# Main St Bistro Macaroni & Cheese, Baked 20 oz > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Main St Bistro - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 20 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/main-st-bistro-macaroni-cheese-baked-20-oz-20-oz - **Slug:** `main-st-bistro-macaroni-cheese-baked-20-oz-20-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients and additives (processed cheese spread with emulsifiers, stabilizers, whey protein concentrate, modified starch, maltodextrin, potassium sorbate) and is a ready-to-heat manufactured product, consistent with an ultra-processed classification. ## Review Main St Bistro Macaroni & Cheese, Baked 20 oz reads like a modern convenience take on a classic American casserole. You'd typically find it in the frozen prepared foods aisle, shelved alongside other frozen entrées, pot pies and boxed mac & cheese varieties, or near microwavable sides for easy weeknight pairing. The product leans into homey, Main Street imagery — packaging and copy emphasize a made-from-scratch taste and real cheddar cheese, positioning it for busy families and value-minded shoppers who want comforting flavor with minimal prep. Marketing leans on nostalgia and simplicity rather than health-forward claims; label highlights include ‘‘made-from-scratch taste’’ and ‘‘real cheddar cheese,’’ while there are no organic seals or prominent natural certification marks. Sensory expectations are familiar: creamy, rich cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and a golden-brown baked top that invites serving straight from the tray. The boxed, microwavable tray with film makes reheating in microwave or oven quick; the heating ritual — unwrap, heat, let rest, scoop onto plates — is part of its convenience appeal. In plain processing context, this is a ready-to-heat manufactured casserole with added stabilizers, emulsifiers and a preservative to maintain texture and shelf life. It fits smoothly into American grocery culture as a comfort side or main for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and family gatherings where time is limited but familiar, indulgent flavors are desired. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 cup - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 290 - **Total fat:** 13g (17% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 7g (35% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 40mg (13% DV) - **Sodium:** 960mg (42% DV) - **Total carbs:** 29g (11% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Protein:** 15g ## Ingredients Cooked Macaroni (Semolina Wheat Flour (Enriched with Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg White), Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (Cheddar and Colby Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Skim Milk, Milk Fat, Salt, Carrageenan, Cellulose Gum), Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Extract [Color], Natamycin [Natural Mold Inhibitor)), Cheddar Club Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Contains Less than 2% of Salt, Annatto [Color]), Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Dextrose, Onion Base (Onion Granules, Salt, Corn Oil, Maltodextrin [from Corn], Sugar, Potato Flour, Natural Flavoring), Annatto Extract (Color), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative). ## Flagged ingredients - **Corn Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Potassium Sorbate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Annatto Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, back-to-school - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is Main St Bistro Macaroni & Cheese healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! This creamy mac and cheese packs a decent protein punch with 15 grams per serving, which is great if you're looking for something filling. However, it does have a higher sodium content (960 mg) and contains processed ingredients, so it's best enjoyed in moderation rather than as a daily staple. ### Is it vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese is definitely not vegan. It contains several dairy products, including pasteurized process cheese spread and cheddar cheese, so plant-based eaters will need to look elsewhere for their mac and cheese fix. ### Is it gluten-free? Sadly, this mac and cheese isn't gluten-free either. The cooked macaroni is made from semolina wheat flour, which contains gluten, so if you're avoiding gluten, you might want to seek out a dedicated gluten-free version. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils! Specifically, corn oil is present in the onion base. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 content, in moderation, this isn't a dealbreaker for most people — it’s all about balance! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners lurking in this mac and cheese. It keeps things simple on the sweetness front, relying on its creamy, cheesy goodness to satisfy your taste buds without any added sweeteners. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This mac and cheese is low in sugar, with only 2 grams per serving. So, if you're watching your sugar intake, this dish won't throw you off track — just keep in mind that it's not exactly a fiber powerhouse either. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider options made with whole grains or those that incorporate veggies. There are brands that offer mac and cheese with added nutrients or even plant-based versions that use cashews or nutritional yeast for creaminess. Just check the ingredients for a wholesome balance! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids typically love the cheesy, comforting flavor of mac and cheese. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially since this version is a bit higher in sodium — but it can be a fun, easy meal or snack that they’ll enjoy. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it can fit into a weight loss plan, it’s not a miracle food. With 290 calories per serving, it can be a satisfying option if balanced with other nutrient-dense foods throughout the day. Just remember to pair it with some veggies or a salad to boost the overall nutritional value! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, this mac and cheese falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains a mix of processed cheeses, preservatives, and additives like carrageenan and cellulose gum to enhance texture and shelf-life. While that might sound daunting, sometimes convenience food is just what you need, and it's okay to enjoy it every now and then! ## Related products - [Andrea Ravioli, Large Round](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/andrea-ravioli-large-round-52-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/andrea-ravioli-large-round-52-oz - [Bomb Pop Candy Clash](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bomb-pop-candy-clash-21-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bomb-pop-candy-clash-21-oz - [Crav'n Flavor Red White Blue Pops 20Ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cravn-flavor-red-white-blue-pops-20ct-33-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cravn-flavor-red-white-blue-pops-20ct-33-oz - [Popsicle SpongeBob Facepiece](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/popsicle-spongebob-facepiece-1217-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/popsicle-spongebob-facepiece-1217-oz - [Michael Angelo's Lasagna with Meat](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/michael-angelos-lasagna-with-meat-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/michael-angelos-lasagna-with-meat-11-oz - [Pepperidge Farm Texas Toast Garlic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pepperidge-farm-farm-texas-toast-garlic-1125-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pepperidge-farm-farm-texas-toast-garlic-1125-oz - [SNICKERS Ice Cream Reduced Fat Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel, and Snickers Candy Bar Pieces, 14 Oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/snickers-ice-cream-reduced-fat-vanilla-ice-cream-caramel-and-candy-bar-pieces-14-oz-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/snickers-ice-cream-reduced-fat-vanilla-ice-cream-caramel-and-candy-bar-pieces-14-oz-14-oz - [Furlani Parmesan Garlic Toast](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/furlani-parmesan-garlic-toast-846-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/furlani-parmesan-garlic-toast-846-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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