# Stouffers Sides Five Cheese 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:** 8 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stouffers-stouffers-sides-five-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-8-oz - **Slug:** `stouffers-stouffers-sides-five-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-8-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial formulations such as pasteurized process cheese spread, modified cornstarch, emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides, DATEM), enzyme-modified cheeses and xanthan gum, indicating ultraprocessed status (NOVA 4). ## Review Stouffer's Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is the kind of frozen side you’ll spot stacked in the grocery frozen aisle alongside other ready-to-heat dinners and side dishes — think lasagnas, pot pies and microwavable family meals. Packaged as an 8 oz frozen tray with retail sleeve branding, it’s positioned for quick weeknight resuscitation or as an easy accompaniment to a protein for a family dinner. The product leans on comfort-food heritage: Stouffer’s markets homemade flavor and a signature five-cheese blend (cheddar, Parmesan, Romano, white cheddar, Asiago), aiming at busy parents, nostalgic adults and anyone craving indulgent convenience. Labeling emphasizes taste and convenience rather than health; you won’t find organic certification or “all natural” badges, and the package copy often highlights “homemade flavor” and ease of preparation — a subtle health halo that suggests authenticity without making nutrition claims. Processing context: this is a highly processed, ready-to-heat frozen meal made with formulated cheese spreads, stabilizers and emulsifiers to ensure consistent texture and shelf stability. Sensory notes: when heated it delivers a creamy, saucy mouthfeel with tender pasta and a cheesy, slightly salty finish; textures range from smooth sauce to soft macaroni. Ritual use is short and practical — microwave or oven heat, stir or let rest, and serve straight from the tray — making it ideal for rushed dinners, students, or as a lazy comfort-food fix. In American grocery culture it sits at the intersection of convenience, nostalgia and indulgence. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 480 - **Total fat:** 29g (37% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 17g (85% DV) - **Trans fat:** 1g - **Cholesterol:** 85mg (28% DV) - **Sodium:** 1100mg (48% DV) - **Total carbs:** 34g (12% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 5g - **Protein:** 24g ## Ingredients COOKED PASTA (WATER, SEMOLINA WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT GLUTEN), PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE SPREAD (AMERICAN CHEESE [MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, WHEY, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SKIM MILK, SALT, MILKFAT, BETA CAROTENE AND ANNATTO [FOR COLOR]), SKIM MILK, WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO COLOR), WATER, BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), PARMESAN AND ASIAGO CHEESE BLEND WITH FLAVOR (PARMESAN AND ASIAGO CHEESES [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], ENZYME MODIFIED PARMESAN CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, WATER, SALT, ENZYMES], WHEY, SALT), 2% OR LESS OF ROMANO CHEESE WITH FLAVOR (ROMANO CHEESE [CULTURED COW'S MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], ENZYME MODIFIED ROMANO CHEESE [ROMANO CHEESE {CULTURED COW'S MILK, WATER, SALT, ENZYMES}, SALT]), SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT, DATEM AND MONO-DIGLYCERIDES, SPICES, XANTHAN GUM, LACTIC ACID, CALCIUM LACTATE. ## Flagged ingredients - **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **mono- and diglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **beta carotene** (additive): Artificial coloring - **annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, back-to-school, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! With 24 grams of protein and a decent dose of calcium, it can fit into a balanced diet, especially for a quick meal. Just keep in mind that it’s also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it’s more of an occasional treat than a daily staple. ### Is it vegan? Nope, the Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is definitely not vegan. It’s packed with a variety of cheeses and dairy ingredients, which are key players in that creamy goodness. If you're looking for a plant-based pasta option, you might want to check out some vegan mac and cheese brands instead! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, this mac and cheese is not gluten-free. It contains semolina wheat flour in the cooked pasta, which means it's off-limits for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're gluten-free, look for brands that specifically cater to that need. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, the Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese does contain soybean oil. Seed oils like this one are often used in processed foods to improve texture and shelf life. While some folks prefer to avoid them, the consensus is that they’re generally safe to consume in moderation. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you'll be happy to know that this mac and cheese doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners. It’s all about that cheesy, savory flavor without the added sugar tricks. So, you can enjoy it without worrying about hidden sweeteners! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! The Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese has only 5 grams of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low for a meal. It’s not a dessert, after all, so you can focus on savoring that cheesy goodness without the sugar rush. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider whole grain or chickpea pasta paired with a homemade cheese sauce. There are also brands that offer lower sodium and higher fiber options, so keep an eye out for those. It's all about finding what fits your lifestyle and taste buds! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! The Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is a kid-friendly meal that most little ones will love. Just be mindful of the sodium content if you’re serving it as a regular part of their diet, but it can definitely be a fun and easy dinner option. ### Is it good for weight loss? While the protein content is decent, the high calorie count and sodium might not make it the best choice for weight loss. If you're trying to shed some pounds, consider portioning it out or balancing it with a side of veggies. Moderation is key here! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, the Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains several ingredients that have been modified or processed to achieve that creamy, cheesy texture. While it’s convenient and tasty, it’s always good to balance these meals with whole, less-processed foods when you can. ## Related products - [Outshine Strawberry Frozen Fruit Bars, 6 Count](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/outshine-strawberry-frozen-fruit-bars-6-count-6-ct) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/outshine-strawberry-frozen-fruit-bars-6-count-6-ct - [Ore Ida Tater Tots, Crispy, Mini 28 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ore-ida-ore-ida-tater-tots-crispy-mini-28-oz-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ore-ida-ore-ida-tater-tots-crispy-mini-28-oz-28-oz - [Friendly's Ice Cream, Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/friendlys-ice-cream-chocolate-marshmallow-swirl-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/friendlys-ice-cream-chocolate-marshmallow-swirl-48-oz - [Newmans Stone Fired Crust Quattro Formaggi](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/newmans-own-newmans-stone-fired-crust-quattro-formaggi-1360-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/newmans-own-newmans-stone-fired-crust-quattro-formaggi-1360-oz - [Nathans Famous Jumbo Crinkle Cut French Fries](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nathans-nathans-famous-jumbo-crinkle-cut-french-fries-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nathans-nathans-famous-jumbo-crinkle-cut-french-fries-28-oz - [Sukhi's Chicken Tikka Masala Naanwich, 2 count](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sukhis-chicken-tikka-masala-naanwich-2-count-1040-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sukhis-chicken-tikka-masala-naanwich-2-count-1040-oz - [Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Vanilla Bean](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/van-leeuwen-artisan-ice-cream-vanilla-bean-14-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/van-leeuwen-artisan-ice-cream-vanilla-bean-14-oz - [Tru Fru White Milk Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tru-fru-white-milk-chocolate-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tru-fru-white-milk-chocolate-8-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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