Sharp Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Sharp Cheddar

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Cornstarch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Other Additives (Acetylated Monoglycerides, Medium Chain Triglycerides): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

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 Sharp Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Sharp Cheddar'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, Glycerol Monostearate, Niacin, Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Cheese Sauce (Whey, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Color)], Canola Oil, Contains Less Than 2% Of Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Milk, Skim Milk, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid [Preservative], Sodium Alginate, Oleoresin Paprika [Color], Cheese Culture, Annatto Extract [Color], Enzymes).

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.