# Marie Callender Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Marie Callender's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 13 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/marie-callenders-callender-vermont-mac-cheese-bowl-13-oz - **Slug:** `marie-callenders-callender-vermont-mac-cheese-bowl-13-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This ready-to-heat frozen bowl contains multiple industrial additives (modified starch, phosphates, stabilizers, enzyme-modified ingredients, natural flavors) and is formulated for convenience and extended shelf-life, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review Marie Callender's Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl is a frozen microwavable entree you’ll find lined up in the supermarket’s frozen dinners aisle, shelved with other single-serve entrees, frozen macaroni & cheese varieties, and convenience bowls. It reads like a shortcut to comfort food — aimed at busy households, college students, and shoppers who want a quick, familiar meal without cooking from scratch. The brand leans on home-style, nostalgic American comfort: Marie Callender’s evokes potluck casseroles and simple, hearty meals, positioning this product as an accessible, slightly upscale frozen mac & cheese (Vermont white cheddar and aged Parmesan) for value-conscious shoppers who still want a “homemade” feel. The label leans on health-friendly language: “made with real cream,” “no artificial flavors or colors,” “no preservatives,” and the recyclable plant-fiber serving bowl (noted as made with a minimum of 90% plant-based fiber) create a mild health halo, though there’s no organic certification. In plain terms, this is a highly processed frozen convenience meal: it contains industrial ingredients like modified starches, sodium phosphates, stabilizers and texturizers (xanthan, guar), and flavoring systems that enable shelf stability and quick heating. Sensory experience: expect firm cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy, slightly salty Vermont white cheddar sauce with a bit of Parmesan tang and a lightly crispy breadcrumb topping when heated; the bowl is microwave-friendly, making the ritual a quick pop-in to the microwave and eat straight from the serving vessel. It’s often chosen for rushed weeknights, quick lunches, or anytime someone wants warm, cheesy nostalgia without the prep. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 570 - **Total fat:** 22g (28% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 13g (65% DV) - **Trans fat:** 0.5g - **Cholesterol:** 60mg (20% DV) - **Sodium:** 1230mg (53% DV) - **Total carbs:** 71g (26% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 5g - **Protein:** 21g ## Ingredients Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Durum Flour [Durum Wheat Semolina, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate {Iron}, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Water, Vermont White Cheddar Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Potato Starch, Powdered Cellulose [To Prevent Caking], Natamycin [Mold Inhibitor]), Cream, Bread Crumbs (Wheat Flour, less than 2% of: Palm Oil, Yeast, Salt), Modified Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Soybean Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Salt, Vermont Cheddar Cheese Flavor (Vermont Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Natural Flavors, Water, Milkfat, Salt, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum), Sodium Phosphates, Enzyme Modified Cream (Cream, Water, Salt), Xanthan Gum, Spice, Guar Gum). CONTAINS: MILK, WHEAT. ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Natamycin** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** comforting, convenient, nostalgic, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things depending on your goals. This bowl packs a decent protein punch at 21 grams per serving, which is great if you're looking to build or maintain muscle. However, it's also relatively high in sodium at 1230 mg, so if you're watching your salt intake, you might want to balance it out with something low-sodium for the day. ### Is the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese bowl is not vegan. It contains dairy ingredients, including Vermont white cheddar and cream, which means it’s off the table for those following a plant-based diet. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, there are some great plant-based mac and cheese options out there! ### Is the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl gluten-free? Unfortunately, this bowl is not gluten-free. It contains enriched pasta made from wheat, so if gluten is something you’re avoiding, you might want to check out brands that specifically offer gluten-free pasta options. There are some tasty alternatives that still give you that creamy mac and cheese vibe! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl contains soybean oil, which is a common seed oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, they are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. Just keep an eye on your overall dietary fat sources! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, this mac and cheese bowl does not contain any artificial sweeteners. You can enjoy it without worrying about any hidden sugars or sweetening agents. It's all about the cheesy goodness here! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! The Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl is low in sugar, with just 5 grams per serving. So if you’re craving something savory and cheesy, this bowl won’t send your sugar levels skyrocketing, making it a good choice for a satisfying meal. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade version using whole grain pasta and a blend of nutritional yeast and cashew cream for that cheesy flavor. Or, check out brands that specialize in lighter or veggie-packed mac and cheese options. They can offer a twist on the classic with more fiber and less sodium! ### Can kids eat the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl? Absolutely! Most kids love mac and cheese, and this bowl is no exception. Just keep in mind the sodium content if you're serving it to little ones, and maybe pair it with some veggies to balance out their meal. A little green on the side never hurt anyone! ### Is it good for weight loss? While the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl has a good amount of protein and fiber, it’s also quite calorie-dense at 570 calories per serving. If you're watching your weight, you might want to enjoy it in moderation or pair it with a light salad to keep things balanced. It's all about making choices that fit your personal goals! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, the Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl falls into the category of ultra-processed foods. It contains several ingredients that are modified or refined, like modified corn starch and preservatives. 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