Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese Dinner 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.
• Other Additives (Propylene Glycol Fatty Acid Esters, Monoglycerides): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Emulsifiers (Mono And Diglycerides): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% 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 Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese Dinner'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.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Macaroni Product: Enriched Flour [ (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Glycerol Monostearate].

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Sauce: [Whey, Maltodextrin, Semisoft Cheese (Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Salt, Palm Oil. Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following: Modified Corn Starch, Corn Syrup Solids, Beet Juice (Color), Annatto Extract (Color), Beta Carotene (Color), Turmeric Oleoresin (Color), Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Calcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Sodium Caseinate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Monoglycerides, Sodium Silicoaluminate], Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Anti-Caking Agent (Calcium Silicate).

Common in powdered processed foods.