# Annie's Homegrown Natural Macaroni And Cheese, Four Cheese > 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:** 5.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annies-homegrown-natural-macaroni-and-cheese-four-cheese-550-oz - **Slug:** `annies-homegrown-natural-macaroni-and-cheese-four-cheese-550-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Although it uses recognizable ingredients (organic pasta and cheeses), the product is a packaged convenience formulation that includes industrial additives such as sodium phosphate and silicon dioxide and processed dairy components, fitting NOVA category 4 for ultra-processed foods. ## Review Annie's Homegrown Natural Macaroni & Cheese, Four Cheese (5.5 oz) lives in the dry grocery aisle where shoppers expect convenience meals — often shelved with other boxed mac & cheese, quick pasta dinners, and natural/organic branded convenience foods. In many stores it sits in a natural foods section or next to mainstream pasta mixes, distinguished by Annie's bunny logo and bright, kid-friendly packaging. This product fits weeknight dinners, back-to-school shopping lists, and movie-night or quick-lunch occasions when families want a fast, familiar comfort meal with a perceived healthier twist. Annie's positions itself as a kid-and-family-focused, eco-minded brand: nostalgic comfort framed through an organic and “natural” lens that targets parents who want convenience but are wary of traditional ultra-processed brands. The label leans on organic certification for the pasta, “natural” language, and simple ingredient names listed prominently to foster a wholesome image. In plain processing context, it is a packaged convenience meal made from recognizable ingredients (pasta, cheeses, milk) but also contains food-industry additives and processing aids. Sensory notes: the pasta cooks tender with a creamy, moderately tangy four-cheese sauce that mixes from a packet into a smooth, slightly glossy coating; annatto gives a warm yellow-orange hue and onion/white pepper add subtle savory top notes. Packaging is a cardboard box with inner cheese/seasoning pouch (and sometimes mesh or powder), inviting a small ritual — boiling, draining, stirring in butter and milk — which makes it feel homemade though it is manufactured for convenience. Overall it sits culturally between pantry staple and premium natural convenience food. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Organic ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.2 - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 230 - **Total fat:** 3g (4% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 2g (10% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 460mg (20% DV) - **Total carbs:** 43g (16% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Protein:** 9g ## Ingredients Organic Pasta (Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour), Cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack Cheeses (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Non-Animal Enzymes), Corn Starch, Whey, Ricotta Cheese (Whey, Butter [Pasteurized Cream, Salt], Nonfat Milk, Lactic Acid, Salt), Salt, Nonfat Milk, Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Salt), Cultured Pasteurized Whole Milk, Sodium Phosphate, Annatto Extract (for Color), Onion Powder, White Pepper, Silicon Dioxide (for Anticaking). ## 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 Four Cheese Mac & Cheese healthy? That depends on your definition of healthy! This mac & cheese is organic and avoids artificial sweeteners and preservatives, which is a plus. It’s got a decent amount of protein and fiber for a pasta dish, but keep in mind it’s not exactly a superfood. It’s a great option for a comforting meal, especially if you balance it with veggies on the side. ### Is it vegan? Nope, Annie's Four Cheese Mac & Cheese isn't vegan. It features a blend of cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and ricotta, all of which are dairy-based. So, if you’re looking for a plant-based option, you might want to check out some of the vegan mac & cheese brands available. ### Is it gluten-free? Sorry, but this mac & cheese isn't gluten-free. It contains organic wheat flour and whole grain wheat flour, which means it’s off-limits for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're gluten-free, there are some tasty alternatives out there made with rice or chickpea pasta! ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in Annie's Four Cheese Mac & Cheese. Instead, it sticks to more traditional ingredients like butter and cheese. This can be a relief for those who prefer to avoid seed oils, which are often found in processed foods. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! Annie's Four Cheese Mac & Cheese is free from artificial sweeteners, which is great if you're trying to avoid those. You can enjoy the cheesy goodness without worrying about any hidden sweeteners sneaking in. ### Is it high in sugar? Nope, this mac & cheese is not high in sugar. In fact, it’s low in sugar with only about 3 grams per serving, making it a savory option rather than a sweet one. So, you can enjoy it without the sugar rush! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade mac & cheese with whole grain pasta and lots of veggies mixed in. There are also brands that offer gluten-free, vegan, or lower-calorie options that might suit your needs better. Just remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Annie's Four Cheese Mac & Cheese is a kid-friendly favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and generally a hit with little ones, plus it’s made with organic ingredients which parents often appreciate. Just keep an eye on portion sizes! ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not a weight loss miracle, it can fit into a balanced diet. With 230 calories per serving, it’s not overly heavy, but it’s also not super high in protein or fiber, which can help keep you fuller longer. Pair it with some veggies or a protein source for a more balanced meal! ### Is it ultra-processed? Annie's Four Cheese Mac & Cheese is considered processed, but it's not ultra-processed like some other options out there filled with preservatives and artificial ingredients. It does contain some ingredients that are processed, like cheese and pasta, but many of them are organic and relatively straightforward. It’s all about balance! ## Related products - [Annie Chun's Peanut Sesame Noodle Bowl](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annie-chuns-peanut-sesame-noodle-bowl-870-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/annie-chuns-peanut-sesame-noodle-bowl-870-oz - [Contadina Roma Style Crushed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/contadina-roma-style-crushed-tomatoes-with-italian-herbs-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/contadina-roma-style-crushed-tomatoes-with-italian-herbs-28-oz - [Mott's Mighty Honeycrisp Apple Applesauce, 3.9 Oz Cups, 6 Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/motts-mighty-honeycrisp-apple-applesauce-39-oz-cups-6-pack-2340-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/motts-mighty-honeycrisp-apple-applesauce-39-oz-cups-6-pack-2340-oz - [Pomi USA Inc Sauce, Marinara](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pomi-usa-inc-sauce-marinara-2646-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pomi-usa-inc-sauce-marinara-2646-oz - [Maruchan Instant Lunch, 6 Pack, Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maruchan-instant-lunch-6-pack-chicken-1350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maruchan-instant-lunch-6-pack-chicken-1350-oz - [Del Monte Peas & Carrots](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-peas-carrots-1450-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-peas-carrots-1450-oz - [Nissin Cup Noodle Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-cup-noodle-stir-fry-teriyaki-chicken-3-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-cup-noodle-stir-fry-teriyaki-chicken-3-oz - [Nissin Asian Noodles In Sauce, Fiery Korean Chicken Flavor, Stir Fry 2.96 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-asian-noodles-in-sauce-fiery-korean-chicken-flavor-stir-fry-296-oz-296-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-asian-noodles-in-sauce-fiery-korean-chicken-flavor-stir-fry-296-oz-296-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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