Zatarain's, Alfredo Pasta Dinner Mix

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Zatarain's, Alfredo Pasta Dinner Mix scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Modified Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil): Hydrogenation and modification are UPF markers.
• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.

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 Zatarain's, Alfredo Pasta Dinner Mix'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 (Durum Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).

Natural sources but industrial application.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Romano Cheese Part-Skim Cow'S Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes, Parmesan Cheese Cultured Part-Skim Cow'S Milk, Salt, Enzymes , Nonfat Dry Milk, Granular Cheese Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes , Sodium Phosphate, Spices Including Chili Pepper, Red Pepper, Paprika, Turmeric , Garlic, Yeast Extract, Soy Sauce Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Corn Syrup Solids, Salt , Natural Flavor Including Butter , Disodium Inosinate And Guanylate Flavor Enhancers , Sodium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, Lactose, Blue Cheese Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes , Onion, Extractives Of Paprika And Annatto, And Disodium Inosinate & Guanylate Flavor Enhancers.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.