Shells & Cheddar Microwavable Mac & Cheese Dinner

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Shells & Cheddar Microwavable Mac & Cheese Dinner 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 (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 & Cheddar Microwavable Mac & 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 PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Macaroni Product (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing 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, Paprika Extract], Lactic Acid, Sodium Alginate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Xanthan Gum), 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.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.