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

It receives a NOVA 4 rating because the cheese sauce is made from processed ingredients such as cheese powder, whey powder, powdered sunflower oil, potato starch, natural flavourings and yeast extract, which are all manufactured and recombined rather than being whole‑food components.

How does the salt content in this Mac & Cheese affect a hypertensive diet?

With 2.4 g of salt per 100 g, the product contributes a significant portion of the daily recommended limit (≤5 g), so regular consumption could raise blood pressure and should be limited for people managing hypertension.

Is the whey present in this product a concern for individuals with dairy allergies?

Yes, the cheese sauce includes whey and whey powder, both dairy derivatives, so anyone allergic to milk proteins should avoid this Mac & Cheese.

Hacendado • 190 gramos

Mac & Cheese

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Mac & Cheese is a 190 g packaged macaroni and cheese product sold under the Hacendado brand at Mercadona. It falls within the cereals and potatoes food group, carries a NOVA 4 rating indicating ultra‑processing, and does not have an assigned Nutri‑Score, while providing moderate fat (3.3 g), high salt (2.4 g), zero sugar, 24.8 g carbohydrates and 5.4 g protein per 100 g. The product is convenient and ready‑to‑heat, but its high salt level, presence of dairy allergens and a long list of processed ingredients such as cheese powder, whey and sunflower‑oil powder limit its nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal397 kcal

Fat8.6 g

Carbohydrates65 g

Fiber1.8 g

Proteins14.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average pasta products, this Mac & Cheese contains less fat, salt, sugar and calories but also offers lower protein and carbohydrate amounts.

Ingredients

Pasta de sémola de trigo duro 68%, salsa queso 32% (queso fundido en polvo 32% (mezcla de quesos, suero de leche, sal), suero de leche en polvo, aceite de girasol en polvo (aceite de girasol, jarabe de glucosa, proteínas lácteas), aromas naturales, fécula de patata, sal, extracto de levadura, cebolla, perejil, ajo). Puede contener apio, soja, mostaza, huevo, crustáceos y moluscos.

84%

35%

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