Macaroni & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Macaroni & Cheese 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 And Sodium Benzoate To Protect Flavor): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Industrial Enzymes (Cheddar Club Cheese{Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes]): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.

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 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 Macaroni (Semolina Whet Flour [Enriched With Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg White).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

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

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.