# Stouffer's Macaroni And Cheese > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Stouffer's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 20 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stouffers-macaroni-and-cheese-20-oz - **Slug:** `stouffers-macaroni-and-cheese-20-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially formulated ingredients (maltodextrin, xanthan gum, flavorings, emulsified cheese products) and is a ready-to-heat frozen prepared meal, placing it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category. ## Review Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese is a large-format frozen entree you’ll typically find in the supermarket frozen foods aisle, shelved near other frozen dinners, family-size entrees and frozen pizzas. It’s positioned as an easy, familiar meal solution for busy households — the kind of item shoppers grab during a weekly grocery run when they need quick, crowd-pleasing dinner options. Occasions include weeknight dinners, back-to-school evenings when parents need a fast meal for kids, and casual movie nights or game-day spreads where convenience matters. Stouffer’s carries a long-standing American comfort-food image: dependable, mid‑priced, and aimed at families and working adults who value time-saving and familiarity. Packaging and labeling lean into that comfort promise with phrases like 'real cheddar cheese' and imagery of creamy pasta; there are no organic seals and little in the way of 'natural' or clean‑label claims beyond noting cheese and milk. Ingredients include prepared pasta, multiple cheese components, oils, stabilizers and flavorings, which places it among industrially prepared frozen meals. Sensory impressions: warm, tubular pasta in a thick, glossy cheddar sauce — creamy and savory with a slightly elastic bite from reheated pasta and a smooth, saucy mouthfeel. The product comes in a cardboard sleeve and a foil-lined ovenable tray, designed for microwave or oven heating: a ritual of slit, heat, let stand, and serve. It’s less about artisan craft and more about predictable comfort, speed and portion size for busy families. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 cup - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 310 - **Total fat:** 14g (18% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 6g (30% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 30mg (10% DV) - **Sodium:** 850mg (37% DV) - **Total carbs:** 34g (12% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 13g ## Ingredients COOKED PASTA (WATER, SEMOLINA WHEAT FLOUR,WHEAT GLUTEN), SKIM MILK, WATER, CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO COLOR), CHEDDAR CLUB CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SALT, ANNATTO COLOR), BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, 2% OR LESS OF SALT, BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), POTASSIUM SALT, BUTTER FLAVOR (MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO & TURMERIC COLOR), XANTHAN GUM, YEAST EXTRACT, LACTIC ACID, CALCIUM LACTATE. ## Flagged ingredients - **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **annatto color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, back-to-school, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Stouffer's Mac and Cheese healthy? That depends on what you mean by healthy! If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal, it’s a solid choice with 13g of protein per serving. However, with 850mg of sodium, you might want to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is Stouffer's Mac and Cheese vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese isn’t vegan. It contains dairy ingredients like skim milk and cheddar cheese, which means it’s definitely off the table for those following a plant-based diet. But hey, it’s a classic comfort food for a reason! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, Stouffer's Mac and Cheese is not gluten-free. It contains semolina wheat flour, which is a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're searching for a gluten-free option, there are brands that cater specifically to that need. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain soybean oil, which is a common seed oil used in processed foods. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to health concerns, others see them as a harmless part of a balanced diet. It's all about what works best for you! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in Stouffer's Mac and Cheese. It keeps things straightforward without added sweeteners, which is a plus if you're trying to avoid those. So, no sneaky sugars here! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! Stouffer's Mac and Cheese is low in sugar, with only 4g total sugars per serving. If you're looking for a savory dish, this one fits the bill without the added sweetness. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re on the hunt for a healthier mac and cheese, consider making your own with whole grain pasta, real cheese, and maybe even sneak in some veggies. There are also brands that offer organic or gluten-free versions, which might suit your dietary preferences better. ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely, kids can enjoy Stouffer's Mac and Cheese! It’s a classic that many children love, and it can be a quick meal option. Just keep an eye on portion sizes and pair it with a side of veggies for a more balanced plate. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not a weight loss miracle food, Stouffer's Mac and Cheese can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. With 310 calories and a decent amount of protein, it can be satisfying, but be mindful of the sodium content. Pair it with a salad to make it more filling without going overboard on calories! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, Stouffer's Mac and Cheese is considered ultra-processed, as it contains several ingredients that you wouldn't find in a homemade version. But remember, ultra-processed doesn’t mean it’s evil; it just means it’s made in a way that prioritizes convenience. Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple! ## Related products - [Birds Eye Chopped Spinach](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/birds-eye-chopped-spinach-10-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/birds-eye-chopped-spinach-10-oz - [Eggo Waffles, Buttermilk](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/eggo-waffles-buttermilk-1230-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/eggo-waffles-buttermilk-1230-oz - [Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Original Recipe, Vanilla & Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/turkey-hill-ice-cream-original-recipe-vanilla-chocolate-46-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/turkey-hill-ice-cream-original-recipe-vanilla-chocolate-46-oz - [Banquet Brown 'N Serve Original Patty](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/banquet-brown-n-serve-original-patty-640-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/banquet-brown-n-serve-original-patty-640-oz - [Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Strawberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-strawberry-14-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-strawberry-14-oz - [Green Giant Steamers Select Broccoli Florets](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-steamers-select-broccoli-florets-10-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-giant-steamers-select-broccoli-florets-10-oz - [Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Chocolate Chocolate Chip](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-chocolate-chocolate-chip-14-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-chocolate-chocolate-chip-14-oz - [Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bars, Vanilla & Milk Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-bars-vanilla-milk-chocolate-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-bars-vanilla-milk-chocolate-9-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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