Original Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
Processing Score
12.1Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
5.5/10Good
The processing score reflects 37 ingredients, including preservatives, corn syrup, modified ingredients, plus 3 more we flag. The nutrition score reflects high sodium.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Sodium
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
036800036338
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size61 g
Amount per serving
Calories
230
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g
4%
Saturated Fat 2g
10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol <5mg
2%
Sodium 460mg
20%
Total Carbohydrate 42g
15%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 7g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 70mg
5%
Iron 2.1mg
12%
Potassium 180mg
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
27 listed · 10 flagged for reviewENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT: (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON [FERROUS SULFATE], THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), GLYCEROL MONOSTEARATE, CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE: MALTODEXTRIN, WHEY, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, GRANULAR AND CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, NONFAT MILK, PALM OIL, SALT, SODIUM CASEINATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, WITH BEET JUICE, ANNATTO EXTRACT, BETA CAROTENE, TURMERIC OLEORESIN ADDED FOR COLOR, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, CITRIC ACID, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MONOGLYCERIDES, LACTIC ACID, GUAR GUM, TBHQ, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM SILICOALUMINATE, ENZYMES.
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 Microwaveable Macaroni & Cheese Dinner scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Chemical Preservatives (Tbhq): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
- Emulsifiers (Glycerol Monostearate): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Sodium Caseinate): 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 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.
- Natural FlavorsUPF marker
In this product: Natural Flavor.
Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Other AdditivesUPF marker
In this product: Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Monoglycerides, Sodium Silicoaluminate.
Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
- Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker
In this product: Guar Gum.
Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Industrial EnzymesUPF marker
In this product: Enzymes.
Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
- Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator
In this product: Enriched Macaroni Product: (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).
Natural sources but industrial application.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Maltodextrin.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Palm Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
No Drain Macaroni Pasta, Rotini
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1.09.5
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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
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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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