Original Macaroni & Cheese
Processing Score
17.0Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
1/10Poor
The processing score reflects 31 ingredients, including artificial colors, hydrogenated oil, artificial flavoring, plus 4 more we flag. The nutrition score reflects high sodium. It also contains trans fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Sodium
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
041497286782
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size61 g
Amount per serving
Calories
240
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g
6%
Saturated Fat 1.5g
8%
Trans Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol <5mg
2%
Sodium 520mg
23%
Total Carbohydrate 41g
15%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 8g
Calcium 60mg
5%
Iron 0.7mg
4%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
18 listed · 7 flagged for reviewENRICHED MACARONI (WHEAT FLOUR, SALT, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, NIACIN, IRON [FERROUS SULFATE], THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WHEY (FROM MILK), MALTODEXTRIN (FROM CORN), PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SALT, BUTTERMILK, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CASEINATE (FROM MILK), AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, MONOGLYCERIDES, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Original Macaroni & Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
- Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Artificial Colors (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate (From Milk)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients 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 & 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.
- Other AdditivesUPF marker
In this product: Monoglycerides.
Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
- Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator
In this product: Enriched Macaroni (Wheat Flour, Salt, Glyceryl Monostearate, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).
Natural sources but industrial application.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Maltodextrin (From Corn).
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: Sodium Phosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator
In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.
Industrial fermentation for additive production.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Citric Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Titanium Dioxide.
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
No Drain Macaroni Pasta, Rotini
Meijer
1.09.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
No Drain Macaroni Product, Rotini
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1.09.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Organic Cavatappi Macaroni Pasta
1.09.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Organic No Drain Macaroni Pasta, Cavatappi
Meijer
1.09.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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