Macaroni & Cheese Bites Coated in Batter

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Corn Modified Starch, Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Emulsifiers (Mono- And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Cellulose Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Frozen Appetizers, this product is more processed than about 39% of the 4,714 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 Bites Coated in Batter'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.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sauce (Cheese Whey, Water, Palm Oil, Modified Tapioca Starch, Modified Food Starch, Cheddar Cheese [Milk Cultures, Salt, Enzymes]Maltodextrin, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Vinegar, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Mono- And Diglycerides, Phosphoric Acid, Annatto Color, Carotene Color, Paprika Color), Maltodextrin, Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Elbow Macaroni (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina [Enriched With Iron {Ferrous Sulfate} And B Vitamin {Niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid}]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Canola), Sunflower Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid, Lactic Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Leavening (Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Lactate).

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.