# Kraft Mac & Cheese, 5 Pack > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Kraft - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 36.25 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-mac-cheese-5-pack-3625-oz - **Slug:** `kraft-mac-cheese-5-pack-3625-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial formulations and additives (milk protein concentrate, sodium phosphates, emulsifiers, color extracts) and packaged cheese powder rather than minimally processed ingredients, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed foods). ## Review Kraft Mac & Cheese 5 Pack sits on the center-pivot grocery aisle with other boxed dinners, alongside pasta, cup soups, and quick-heat sides. You’ll often see it near family pantry staples and budget meal solutions—stacked in bright blue boxes designed to catch adults shopping with kids. It’s positioned for quick weeknight meals, lunchboxes, dorm-room cooking and storm-prep bins: shoppers grabbing something fast, familiar, and inexpensive. The brand leans on decades of American childhood nostalgia and family convenience, marketed toward parents and young adults who prioritize ease, recognizable taste, and value rather than artisanal provenance. The label leans into kid-friendly cues—bold logo, bright colors, and a “no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes” callout—though it is not organic and carries no whole-food certification. Packaging is a cardboard multi-pack containing individual 7.25 oz meal boxes and powdered cheese-sauce pouches; preparation is a short ritual of boiling pasta, draining, and stirring in milk and butter into a vivid orange, creamy sauce. Sensory notes include soft, slightly springy elbow macaroni coated in a smooth, intensely cheesy powder-reconstituted sauce with a salty, slightly tangy finish. Texture is creamy and cohesive rather than complex. In plain terms, this product is an ultra-processed convenience food: factory-made pasta plus a formulated cheese mix with isolates, emulsifiers and phosphate salts that enable shelf stability and the signature color and melt. In American grocery culture it’s a comfort-food staple—practical, familiar, and reliably consistent from childhood into busy adulthood. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 15 - **Calories:** 250 - **Total fat:** 2g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 550mg (24% DV) - **Total carbs:** 49g (18% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 7g - **Protein:** 9g ## Ingredients ENRICHED MACARONI (WHEAT FLOUR, DURUM FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE [IRON], THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1] , RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), CHEESE SAUCE MIX (WHEY, MILKFAT, SALT, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SODIUM TRIPHOSPHATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF TAPIOCA FLOUR, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, WITH OLEORESIN PAPRIKA, OLEORESIN TURMERIC, AND ANNATTO ADDED FOR COLOR, ENZYMES, CHEESE CULTURE). ## Flagged ingredients - **sodium triphosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **sodium phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **calcium phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **oleoresin paprika** (additive): Artificial coloring - **oleoresin turmeric** (additive): Artificial coloring - **annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, weeknight-dinner, storm-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is Kraft Mac & Cheese healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit of a moving target, right? Kraft Mac & Cheese isn’t exactly a superfood, but it’s not the worst choice in the pantry either. At about 250 calories per serving, it provides a decent amount of carbs and some protein, making it a filling option. Just keep in mind it’s a comfort food staple, so enjoy it in moderation! ### Is it vegan? Nope, Kraft Mac & Cheese is not vegan. The cheese sauce mix contains dairy ingredients like whey and milkfat, which means it’s off the menu for those following a plant-based diet. If you're craving that cheesy goodness without the dairy, there are some great vegan mac and cheese alternatives out there! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, Kraft Mac & Cheese is not gluten-free. The enriched macaroni is made from wheat flour, which means it’s a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you’re looking for a gluten-free mac and cheese, there are some brands that offer rice or corn-based pasta options. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in Kraft Mac & Cheese. That means no canola or soybean oil lurking in the ingredients, which can sometimes raise eyebrows. Instead, it's made with dairy and starches, keeping it pretty straightforward in that department. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you can rest easy because Kraft Mac & Cheese doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners. It’s more about savory cheesiness than sweetness here! So, if you’re avoiding those sneaky sweeteners, this mac and cheese is in the clear. ### Is it high in sugar? Not really. Kraft Mac & Cheese has about 7 grams of total sugars per serving, which isn’t a lot compared to many processed snacks. So while it’s not a sugar bomb, it’s not exactly a sugar-free delight either — just something to keep in mind if you’re watching your sugar intake. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, you might try brands that offer whole grain or veggie-based pasta options. There are also some delicious homemade recipes that use ingredients like cauliflower or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the processed stuff. Just remember, it's all about balance and finding what works for you! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids generally love Kraft Mac & Cheese, making it a popular meal choice for families. Just keep an eye on portion sizes and pair it with some veggies or a protein to make it a more balanced meal. After all, who doesn’t love a gooey bowl of cheesy pasta? ### Is it good for weight loss? Kraft Mac & Cheese can fit into a weight loss plan, but it’s all about moderation. At 250 calories per serving, it can be part of a meal, especially if you add some veggies or lean protein to round it out. Just be mindful of portion sizes and how it fits into your overall daily calorie goals! ### Is it ultra-processed? Kraft Mac & Cheese falls into the category of ultra-processed foods due to its ingredient list and the way it’s made. While that doesn’t mean it’s inherently 'bad,' it’s good to be aware of what you're eating. Moderation is key, and enjoying it occasionally as part of a varied diet is perfectly fine! ## Related products - [Hormel Lean Ham](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-lean-ham-5-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-lean-ham-5-oz - [Alessi Split Pea Soup Spaccarelli](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/alessi-split-pea-soup-spaccarelli-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/alessi-split-pea-soup-spaccarelli-6-oz - [StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starkist-chunk-light-tuna-in-vegetable-oil-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/starkist-chunk-light-tuna-in-vegetable-oil-5-oz - [Bumble Bee Baby Clams, Fancy Whole](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-baby-clams-fancy-whole-10-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-baby-clams-fancy-whole-10-oz - [Sunsweet Prunes](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sunsweet-prunes-25-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sunsweet-prunes-25-oz - [Mike's Mighty Good Ramen Cup Soup, Beef](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-beef-180-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-beef-180-oz - [Go Go Squeeze Apple Pantry Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gogo-squeez-go-go-squeeze-apple-pantry-pack-3840-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gogo-squeez-go-go-squeeze-apple-pantry-pack-3840-oz - [HORMEL Chili Turkey with Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-chili-turkey-with-beans-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-chili-turkey-with-beans-15-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md