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

The product combines refined wheat flour, fortified nutrients, cheese sauce, and several industrial ingredients such as sodium phosphate, modified starch, annatto extract, and natural flavors, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods and place it in NOVA group 4.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 11.4 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 1.86 g of salt per 100 g is moderate but still contributes to daily sodium limits, which may be a concern for hypertension if consumed frequently.

Based on the ingredient list, is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

No, the meal contains whey, dairy, and cheddar cheese, so it is not vegan or halal‑certified, it includes wheat flour and therefore is not gluten‑free, and its high carbohydrate (70 g) and sugar content make it incompatible with a keto diet.

Great Value • 206 g

Macaroni & Cheese Original Cheddar

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Macaroni & Cheese Original Cheddar is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal from the Great Value brand, classified in the Composite foods and One‑dish meals groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with low fat and saturated fat but high sugar (11.4 g), high carbohydrates (70 g) and a calorie density of about 557 kcal per 100 g, while providing moderate protein (11.4 g) and fiber (2.9 g). Overall, it supplies quick comfort food energy but should be consumed with awareness of its elevated sugar and calorie content.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal557 kcal

Iron2.6 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average macaroni‑and‑cheese category, this product delivers about three times more sugar and carbohydrates, roughly double the protein and fiber, but contains far less fat and salt, while its calorie density (~557 kcal/100 g) far exceeds the typical 175 kcal average.

Ingredients

ENRICHED MACARONI (WHEAT FLOUR, FERROUS SULFATE, NIACIN, CALCIUM CARBONATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), CHEESE SAUCE BLEND (WHEY, DAIRY PRODUCT SOLIDS, ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [WHEAT, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SALT, FOOD STARCH-MODIFIED, NATURAL FLAVORS, ANNATTO EXTRACT, CHEDDAR CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES], SODIUM PHOSPHATE).

84%

35%

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