# Stouffers Classics Macaroni & Cheese with Broccoli > 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:** 12 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stouffers-stouffers-classics-macaroni-cheese-with-broccoli-12-oz - **Slug:** `stouffers-stouffers-classics-macaroni-cheese-with-broccoli-12-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially formulated ingredients (processed cheese blends, stabilizers like xanthan gum, bleached flour, yeast extract, and added salts/oils) and is a ready-to-heat frozen product, characteristics consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed). ## Review Stouffer's Single Serve Macaroni & Cheese with Broccoli is a frozen convenience entrée found in the supermarket’s frozen dinners aisle, typically stacked near other microwaveable entrees, frozen vegetables, and family-style mac & cheese trays. Shoppers encounter it during quick weekly runs, back-to-school shopping, or when stocking a freezer for busy weeknights. The product positions itself as a classic comfort-meal solution from a legacy frozen-food brand; marketing leans on convenience, reliability, and homey American comfort rather than gourmet or organic cues, appealing to time-pressed parents, students, and solo diners. The front label highlights “real cheddar cheese” and visible broccoli to suggest quality, but it carries no organic certification or natural/clean-label guarantees beyond familiar ingredient names. In plain language, this is a processed, ready-to-heat frozen meal made from prepared pasta, dairy-based cheese sauces, stabilizers, and seasonings. Sensory expectations include tender, freshly made-style pasta enveloped in a creamy, slightly tangy cheddar sauce with soft broccoli florets; texture is smooth and saucy with occasional denser pockets of processed cheese. Packaging is a single-serve, microwave-safe tray with a printed cardboard sleeve and peelable film—designed for quick heating and minimal cleanup. The ritual is uncomplicated: pull from the freezer, pierce or peel, microwave, stir, and eat straight from the tray or plate—often late weeknights, quick lunches, or as a simple side for a family meal. Overall it fits American grocery culture as a dependable, familiar frozen comfort food that trades fresh-ingredient cachet for speed and predictability. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 420 - **Total fat:** 18g (23% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 9g (45% DV) - **Trans fat:** 0.5g - **Cholesterol:** 40mg (13% DV) - **Sodium:** 1070mg (47% DV) - **Total carbs:** 64g (23% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 4g (14% DV) - **Total sugars:** 5g - **Protein:** 19g ## Ingredients COOKED PASTA (WATER, SEMOLINA WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT GLUTEN), SKIM MILK, BROCCOLI, WATER, CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO COLOR), CHEDDAR CLUB CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SALT, ANNATTO COLOR), SOYBEAN OIL, 2% OR LESS OF BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, SALT, POTASSIUM SALT, YEAST EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, 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:** back-to-school, movie-night, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli healthy? When it comes to the Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people. It's relatively high in protein, with 19 grams per serving, which is great if you're looking for something hearty. However, it does pack a decent amount of sodium at 1070 mg, so if you're watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. ### Is Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese isn’t vegan. It contains dairy ingredients, including skim milk and cheddar cheese, so it’s definitely a no-go for anyone following a plant-based diet. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, there are some great brands out there that use cashews or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli is not gluten-free. It contains semolina wheat flour and wheat gluten, which are no-nos for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If gluten is a concern, you might want to check out some gluten-free pasta options to whip up your own version at home. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this mac and cheese does contain soybean oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils can sometimes get a bad rap, but in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. They’re often used in processed foods for their stability and cost-effectiveness, but if you're trying to avoid them, it’s good to know! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, with no hidden sugars or sweeteners to worry about. So you can enjoy your cheesy goodness without the guilt of added sweeteners! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This mac and cheese has only 5 grams of total sugars, which is pretty low. So if you're looking for a comfort food that's not going to send your blood sugar levels soaring, this one fits the bill. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're hunting for healthier alternatives, consider making your own mac and cheese using whole grain pasta and a cheese sauce made from real cheese or nutritional yeast. You could also try brands that focus on organic ingredients or those that use whole foods for flavor. There are some great frozen options out there that keep the convenience but up the health factor! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli can be a hit with kids. It's a tasty option that combines a classic favorite with some veggies, making it a fun way to sneak in a little nutrition. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you're serving it as a side! ### Is it good for weight loss? While this mac and cheese isn’t specifically designed for weight loss, it can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. It has a decent amount of protein, which can help keep you feeling full, but watch out for that sodium level. Pair it with a side salad or some extra veggies to boost the nutritional value! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, Stouffer's mac and cheese with broccoli is considered ultra-processed. It contains ingredients like xanthan gum and yeast extract, which are common in processed foods to enhance texture and flavor. While ultra-processed foods can be convenient, enjoying them occasionally as part of a varied diet is perfectly fine! ## Related products - [Eggo Waffles, Thick & Fluffy](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/eggo-waffles-thick-fluffy-1160-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/eggo-waffles-thick-fluffy-1160-oz - [Green Giant Cut Broccoli](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-cut-broccoli-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/green-giant-cut-broccoli-8-oz - [Seviroli Tortellini With Meat](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/seviroli-tortellini-with-meat-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/seviroli-tortellini-with-meat-14-oz - [Celeste Pizza For One, Sausage & Pepperoni](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/celeste-pizza-for-one-sausage-pepperoni-550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/celeste-pizza-for-one-sausage-pepperoni-550-oz - [Weight Watchers Smart Ones Santa Fe Style Beans Classic Favorites](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-ones-weight-watchers-santa-fe-style-beans-classic-favorites-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smart-ones-weight-watchers-santa-fe-style-beans-classic-favorites-9-oz - [Dove Vanilla Ice Cream With Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Bars](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dove-vanilla-ice-cream-with-dark-chocolate-ice-cream-bars-867-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dove-vanilla-ice-cream-with-dark-chocolate-ice-cream-bars-867-oz - [Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Rocky Road](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-rocky-road-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-rocky-road-14-oz - [DiGiorno Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/digiorno-rising-crust-pepperoni-pizza-2470-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/digiorno-rising-crust-pepperoni-pizza-2470-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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