Macaroni Salad

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Other Additives (Sodium Diacetate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum (As A Thickener)): 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 Macaroni Salad'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: Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate. Thiamine Mononitrate. Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dressing (Soybean Oil, Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Water. 'Egg Yolks, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Mustard Flour, Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, Calcium Disodium Edta [ Preservative]), Sugar, Carrots. Pickle Relish (Cucumbers, Corn Syrups, Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Peppers, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate [ Preservative], Calcium Chloride. Spices, Natural Flavors, Polysorbate 80).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Lactate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.