Original Macaroni and Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Original Macaroni and 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.
• Other Additives (Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids, 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 Original Macaroni and 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: Enriched Macaroni Product (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Glycerol Monostearate).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

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

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.