# Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Deluxe Original > 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:** 14 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-macaroni-cheese-deluxe-original-14-oz - **Slug:** `kraft-macaroni-cheese-deluxe-original-14-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially processed cheese sauce with emulsifiers, stabilizers, preservatives, and concentrated milk proteins plus refined enriched pasta, which fits the NOVA ultraprocessed category. ## Review Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Deluxe Original is a familiar aisle staple that lives in the boxed dinners and pasta section alongside other macaroni and cheese varieties, quick-cook pastas, and comfort-food sides. The 14 oz cardboard box typically contains ridged macaroni and a pouch of concentrated cheese sauce, designed for a simple at-home ritual: boil noodles for 11-12 minutes, drain, squeeze in the cheesy sauce, and stir to a glossy, creamy finish. It is positioned as an approachable, family-friendly comfort meal — marketed to busy parents and nostalgic adults who want a warm, indulgent dish with minimal fuss. Packaging leans on heritage branding and convenience messaging, with health-halo statements like no artificial flavors or dyes and emphasis on real cheese, though it is not organic and bears no clean-label certification. Sensory cues include a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to ridged noodles, a mild tang of cheddar, and a buttery mouthfeel that invites toppings such as crispy chicken or steamed broccoli. In American grocery culture it reads as both a quick weeknight rescue and a childhood classic, often stocked for back-to-school lunches, lazy weekends, and budget-conscious meal planning. Processing context: the product combines refined enriched pasta with an industrially prepared cheese sauce containing concentrated milk proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives, so it is highly processed compared with homemade pasta and freshly grated cheese. Overall, its story is convenience-plus-comfort, trading culinary complexity for speed and consistent, familiar flavor. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 3.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 320 - **Total fat:** 11g (14% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 900mg (39% DV) - **Total carbs:** 41g (15% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 12g ## Ingredients CHEESE SAUCE (WHEY, CHEDDAR CHEESE [MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], CANOLA OIL, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, MILK, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM ALGINATE, SORBIC ACID AS A PRESERVATIVE, MILKFAT, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA [COLOR], CHEESE CULTURE, ANNATTO [COLOR], ENZYMES), ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE [IRON], THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID). ## Flagged ingredients - **canola oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **sodium phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **sorbic acid** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **oleoresin paprika** (additive): Artificial coloring - **annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, weeknight-dinner, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient, practical ## FAQ ### Is Kraft Mac & Cheese Deluxe Original healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! This mac and cheese packs a decent protein punch with 12g per serving, but it’s also high in sodium (900mg) and not particularly high in fiber. If you’re looking for a quick comfort meal, it's fine in moderation, but maybe not the best choice for everyday dining. ### Is it vegan? Nope, the Deluxe Original version definitely isn't vegan. It contains cheddar cheese and milk, which means it's firmly in the dairy camp. So if you're avoiding animal products, you'll want to explore some plant-based alternatives instead! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, it's not gluten-free. The enriched macaroni product contains wheat flour, which is a no-go for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're after a gluten-free mac and cheese, there are several brands out there that cater specifically to that need. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this mac and cheese does contain canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. While canola oil is often criticized for being highly processed, it's commonly used in many packaged foods because it’s relatively mild in flavor and helps with texture. Just keep in mind that if you're trying to minimize seed oils, this might not be your best pick. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in this mac and cheese. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward in that regard, focusing more on cheese and pasta than on sweetening agents. So you can enjoy it without worrying about hidden sugars! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! Kraft Mac & Cheese Deluxe Original has only 4g of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low. It doesn’t have added sugars either, making it a savory option rather than a sweet treat. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier options, you might want to try whole grain or legume-based pasta with a homemade cheese sauce for more nutrients and fiber. There are also several brands that offer organic or gluten-free versions that can fit various dietary needs. It really depends on what you're after, but there are plenty of tasty alternatives out there! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids love mac and cheese, and this one is no exception. Just keep an eye on the sodium content if you're serving it regularly, but as an occasional treat, it’s a fun and comforting meal for little ones. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not inherently bad for weight loss, it’s not exactly a weight-loss champion either. With 320 calories and 900mg of sodium per serving, it's best to enjoy in moderation, particularly if you're watching your calorie intake. Pairing it with veggies or a lean protein can make it a bit more balanced! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, this mac and cheese falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains preservatives, artificial colors, and a variety of processed ingredients. While that might raise some eyebrows, it’s also what gives it that nostalgic flavor and convenience we all know and love! ## Related products - [Starkist Gourmet Selects Tuna, Mediterranean Style](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starkist-gourmet-selects-tuna-mediterranean-style-260-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/starkist-gourmet-selects-tuna-mediterranean-style-260-oz - [Libby's Diced Peaches](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/libbys-diced-peaches-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/libbys-diced-peaches-16-oz - [Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Classic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/suddenly-betty-crocker-suddenly-salad-classic-775-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/suddenly-betty-crocker-suddenly-salad-classic-775-oz - [Mike's Mighty Good Ramen Cup Soup, Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-chicken-160-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mikes-mighty-good-ramen-cup-soup-chicken-160-oz - [Dr. McDougall's Pad Thai Asian Noodles](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dr-mcdougalls-dr-mcdougalls-pad-thai-asian-noodles-2-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dr-mcdougalls-dr-mcdougalls-pad-thai-asian-noodles-2-oz - [Del Monte No Sugar Added Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-no-sugar-added-sliced-yellow-cling-peaches-1450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-no-sugar-added-sliced-yellow-cling-peaches-1450-oz - [Heinz Vinegar 1 Gallon](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/heinz-vinegar-1-gallon-128-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/heinz-vinegar-1-gallon-128-oz - [Del Monte Apricots in Extra Light Syrup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-apricots-in-extra-light-syrup-15-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-apricots-in-extra-light-syrup-15-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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