# Annie's Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese, Real Aged Cheddar Cup > 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:** 2.01 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annies-homegrown-macaroni-cheese-real-aged-cheddar-cup-201-oz - **Slug:** `annies-homegrown-macaroni-cheese-real-aged-cheddar-cup-201-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially formulated ingredients (processed cheese preparations, emulsifiers like sodium phosphate, anticaking agents, natural flavors) and is a ready-to-heat multi-ingredient product, which fits the ultra-processed category. ## Review Annie's Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese Real Aged Cheddar Cup is a single-serve, shelf-stable convenience meal you’ll recognize from bright, kid-friendly packaging carrying the signature Annie’s bunny and organic claims. On grocery shelves it lives in the center-store boxed-meals or instant-pasta aisle, often grouped with other microwave cups and family mac & cheese boxes, and sometimes bunched in a natural/organic section alongside other organic convenience foods. Shoppers reach for it on quick runs for school lunches, late-night snacks, or as a simple side for hurried weeknight dinners. Brand positioning leans into wholesome nostalgia — an alternative to mainstream processed mac & cheese that emphasizes organic pasta, “real aged cheddar,” and a playful, family-oriented identity aimed at young families and busy caregivers seeking perceived healthier convenience. Labels feature organic certifications on the pasta ingredient, “real cheddar” wording, and natural-sounding claims while retaining bright, child-friendly graphics that communicate comfort and approachability. Processing context: this is a factory-made, multi-ingredient convenience product — more processed than homemade macaroni and cheese but marketed to feel natural and familiar. Sensory details deliver a creamy, saucy mouthfeel with tender elbow pasta and a smooth cheese sauce that’s slightly tangy from cultured dairy; powdered or processed cheese notes might be detectable compared with fresh cheese sauces. Packaging is a disposable plastic/foil cup designed for microwave preparation or hot water reconstitution, reinforcing a quick ritual — open, heat, stir, and eat straight from the cup. The eating experience is portable, informal and centered on speed and familiarity rather than artisanal nuance. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Organic ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 220 - **Total fat:** 5g (6% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 440mg (19% DV) - **Total carbs:** 37g (13% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Protein:** 7g ## Ingredients Organic Pasta (Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour), Dried Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Non-Animal Enzymes), Tapioca Starch, Corn Starch, Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Salt), Nonfat Milk, Salt Coconut Oil, Whey, Organic Coconut Oil, Potassium Chloride, Sunflower Lecithin, Cultured Whole Milk, Annatto Extract (for Color), Cultured Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Vinegar, Silicon Dioxide (for Anticaking). ## Flagged ingredients - **Sunflower** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Annatto Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Annie's Macaroni & Cheese healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people! While Annie's Mac & Cheese offers organic ingredients and is free from added sugars, it's not exactly a superfood. With 220 calories per cup and a moderate amount of sodium, it's a tasty option for a quick meal, but maybe not the best choice if you're looking for a nutrient powerhouse. ### Is it vegan? Nope, this Mac & Cheese is not vegan. It contains dried cheddar cheese and butter, both of which are dairy products. So, if you’re steering clear of animal products, you might want to look for a plant-based alternative instead. ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, Annie's Mac & Cheese is not gluten-free. The organic pasta is made from wheat flour and whole grain wheat flour, which means it contains gluten. If you need to avoid gluten, there are some great gluten-free mac and cheese options available out there! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain some seed oils! Specifically, it has coconut oil, which is a popular choice for its creamy texture and flavor. While some folks like to avoid seed oils for various reasons, coconut oil is generally considered a more wholesome option compared to others. Just keep in mind it’s not a fat-free food! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in this Mac & Cheese! So you can enjoy the cheesy goodness without worrying about any hidden sweeteners. It’s pretty straightforward in that department! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! Annie's Mac & Cheese is low in sugar, with just 2 grams per serving and no added sugars. So, if you're looking for a savory dish without the sweet stuff, this one fits the bill. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're searching for healthier alternatives, consider options made with whole grains or those fortified with veggies and proteins. Brands like Banza offer chickpea-based pasta, which boosts the fiber and protein content. You could also try making a homemade version with whole grain noodles and a cheese sauce made from nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Annie's Mac & Cheese is a kid-friendly favorite, and its familiar cheesy flavor is often a hit with the little ones. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you're watching sodium intake, and feel free to sneak in some veggies on the side for a balanced meal! ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not a weight-loss miracle, Annie's Mac & Cheese can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. With 220 calories and a decent amount of protein, it can be a satisfying option. Just consider pairing it with a side of veggies or a lean protein to round out your meal! ### Is it ultra-processed? Annie's Mac & Cheese falls into the category of processed foods, but it’s not ultra-processed in the way some fast foods are. It contains recognizable ingredients and avoids a long list of preservatives or artificial additives. Still, it’s worth enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple! ## Related products - [Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starkist-chunk-light-tuna-in-water-20-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/starkist-chunk-light-tuna-in-water-20-oz - [Del Monte 100% Juice, Pineapple Slices](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-100-juice-pineapple-slices-20-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-100-juice-pineapple-slices-20-oz - [Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Deluxe Original](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-macaroni-cheese-deluxe-original-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kraft-macaroni-cheese-deluxe-original-14-oz - [Starkist Gourmet Selects Tuna, Mediterranean Style](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starkist-gourmet-selects-tuna-mediterranean-style-260-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/starkist-gourmet-selects-tuna-mediterranean-style-260-oz - [Libby's Diced Peaches](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/libbys-diced-peaches-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/libbys-diced-peaches-16-oz - [Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Classic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/suddenly-betty-crocker-suddenly-salad-classic-775-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/suddenly-betty-crocker-suddenly-salad-classic-775-oz - [Mike's Mighty Good Ramen Cup Soup, Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-chicken-160-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-chicken-160-oz - [Dr. McDougall's Pad Thai Asian Noodles](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dr-mcdougalls-dr-mcdougalls-pad-thai-asian-noodles-2-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dr-mcdougalls-dr-mcdougalls-pad-thai-asian-noodles-2-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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