Macaroni and Cheese
What You Should Know
You'd spot this Whole Foods Market Macaroni and Cheese in the refrigerated prepared meals or ready-to-heat section — a handy grab for a busy weeknight or a nostalgic, comfort-food craving. It reads indulgent and familiar (rich cheeses, butter, cream) but the smooth, clingy sauce and consistent texture are aided by industrial additives like xanthan gum, guar gum, cornstarch and annatto-in-oil. Those ingredients and the formulated, ready-to-heat format are clues that it leans toward ultraprocessed products.
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients
Macaroni, &, Cheese, (elbow, macaroni, [enriched, unbleached, durum, wheat, semolina,, egg, whites,, niacin,, ferrous, sulfate,, thiamine, mononitrate,, riboflavin,, folic, acid],, milk, [pasteurized, milk,, vitamin, d3],, water,, cheddar, cheese, [pasteurized, milk,, cheese, cultures,, salt,, enzymes],, white, cheddar, cheese, [pasteurized, milk,, cheese, cultures,, salt,, enzymes],, heavy, cream,, butter, [cream,, salt],, unbleached, wheat, flour,, sea, salt,, cornstarch,, stabilizers, [xanthan, gum,, guar, gum],, white, pepper,, annatto, extract, [canola, oil,, annatto, (color)])..
Flagged Ingredients:
- •canola oil - Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- •annatto - Artificial coloring
Dietary Labels
Ultra-Processing Assessment
Ultra-Processed
Why this score?
Contains recognizable whole ingredients (cheeses, cream, pasta) but also industrial additives and stabilizers (xanthan gum, guar gum, cornstarch, annatto in oil) and is a ready-to-heat formulated product, which aligns with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed).
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Common Questions about Macaroni and Cheese
The Mac and Cheese is a comforting meal that can definitely fit into a balanced diet, but calling it 'healthy' really depends on your personal dietary goals. With 240 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying option, but it's also higher in saturated fat and sodium. So, if you're watching those numbers, enjoy it in moderation!