Disodium Inosinate).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Soybean Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.