# Annie's Homegrown Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner, Shells & Aged Cheddar > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Annie's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 11 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annies-homegrown-creamy-deluxe-macaroni-dinner-shells-aged-cheddar-11-oz - **Slug:** `annies-homegrown-creamy-deluxe-macaroni-dinner-shells-aged-cheddar-11-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains processed cheese components, emulsifiers and thickeners (sodium phosphate, xanthan gum, sodium alginate), and 'natural flavor'—formulations and additives characteristic of ultra-processed foods. ## Review Annie's Homegrown Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner, Shells & Aged Cheddar is an 11-ounce boxed pasta meal that reads like a bridge between convenience and “better-for-you” pantry staples. You’ll typically find it in the dry goods/pasta aisle or a natural foods bay, shelved near other boxed macaroni-and-cheese offerings and organic pasta brands rather than next to frozen dinners. It’s pitched for quick family dinners, school-night plates, or a nostalgic solo meal in a college dorm. The Annie’s brand leans into wholesome, family-friendly imagery — the signature rabbit logo, warm orange packaging and language about organic ingredients position it as a premium, parent-approved alternative to mainstream boxed mac & cheese. Labels emphasize organic components (organic pasta, organic whey, organic nonfat milk, organic annatto) and use kid-friendly design elements, creating a health halo that suggests naturalness even though the product contains functional additives. In plain terms the product is a processed, shelf-stable boxed dinner that combines pasta with a prepared cheese sauce mix and stabilizers. Sensory-wise expect tender shell pasta coated in a smooth, creamy, slightly tangy cheddar sauce with a velvety mouthfeel from emulsifiers and gums; the shells hold sauce in their curves, making each bite saucy and comforting. Packaging is a small cardboard box designed for quick storage and fast prep, making the ritual of boiling, stirring and serving familiar to many American households. It commonly appears in weeknight rotations, packed lunches, and easy family comfort meals where speed and a consistent kid-friendly flavor are priorities. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Organic ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 3.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 3 - **Calories:** 320 - **Total fat:** 9g (12% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 5g (25% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 25mg (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 760mg (33% DV) - **Total carbs:** 48g (17% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 4g (14% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 11g ## Ingredients Organic Pasta (Organic Wheat Flour), Water, Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Non-Animal Enzymes), Organic Whey, Cream, Organic Nonfat Milk, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Natural Flavor, Sodium Alginate, Lactic Acid, Organic Annatto Extract (for Color), Xanthan Gum. ## Flagged ingredients - **Organic Annatto Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, weeknight-dinner - **Vibes:** nostalgic, wholesome, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner healthy? The Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner is organic and has a decent protein content at 11 grams per serving, which can be a plus for a quick meal. However, it does contain 760 mg of sodium, so if you're watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. Healthy can mean different things to different people, and this is a tasty comfort food option rather than a superfood. ### Is the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese is not vegan. It contains cheddar cheese and dairy products like cream and nonfat milk, which are definitely off the table for a vegan diet. If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, there are some great vegan mac and cheese brands out there! ### Is the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner gluten-free? Sadly, it’s not gluten-free. The organic pasta is made from wheat flour, which means it’s a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're gluten-free, you might want to check out brands that specifically cater to that need. ### Does the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in this mac and cheese. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, focusing on cheese and organic ingredients rather than the more controversial oils that sometimes sneak into processed foods. It’s nice to see a product that keeps it simple! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners to be found here! The Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner sticks to natural flavors without the need for any synthetic sweetening agents. It’s nice to know that you’re getting a straightforward taste without any sneaky additives. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This mac and cheese has only 4 grams of total sugars, which is quite low for a packaged meal. So if you're concerned about sugar intake, you can enjoy this without guilt—just don't expect it to be a dessert! ### What are healthier alternatives to the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider whole grain or legume-based pasta options, which often have more fiber and protein. There are also brands that make mac and cheese with added veggies or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It really depends on what you’re aiming for in terms of nutrition! ### Can kids eat the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner? Absolutely! Kids usually love mac and cheese, and this one has a creamy texture and cheesy flavor that's sure to please. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially with the sodium content, and pair it with some veggies for a more balanced meal. ### Is it good for weight loss? While the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner can fit into a balanced diet, it’s not specifically designed for weight loss. It’s relatively high in calories for a quick meal, so if you’re counting calories, you might want to enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a staple. Balance is key! ### Is the Creamy Deluxe Macaroni Dinner ultra-processed? It's a bit of a gray area! While it contains processed ingredients like cheese and pasta, it doesn't have the long list of additives and preservatives that you'd find in some ultra-processed foods. So, while it’s not raw or homemade, it’s not the worst when it comes to processed options either! ## Related products - [Del Monte Diced Peach No Sugar Added 4 pk](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-diced-peach-no-sugar-added-4-pk-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-diced-peach-no-sugar-added-4-pk-15-oz - [Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/santa-cruz-organic-apple-sauce-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/santa-cruz-organic-apple-sauce-24-oz - [Nissin Hot&Spicy Fire Wok-Szechuan Beef](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-hotspicy-fire-wok-szechuan-beef-310-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-hotspicy-fire-wok-szechuan-beef-310-oz - [Del Monte Sliced Beets](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-sliced-beets-825-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-sliced-beets-825-oz - [Aunt Nellies Beets & Onions Pickled](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aunt-nellies-nellies-beets-onions-pickled-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/aunt-nellies-nellies-beets-onions-pickled-15-oz - [Chef Boyardee Microwavable Bowl, Lasagna](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chef-boyardee-microwavable-bowl-lasagna-750-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chef-boyardee-microwavable-bowl-lasagna-750-oz - [Bumble Bee Premium Select Chub Mackerel](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-premium-select-chub-mackerel-15-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-premium-select-chub-mackerel-15-oz - [Mike's Mighty Good Ramen Cup Soup, Vegetable](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-vegetable-190-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-vegetable-190-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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