Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.

Within Prepared Entrees, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 6,999 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 Homestyle 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: Cooked Enriched Macaroni (Durum Wheat Semolina [Enriched With Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg White), Yellow Color (Water, Propylene Glycol, Yellow 5, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate [Preservative]).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine (Liquid And Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Water, Salt, Contains Less Than 2% Of Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Extract Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.