# Daiya Foods Inc Cheezy Mac, Deluxe, Cheddar Style, Dairy Free > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Daiya - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 10.60 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/daiya-foods-inc-cheezy-mac-deluxe-cheddar-style-dairy-free-1060-oz - **Slug:** `daiya-foods-inc-cheezy-mac-deluxe-cheddar-style-dairy-free-1060-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is an ultra-processed product: the sauce contains multiple industrial ingredients (modified starch, emulsifiers/stabilizers like sodium alginate, natural flavors, concentrated oils) and is formulated to recreate a dairy cheese experience. ## Review Daiya Foods Inc Cheezy Mac Deluxe, Cheddar Style (10.6 oz) reads like a modern take on a childhood staple: a quick, plant-based mac & cheese positioned for shoppers who want the comforting silhouette of boxed mac with dairy-free credentials. You’d most often spot it in the store’s refrigerated vegan/plant-based prepared foods bay or grouped on a shelf near other dairy-free cheeses and gluten-free boxed dinners — sometimes cross‑merchandised with frozen ready meals. It fits into busy weeknight dinners, back-to-school lunch rescues, or low-effort movie-night spreads where convenience and a familiar cheesy flavor are the priority. Daiya’s brand positioning leans into allergy-friendly and vegan culture while courting mainstream flexitarians who crave indulgence without dairy: marketing emphasizes “dairy free,” “gluten free,” and craveable creaminess, pitching the product as an uncompromised plant-based comfort food. Packaging cues and label claims create health halos — plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free — but there’s no organic certification; copy also highlights natural flavors and recognizable ingredients. In plain terms the product is an industrially formulated convenience meal: a rice pasta paired with a velvety, starch-thickened cheese sauce built from coconut and safflower oils, modified potato starch, stabilizers, and flavorings. Sensory notes: the pasta cooks to a slightly chewy, al dente bite while the sauce is rich, glossy, and smooth with a slightly coconut/oil mouthfeel and the familiar orange hue from annatto. Typical use is simple: heat on stovetop or in the microwave, stir to coat, and optionally boost with vegetables or protein. It’s a ritual of speedy comfort — familiar, spoonable, and designed for immediate gratification in everyday American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.33 - **Servings per container:** 3 - **Calories:** 290 - **Total fat:** 9g (12% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 580mg (25% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 4g ## Ingredients Rice Pasta (White Rice, Brown Rice), Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce (Water, Coconut Oil, Expeller Pressed Safflower Oil, Modified Potato Starch, Salt, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Calcium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Pea Protein, Sodium Alginate, Yeast Extract, Annatto [Color]). ## Flagged ingredients - **Safflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, meal-prep-sunday, movie-night - **Vibes:** comforting, convenient, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Cheezy Mac healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? The Cheezy Mac is lower in sugar and doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners, which is a plus. However, it's not particularly high in protein or fiber, so if you’re looking for a super nutrient-dense meal, you might want to pair it with some veggies or a side salad. ### Is it vegan? Absolutely! The Cheezy Mac is 100% vegan, so it’s a great option if you’re avoiding animal products. The dairy-free cheese sauce is made with a blend of plant-based ingredients, letting you indulge in that creamy goodness without the dairy. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, you can enjoy this Cheezy Mac without worrying about gluten. It’s made with rice pasta, which is a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So dig in with confidence! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, the Cheezy Mac has expeller pressed safflower oil and coconut oil in the dairy-free cheese sauce. While some folks might prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 content, these oils help achieve that creamy texture. Moderation is key, and it’s all about what works for your diet! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope! You won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this Cheezy Mac. It’s sweetened naturally with a touch of cane sugar, which keeps the flavor balanced without any of those funky sugar substitutes. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! The Cheezy Mac is quite low in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving. This makes it a suitable option for those who are watching their sugar intake, especially compared to traditional mac and cheese that can have hidden sugars. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for something a bit more nutrient-packed, consider making a homemade mac and cheese with whole-grain pasta and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Alternatively, there are brands that offer organic or minimally processed options if you want to keep things as clean as possible. ### Can kids eat it? Definitely! The Cheezy Mac is kid-friendly and perfect for little ones who might have dairy allergies or follow a vegan diet. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, as it’s always good to balance comfort foods with fruits and veggies. ### Is it good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you enjoy it in moderation and pair it with healthier sides. Just keep in mind that while it's lower in sugar, it’s not particularly high in protein or fiber, which can help keep you fuller for longer. So, think of it as a tasty treat rather than a mainstay. ### Is it ultra-processed? The Cheezy Mac is certainly a processed food, containing ingredients like modified potato starch and natural flavors. While it’s not ultra-processed in the same sense as some snack foods loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, it’s worth noting that it’s not a whole food. Balance in your diet is key, so enjoy it alongside fresh ingredients! ## Related products - [Dole Crushed Pineapple In Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dole-crushed-pineapple-in-juice-20-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dole-crushed-pineapple-in-juice-20-oz - [Edwards and Sons Natural Bouillon Cubes, Veggie, Low Sodium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/edward-sons-edwards-and-sons-natural-bouillon-cubes-veggie-low-sodium-220-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/edward-sons-edwards-and-sons-natural-bouillon-cubes-veggie-low-sodium-220-oz - [Better Than Bouillon Seasoning Turkey Base](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/better-than-bouillon-seasoning-turkey-base-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/better-than-bouillon-seasoning-turkey-base-8-oz - [Zoup Good Really Soup Butternut Squash](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/zoup-zoup-good-really-soup-butternut-squash-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/zoup-zoup-good-really-soup-butternut-squash-16-oz - [Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes - Whole Peeled](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/muir-glen-organic-tomatoes-whole-peeled-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/muir-glen-organic-tomatoes-whole-peeled-28-oz - [Del Monte Green Beans, Italian Cut](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-green-beans-italian-cut-1450-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-green-beans-italian-cut-1450-oz - [Musselman's Applesauce 4 Pack Big Cup, Cinnamon](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/musselmans-applesauce-4-pack-big-cup-cinnamon-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/musselmans-applesauce-4-pack-big-cup-cinnamon-24-oz - [Del Monte Sliced Carrots](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-sliced-carrots-825-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-sliced-carrots-825-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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