Shells & Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese
Processing Score
5.5Highly Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
6/10Good
The processing score reflects 16 ingredients, including natural flavoring. The nutrition score reflects high sodium.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Sodium
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
085239417218
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size71 g
Amount per serving
Calories
250
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2.5g
3%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg
2%
Sodium 480mg
21%
Total Carbohydrate 50g
18%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 10g
Calcium 100mg
8%
Iron 0.7mg
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
13 listed · 3 flagged for reviewORGANIC PASTA (ORGANIC WHEAT SEMOLINA), WHEY, CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), WHEAT FLOUR, NONFAT DRY MILK, SALT, CORN STARCH, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CULTURED WHOLE MILK, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO EXTRACT, LACTIC ACID.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Highly Processed?
In our analysis, Shells & Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Milk Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
- Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 25% 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 Macaroni & 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.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Phosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Annatto Extract.
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
This product is part of our wider analysis. It features in our Colby Jack vs Cheddar Cheese, American Cheese vs Cheddar, and Tropicana vs Simply Orange comparisons.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
No Drain Macaroni Pasta, Rotini
Meijer
1.09.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
No Drain Macaroni Product, Rotini
Meijer
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
Meijer
1.09.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
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Same category, at a similar Processing level.
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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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