Classic Macaroni Salad
What You Should Know
Found in the prepared foods/deli case at Whole Foods or brought to picnics and backyard barbecues, this Classic Macaroni Salad reads like a nostalgic, creamy side dish. Its smooth, stable texture and long shelf-life reflect industrial emulsifiers and stabilizers (mayonnaise, modified corn starch, xanthan gum, cultured dextrose and 'natural flavors'), signaling an ultra-processed convenience product.
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients
Cooked, Macaroni, (water,, durum, wheat, semolina,, niacin,, ferrous, sulfate, [iron],, thiamin, mononitrate,, riboflavin,, folic, acid), Mayonnaise, (soybean, oil,, water,, egg, yolks, [egg, yolks,, salt],, vinegar,, salt), Celery, Red, Bell, Pepper, Sugar, Water, Sweet, Pickle, Relish, (cucumber,, sugar,, distilled, vinegar,, salt,, calcium, chloride,, mustard, seed,, xanthan, gum,, celery, seed,, dehydrated, red, bell, pepper,, natural, flavors,, turmeric,, minced, onion), Onion, Dijon, Mustard, (vinegar,, mustard, seed,, water,, salt,, white, wine,, citric, acid,, tartaric, acid,, spices), Mustard, (vinegar,, water,, mustard, seed,, salt,, turmeric,, paprika,, spice,, garlic, powder), Cultured, Dextrose, To, Protect, Flavor, Salt, Vinegar, Modified, Corn, Starch, Xanthan, Gum..
Flagged Ingredients:
- •soybean oil - Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- •soybean oil - Processed emulsifier
Dietary Labels
Ultra-Processing Assessment
Ultra-Processed
Why this score?
This ready-to-eat salad contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (modified corn starch, xanthan gum, cultured dextrose, natural flavors, prepared mayonnaise/relish), and is formulated for convenience and stability—characteristics of NOVA 4 ultra-processed foods.
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Common Questions about Classic Macaroni Salad
The Classic Macaroni Salad can definitely fit into a balanced diet, especially if you're looking for a quick side dish. While it offers some carbohydrates and a bit of protein, it’s not a superfood. It’s best enjoyed as part of a varied diet rather than a mainstay.