# Annie's Macaroni & 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:** 6 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annies-macaroni-cheese-6-oz - **Slug:** `annies-macaroni-cheese-6-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Although it uses organic ingredients, the product is a packaged convenience item containing additives (sodium phosphate, silicon dioxide) and industrially processed cheese components, fitting NOVA group 4 as an ultra-processed food. ## Review Annie's Macaroni & Cheese (6 oz) reads like a familiar aisle favorite with an organic twist: you’ll spot the bright, bunny-branded box on the center-store pasta and boxed-meals shelf, often shelved near other macaroni-and-cheese varieties and alongside organic convenience items. It’s the kind of product shoppers grab during a quick weekly run—parents stocking back-to-school lunches, busy households planning a fast weeknight dinner, or someone assembling a comforting side for a potluck. Annie’s positions itself as a kinder, more natural alternative to classic boxed mac & cheese, leaning into organic certification, simple-sounding ingredients, and playful kid-focused branding to appeal to families who want convenience without an overly industrial image. The label highlights “organic pasta” and features child-friendly graphics and a recognizable rabbit logo, creating a health-halo effect even as the package still promises instant comfort. In plain terms, this is a processed, shelf-stable convenience product: dried pasta and a cheese component formulated for long shelf life and easy preparation, with minor additives like sodium phosphate and silicon dioxide to ensure texture and flow. Sensory notes: the pasta cooks to a soft, pillowy bite and the reconstituted cheese yields a creamy, slightly tangy cheddar sauce with a smooth, coating texture rather than the melt of fresh cheese. Typical use is ritualistically simple—boil, drain, stir in the cheese packet (sometimes with milk or butter), and serve in a bowl or plate where familiarity and speed trump culinary fuss. It sits squarely in American grocery culture as a nostalgic, practical comfort food that bridges convenience and perceived naturalness. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Organic ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.4 - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 250 - **Total fat:** 3.5g (4% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 520mg (23% DV) - **Total carbs:** 46g (17% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 9g ## Ingredients Organic Pasta (Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour), Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Non-Animal Enzymes), Whey, Salt, Corn Starch, Sodium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Silicon Dioxide (for Anticaking). ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient, wholesome ## FAQ ### Is Annie's Mac & Cheese healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! Annie's Mac & Cheese is made with organic ingredients, which is a win for those looking to avoid pesticides. It's not exactly a superfood, but it can fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with some veggies on the side. ### Is Annie's Mac & Cheese vegan? Unfortunately, no, Annie's Mac & Cheese isn't vegan. It contains cheddar cheese, which is a dairy product. So if you're avoiding all animal products, you might want to look for a dedicated vegan mac alternative. ### Is it gluten-free? Nope, this mac & cheese is not gluten-free. It contains organic wheat flour and whole grain wheat flour, so it's definitely a no-go if you're sensitive to gluten. If you're on a gluten-free diet, there are some great alternatives out there that use rice or chickpea pasta! ### Does it contain seed oils? Great news here: Annie's Mac & Cheese does not contain any seed oils! Instead, it sticks to more straightforward ingredients like cheddar cheese and organic pasta. This means you won't find any canola or soybean oil lurking in the mix, which is a plus for many folks. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners in this mac & cheese! It keeps things simple, relying on natural ingredients without any sneaky sugar substitutes. So you can enjoy it without worrying about those tricky sweeteners. ### Is it high in sugar? Annie's Mac & Cheese is relatively low in sugar, with only 4 grams per serving, and there are no added sugars. So if you're concerned about your sugar intake, this isn't a sugary culprit. Just remember, it's still important to balance it out with other nutrient-dense foods! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider mac & cheese made with whole grains or those that include added veggies. There are also brands that offer plant-based options or use lentils for a protein boost. It all depends on what you're after — comfort food or something a bit more nutrient-packed! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids tend to love mac & cheese, and Annie's version is a popular choice among parents. It's made with organic ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it as a quick meal or snack. Just maybe add some broccoli or peas to sneak in some greens! ### Is it good for weight loss? While Annie's Mac & Cheese isn't specifically designed for weight loss, it can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. It's not super high in calories, but portion control is key! Pair it with some veggies or a protein source to make it a more filling meal. ### Is it ultra-processed? Annie's Mac & Cheese isn't classified as ultra-processed, but it does contain some processed ingredients like sodium phosphate and corn starch. However, it's made with organic pasta and real cheese, which gives it a bit of a leg up compared to some other convenience foods. Just remember, balance is everything! ## Related products - [Bumble Bee Tuna, Premium Albacore, in Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-tuna-premium-albacore-in-water-250-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-tuna-premium-albacore-in-water-250-oz - [Del Monte New Potatoes, Diced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-new-potatoes-diced-1450-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-new-potatoes-diced-1450-oz - [Del Monte Green Beans, Low Sodium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-green-beans-low-sodium-1450-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-green-beans-low-sodium-1450-oz - [Green Giant Vacuum Packed Niblets Whole Kernel Sweet Corn 11 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-vacuum-packed-niblets-whole-kernel-sweet-corn-11-oz-11-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-giant-vacuum-packed-niblets-whole-kernel-sweet-corn-11-oz-11-oz - [Dole Pineapple Chunks 20 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dole-pineapple-chunks-20-oz-20-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dole-pineapple-chunks-20-oz-20-oz - [Annie's Homegrown Macaroni and Cheese, Shells and White Cheddar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annies-homegrown-macaroni-and-cheese-shells-and-white-cheddar-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/annies-homegrown-macaroni-and-cheese-shells-and-white-cheddar-6-oz - [Green Giant Steamcrisp Super Sweet White Corn](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-steamcrisp-super-sweet-white-corn-11-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-giant-steamcrisp-super-sweet-white-corn-11-oz - [Kraft Original Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, 2.05 oz Cup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-original-mac-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-205-oz-cup-205-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kraft-original-mac-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-205-oz-cup-205-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md