Why is Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 includes foods made mostly from industrial formulations and containing additives; this product uses processed cheese, refined wheat pasta and includes disodium phosphate (a stabiliser) and silicon dioxide (an anti‑caking agent), which place it in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and saturated‑fat content in this product affect people with diabetes or cardiovascular concerns?

The 5.9 g of sugar per 100 g can raise blood‑glucose levels, requiring diabetics to monitor portion sizes, while the 2.35 g of saturated fat may increase LDL cholesterol, so individuals with heart‑related conditions should consume it only occasionally and balance it with lower‑fat, lower‑sugar foods.

Is this mac and cheese suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No. It contains dairy ingredients (cheddar cheese, whey, butter, skim milk), gluten from wheat pasta, and animal‑derived enzymes, making it unsuitable for vegan, gluten‑free, and many halal diets, and its carbohydrate level is too high for strict keto plans.

Annie's • 170g

Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese is a ready‑to‑heat meal that combines organic pasta with real aged cheddar, whey, butter and skim milk, and it is labeled as containing no artificial flavors. It is classified as a Composite foods (One‑dish meals) product, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA 4 rating, indicating an ultra‑processed item with moderate fat (5.3 g), high saturated fat (2.35 g) and sugar (5.9 g) per 100 g, but it also delivers high protein (13 g) and fiber (4.7 g). The formulation includes allergens such as gluten and dairy, and additives like disodium phosphate and silicon dioxide, which some consumers may wish to avoid.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal376 kcal

Iron1.2 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal (per 100 g), this mac and cheese contains about 65 % more sugar and 21 % more saturated fat, but roughly half the salt while delivering nearly double the protein and more than double the fiber.

Ingredients

Organic pasta (organic wheat flour), Dried cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, bacterial cultures, salt, non-animal microbial enzymes), Whey, Butter, Skim milk, Salt, Disodium phosphate, Annatto extract (for colour), Silicon dioxide (for anti-caking).

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese.

Annie's

71 g