Kraft mac & cheese

pasta-with-cheese-sauce

Why this score

• Capped: contains Corn syrup solidsadded-sugar load
• Ultra-processed + additivesNOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) combined with a flagged additive — capped at 6.
• High in salt; medium sugar, saturated fatFSA traffic lights per 100g: high salt; medium sugar, saturated fat (−0.9).

Ingredients (36)

• 5Enriched wheat flourProcessed grain with added vitamins; less nutritious than whole grain
• 6Glyceryl monostearateEmulsifier; synthetic, purpose is texture but limited safety concerns.
• 8NiacinB vitamin; essential nutrient added to fortified grain products.
• 8Ferrous sulfate ironBioavailable iron supplement; effective for preventing iron deficiency anemia
• 8Thiamin mononitrateVitamin B1; essential nutrient, naturally occurring form, safe
• 8RiboflavinVitamin B2; essential nutrient, supports energy metabolism safely
• 8Folic acidVitamin B9; critical prenatal nutrient added to enriched grains.
• 8WheyMilk byproduct, good protein source, minimally processed
• 3Corn syrup solidsHighly processed sweetener; minimal nutritional value.
• 8MilkDairy; whole food source of protein and calcium.
• 4Palm OilHighly saturated fat; environmental and health concerns.
• 8Milk Protein ConcentrateDerived from milk, minimally processed, high protein content.
• 5Modified food starchChemically modified thickener; processed, minimal nutrition.
• 8milk fatNatural saturated fat; minimal processing; essential fat-soluble vitamins; whole food source.
• 6SaltMineral electrolyte; acceptable in normal amounts.
• 3MaltodextrinHighly processed carbohydrate; rapid glucose spike, minimal nutrition.
• 8Calcium CarbonateNatural mineral, provides bioavailable calcium supplementation
• 5Sodium TriphosphateUnknown ingredient — insufficient data to score
• 6medium chain triglyceridesProcessed fat; rapid energy source; moderate processing; may support ketosis.
• 8Dried buttermilkFermented dairy product; minimal processing; retains probiotics.
• 7Citric AcidNatural preservative and acidulant; safe in typical supplement amounts.
• 6Sodium PhosphateFood additive for texture; generally safe but artificial.
• 6CreamWhole dairy product, natural, minimal processing.
• 7Lactic acidNaturally derived acid; safe preservative and flavor enhancer.
• 7Calcium PhosphateFood-grade mineral supplement, safe additive for calcium fortification
• 7Nonfat Dry MilkDehydrated milk, minimally processed, good protein and calcium.
• 6Guar GumNatural thickener from guar beans; safe, minimal nutritional value.
• 8Cheese cultureFermentation aid; safe and traditional.
• 9PaprikaNatural spice from peppers, antioxidant-rich coloring agent
• 9TurmericNatural spice with curcumin, anti-inflammatory properties
• 6AnnattoNatural plant-derived colorant, no known adverse effects
• 6Silicon DioxideAnti-caking agent; safe, inert, used in small amounts.
• 7EnzymesProcessing aid; generally recognized as safe.
• 6Natural FlavorBroad category; vague labeling but generally acceptable.
• 6Xanthan GumBacterial fermentation product; thickener; generally recognized as safe.
• 5acetylated monoglyceridesModified fat emulsifier; synthetic derivative, highly processed.

Allergens

Contains: gluten, milk

Declared on the product label. Anything not listed here simply wasn't declared - that is not the same as being free from it. Always check the packaging.

Similar foods

• 7Banza Chickpea Pasta Cheddar Elbows