Macaroni and Cheese Mix

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Industrial Enzymes (Cheddar Cheese Blend (Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Enzymes), Whey, Buttermilk, Salt, Annatto Extract.)): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 25% 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 and Cheese Mix'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.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Blend (Whey, Maltodextrin, Reduced Lactose Whey, Canola Oil, Cheddar And Blue Cheese (Cultures Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Salt, Disodium Phosphate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Silicon Dioxide.), Disodium 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: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.