# Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Bob Evans
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Meat
- **Size:** 12 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bob-evans-macaroni-cheese-12-oz
- **Slug:** `bob-evans-macaroni-cheese-12-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains industrially formulated ingredients such as pasteurized process cheese spread, modified food starch, emulsifiers, and hydrogenated oil, indicating a highly processed ready-to-heat product consistent with NOVA 4.

## Review

Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese (12 oz single-serve twin cups) is typically found in the refrigerated prepared meals or deli case, shelved alongside microwaveable entrees, heat-and-serve sides and other convenience comfort foods like mashed potatoes and ready-made dinners. Shoppers will spot it near other branded microwavable cups and chilled family meals rather than in the dry pasta aisle. It fits quick weekday lunches, after-school snacks, busy weeknight sides or lazy weekend comfort meals when someone wants a fast, familiar carbohydrate-and-cheese fix. The Bob Evans name carries a homestyle, farm-kitchen association—positioning this item as a family-friendly, cross-generational comfort product aimed at parents, busy adults and kids who like classic American flavors. Labeling leans on comforting claims—"made with real cheddar cheese" and "good source of calcium"—and the copy leans wholesome rather than trendy; there is no organic certification and little in the way of natural/clean-label claims on this formulation. In plain terms the product is an industrially produced convenience food: it contains processed cheese spreads, stabilizers, modified starch and margarine with hydrogenated oil to deliver stable texture and long shelf life. Sensory details: a soft, yielding elbow macaroni coated in a smooth, creamy processed cheese sauce with a mild savory-salty profile, convenient warmth from the microwave and a uniform, velvety mouthfeel. Packaging is twin single-serve plastic microwave cups with peel-back lids—the ritual is heat, stir (sometimes), and eat straight from the container, often paired with a protein or a quick green salad for a simple, familiar plate.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1
- **Servings per container:** 2
- **Calories:** 220
- **Total fat:** 9g (12% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 4g (20% DV)
- **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV)
- **Sodium:** 850mg (37% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 28g (10% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 4g
- **Protein:** 8g

## Ingredients

Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Elbow Macaroni [Semolina (Wheat), Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk, Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (American Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Contains Less than 2% of Milkfat, Salt, Sodium-Alginate, Lactic Acid, Apo-Carotenal (Color)), Cheddar Club Cheese (Cheddar Cheese Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Salt, Apo-Carotenal (Color)), Margarine (Soybean Oil, Water, Salt, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides, Artificial Flavor, Vitamin A Palmitate), Modified Food Starch, Salt, Cultured Nonfat Dry Milk.

## Flagged ingredients

- **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Vegetable Mono and Diglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Apo-Carotenal** (additive): Artificial coloring

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, game-day-prep
- **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting

## FAQ

### Is Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese healthy?

Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! At 220 calories per serving, it's not a calorie bomb, but it does contain 850 mg of sodium, which is something to keep in mind if you're watching your salt intake. It's a comforting option for a quick meal, but it might not stack up against fresh veggies or whole grains when you're looking for nutrient density.

### Is Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese vegan?

Nope, this cheesy delight is not vegan! It contains milk and a couple of types of cheese, including American and cheddar, so it's definitely one for the dairy lovers out there. If you're plant-based, you might want to explore some vegan mac and cheese options instead.

### Is it gluten-free?

Sadly, Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese is not gluten-free. The elbow macaroni is made from semolina wheat, which contains gluten. If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you’ll want to steer clear of this one.

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically soybean oil and hydrogenated cottonseed oil in the margarine. While seed oils often get a bad rap, they're commonly used in processed foods to improve texture and flavor. Moderation is key, so as long as it’s an occasional treat, you’ll be just fine!

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese. So, if you're looking for a cheesy dish without the added sweet stuff, you're in the clear! Just keep in mind that it does have a bit of sodium to consider.

### Is it high in sugar?

Not at all! This macaroni and cheese has only 4 grams of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low. So if sugar is a concern for you, this dish won't throw you off track.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade mac and cheese with whole grain pasta and real cheese. You could also sneak in some veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients. There are also some great brands offering organic and gluten-free options if that aligns better with your dietary needs.

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese can be a hit with kids, thanks to its cheesy goodness and comforting texture. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially with the sodium content, and maybe pair it with some fresh fruit or a side salad for a more balanced meal.

### Is it good for weight loss?

While it’s not a diet food per se, it can fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation. With 220 calories per serving, it can be a satisfying treat or quick meal, but be mindful of the sodium and overall calorie intake throughout the day. Balance is key!

### Is it ultra-processed?

Bob Evans Macaroni Cheese does fall under the ultra-processed category due to its use of processed cheese and other ingredients like modified food starch. While ultra-processed foods can be convenient and tasty, enjoying them occasionally as part of a varied diet is totally fine. Just remember to balance it out with whole, minimally processed foods when you can!

## Related products

- [Hormel Home Style Mashed Potatoes](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-home-style-mashed-potatoes-20-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-home-style-mashed-potatoes-20-oz
- [Bubba Burgers 6Ct - Onion](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bubba-burger-burgers-6ct-onion-32-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bubba-burger-burgers-6ct-onion-32-oz
- [Aidells All Natural Cajun Andouile Sausage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aidells-all-natural-cajun-andouile-sausage-12-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/aidells-all-natural-cajun-andouile-sausage-12-oz
- [Jimmy Dean Crois Ham & Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jimmy-dean-crois-ham-cheese-1360-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jimmy-dean-crois-ham-cheese-1360-oz
- [Jack Daniel's Pulled Pork](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jack-daniels-pulled-pork-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jack-daniels-pulled-pork-16-oz
- [Hormel Beef Roast](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-beef-roast-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-beef-roast-15-oz
- [Eckrich Polska Kielbasa](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/eckrich-polska-kielbasa-13-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/eckrich-polska-kielbasa-13-oz
- [Peter Luger Extra Thick Sliced Bacon](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/peter-luger-extra-thick-sliced-bacon-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/peter-luger-extra-thick-sliced-bacon-12-oz

## For agents

Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md
