Shells & Cheese

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Shells & Cheese scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Of: Guar Gum): Industrial stabilizers common in 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 Shells & 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, Salt, Glyceryl Monostearate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, And Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Sauce (Water, Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Soy And/Or Canola Oil, Whey, Non-Fat Dry Milk, Maltodextrin, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Natural Flavors, Color Added (Beta Carotene Solution, Paprika Extract Solution), Lactic Acid, Sodium Alginate, Mono And Diglycerides, Xanthan Gum), Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Acetic Acid Esters Of Mono And Diglycerides.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide To Reduce Caking.

Common in powdered processed foods.