# Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Sharp Cheddar > 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-sharp-cheddar-14-oz - **Slug:** `kraft-macaroni-cheese-sharp-cheddar-14-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product contains industrially formulated ingredients (milk protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, emulsifiers, color extracts) and a reconstructed cheese sauce, indicating ultraprocessing characteristic of NOVA 4. ## Review Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Sharp Cheddar (14 oz) is a familiar boxed dinner that lives on the pasta/boxed-meals aisle, typically shelved beside other shelf-stable macaroni & cheese, boxed pasta, and convenience dinners. Shoppers reach for it during quick grocery runs for busy weeknights, back-to-school stocking, or when they need an easy side for game-day snacks. The Kraft brand leans into American comfort-food heritage — iconic, family-oriented, and nostalgic — positioning this Deluxe variety as an upgraded, “real cheese” twist on the classic, aimed at parents who want convenience without seeming overly processed. The label displays health-halo messaging such as “no artificial flavors or dyes” and emphasizes “real sharp cheddar,” while not carrying organic or non-GMO certifications; graphics and family-friendly language reinforce kid appeal rather than nutrition leadership. Processing context: this is a highly processed, shelf-stable convenience product made from reconstituted cheese components and emulsifying agents. Sensory details: the box contains ridged elbow macaroni that cooks to a soft, tender bite and a bright orange, creamy sauce powder that rehydrates into a smooth, clingy, slightly oily cheddar coating with a pronounced salty-savory finish and a hint of paprika/annatto color. Packaging is a cardboard retail box with internal sauce/powder blend; preparation is a quick ritual of boiling, draining, and stirring in the cheese mix — an easy, fast rehearse that makes it a dependable weeknight or comfort-food choice for families and nostalgia-seekers. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 3.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 320 - **Total fat:** 10g (13% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 900mg (39% DV) - **Total carbs:** 45g (16% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Protein:** 11g ## Ingredients ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE [IRON], THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID); CHEESE SAUCE (WHEY, MILK, CANOLA OIL, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SODIUM ALGINATE, LACTIC ACID, SORBIC ACID AS A PRESERVATIVE, CHEESE CULTURE, MILKFAT, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA [COLOR], ENZYMES, ANNATTO EXTRACT [COLOR]). ## 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 extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Kraft Macaroni & Cheese healthy? Well, that depends on what you mean by 'healthy.' It packs a decent amount of protein at 11g per serving, which is great for growing kids or anyone needing a quick protein boost. But it's also high in sodium (900mg), so if you're watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. ### Is it vegan? Nope, this cheesy delight is not vegan. It contains milk and cheese, which are no-gos for those on a plant-based diet. So, if you're looking for a vegan mac and cheese, you'll need to seek out brands that offer dairy-free alternatives. ### Is it gluten-free? Sadly, this version of Kraft Mac & Cheese is not gluten-free. It contains enriched macaroni made from wheat flour, which means it's off the menu for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. But don’t worry—there are gluten-free mac options out there if you’re craving that cheesy goodness! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils often get a bad rap, but they can be a source of unsaturated fats. Just keep in mind that moderation is key—if you're looking to avoid them, that’s totally understandable! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in this mac and cheese. So, you can enjoy that cheesy flavor without worrying about any sneaky sugar substitutes. It’s a straightforward comfort food, just as it should be! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This mac and cheese is low in sugar, with just 3g per serving. It’s not a dessert, after all, so you can enjoy it without the sugar rush that comes from other processed foods. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for something a bit healthier, consider brands that offer whole grain or veggie-based pasta options. There are also plenty of recipes online for homemade mac and cheese that use whole ingredients—think whole wheat pasta, nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, or even butternut squash for a creamy texture! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids love Kraft Mac & Cheese, and it's a quick meal option for busy parents. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you're concerned about sodium intake, and maybe serve it with some veggies on the side to balance things out. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it won’t exactly win any awards for being a weight-loss powerhouse, it can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. The protein content can help with satiety, but be mindful of the sodium and serving size if you're watching your caloric intake. ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, Kraft Mac & Cheese is considered ultra-processed. It contains a mix of ingredients that have undergone significant processing, including preservatives and artificial colors. While it’s not the same as a fresh, home-cooked meal, it’s a nostalgic favorite that many people enjoy from time to time! ## Related products - [Better Than Bouillon Seasoning Lobster Base](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/better-than-bouillon-seasoning-lobster-base-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/better-than-bouillon-seasoning-lobster-base-8-oz - [Bumble Bee Shrimp, Tiny](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-shrimp-tiny-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-shrimp-tiny-6-oz - [Aunt Nellie's Harvard Beets, Sweet & Sour](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aunt-nellies-harvard-beets-sweet-sour-1550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/aunt-nellies-harvard-beets-sweet-sour-1550-oz - [Del Monte Mandarin Oranges No Sugar Added](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-mandarin-oranges-no-sugar-added-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-mandarin-oranges-no-sugar-added-15-oz - [Reese Anchovy Fillets](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/reese-anchovy-fillets-350-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/reese-anchovy-fillets-350-oz - [Geisha Whl Baby Clams](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/geisha-whl-baby-clams-10-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/geisha-whl-baby-clams-10-oz - [Bush's Best Baked Beans, Maple Cured Bacon](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bushs-best-baked-beans-maple-cured-bacon-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bushs-best-baked-beans-maple-cured-bacon-28-oz - [Libby's Sliced Pineapple In Pineapple Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/libbys-sliced-pineapple-in-pineapple-juice-20-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/libbys-sliced-pineapple-in-pineapple-juice-20-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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