# Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese, Organic, Shells and Real 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:** 6 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annies-homegrown-macaroni-and-cheese-organic-shells-and-real-aged-cheddar-6-oz - **Slug:** `annies-homegrown-macaroni-and-cheese-organic-shells-and-real-aged-cheddar-6-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This boxed mac & cheese contains industrially formulated components (dried cheese mix, emulsifiers like sodium phosphate, anticaking agents) and is a packaged ready-to-prepare convenience product, fitting the ultra-processed foods category. ## Review Annie's Homegrown Organic Shells & Real Aged Cheddar is the kind of boxed dinner you’ll find tucked in the natural/organic or pasta aisle, shelved alongside other Annie’s varieties and family-friendly boxed meals. It often sits near organic pastas, co-branded snacks, and other convenient weeknight solutions rather than with refrigerated prepared foods. Shoppers pick it up on quick grocery runs for back-to-school lunches, busy weeknight dinners, or as a comforting staple for movie nights and simple gatherings. The brand positions itself as a wholesome, family-oriented alternative to mainstream convenience foods — the smiling bunny logo, soft pastel box art, and “organic” and “real aged cheddar” claims signal trustworthiness to parents seeking cleaner labels for kids without sacrificing ease. Labels emphasize USDA Organic, “real” cheese, and minimal artificial claims, creating a health-halo that feels natural and kid-friendly. In plain terms, this product is a packaged convenience meal: pasta made from organic wheat with a powdered cheese mix and small technical additives for texture and shelf stability. Sensory expectations are straightforward — small shell pasta that cooks tender, a creamy, slightly tangy orange cheese sauce when mixed with milk and butter, and a smooth, saucy mouthfeel rather than a chunky texture. The 6 oz cardboard box contains the ritual of boiling, draining, and stirring in the cheese mix, often a quick hands-on meal that invites kids to help. It’s a comforting, convenient pantry classic positioned at the intersection of nostalgia and modern organic marketing. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Organic ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 260 - **Total fat:** 3.5g (4% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 2g (10% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 550mg (24% DV) - **Total carbs:** 49g (18% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 9g ## Ingredients Organic Pasta (Organic Wheat Flour), Dried Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Non-Animal Enzymes), Whey, Salt, Corn Starch, Sodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide (for Anticaking), Lactic Acid, Annatto Extract (for Color). ## Flagged ingredients - **Annatto Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, weeknight-dinner - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient, wholesome ## FAQ ### Is Annie's mac and cheese healthy? Well, it depends on what you mean by 'healthy.' Annie's mac and cheese is organic and made with real cheese, which is a plus! However, it does contain sodium and isn’t particularly high in protein or fiber. So, if you’re looking for a quick comfort meal, it fits the bill, but it might not be your go-to for a nutrient-dense dinner. ### Is it vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese is not vegan. It contains dried cheddar cheese and whey, both of which are dairy products. So, if you’re avoiding animal products, you might want to explore some plant-based alternatives instead! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, Annie's mac and cheese is not gluten-free. The pasta is made from organic wheat flour, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, there are some great brands out there that cater specifically to that need. ### Does it contain seed oils? No, there are no seed oils in this mac and cheese. It keeps things pretty straightforward with its ingredients, focusing on organic pasta and real cheese. So, if you’re avoiding seed oils, you can rest easy with this one! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in Annie's mac and cheese. It’s pretty straightforward in terms of sweetness, relying on the natural flavors of cheese rather than any added sweeteners. So you can savor that cheesy goodness without any hidden surprises! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! Annie's mac and cheese has just 4 grams of total sugars per serving, which is quite low. Plus, there are no added sugars, so you’re not getting any sneaky sweetness here. It's definitely not a dessert, just a comforting cheesy meal! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider brands that offer higher protein or fiber content, or even gluten-free options made with chickpea or lentil pasta. You could also whip up your own mac and cheese at home using whole grain pasta and a blend of cheeses for a more nutritious twist. It’s all about what fits your dietary needs and preferences! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids usually love the cheesy flavor and fun shell shape of Annie's mac and cheese. Just keep in mind that it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, maybe paired with some veggies or a side salad to round things out! ### Is it good for weight loss? It can definitely fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation! With 260 calories per serving, it’s not overly high in calories, but it’s not a high-protein or high-fiber option either, which can help with feeling full. Pairing it with some protein or vegetables could make it a more satisfying meal! ### Is it ultra-processed? While Annie's mac and cheese is certainly processed, it's not as ultra-processed as some other convenience foods might be. It contains recognizable ingredients like organic pasta and real cheese, but it does have some additives like sodium phosphate for texture. So, it falls somewhere in the middle of the processed spectrum! ## Related products - [Genova Albacore Tuna In Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/genova-albacore-tuna-in-water-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/genova-albacore-tuna-in-water-5-oz - [Nissin Cup Noodles, Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-cup-noodles-chicken-ramen-noodle-soup-225-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-cup-noodles-chicken-ramen-noodle-soup-225-oz - [Del Monte Fresh Cut Whole Kernel Corn Golden Sweet](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-fresh-cut-whole-kernel-corn-golden-sweet-1525-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-fresh-cut-whole-kernel-corn-golden-sweet-1525-oz - [Mott's Applesauce, Original](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/motts-applesauce-original-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/motts-applesauce-original-24-oz - [Green Giant Whole Kernel Corn](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-whole-kernel-corn-1525-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-giant-whole-kernel-corn-1525-oz - [Campbell's Picnic Style Pork Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/campbells-campbells-picnic-style-pork-beans-1480-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/campbells-campbells-picnic-style-pork-beans-1480-oz - [Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Solid White Albacore in Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-prime-fillet-solid-white-albacore-in-water-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-prime-fillet-solid-white-albacore-in-water-5-oz - [Hunt's Diced Tomatoes, Basil Garlic & Oregano](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hunts-diced-tomatoes-basil-garlic-oregano-1450-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hunts-diced-tomatoes-basil-garlic-oregano-1450-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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