Original Macaroni Salad

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate To Protect Flavor): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Prepared Salads, this product is more processed than about 43% of the 1,234 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 Salad'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 Wheat Flour [Enriched With Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg White).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Mayonnaise (Soybean Oil, Water, Egg Yolks, Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Calcium Disodium Edta To Protect Flavor).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.