Momma B's Mac & Cheese Homestyle
by Sugarloaf Mountain Sunlight Vineyard
A moderately processed comfort food with real cheese and minimal artificial additives. While it uses quality dairy ingredients, the enriched pasta and added sugars prevent it from being a healthier option.
- Cooked Enriched Macaroni – safe · Refined wheat pasta fortified with synthetic vitamins, provides carbohydrates but lacks fiber and nutrients of whole grain.
- Water – safe · Standard ingredient for cooking and consistency.
- Semolina (Wheat) – safe · Refined wheat flour used in pasta production, provides structure but minimal nutrition.
- Niacin – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added to enrich the pasta, supports energy metabolism.
- Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) – safe · Iron supplement added to enrich pasta, helps prevent iron deficiency.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 added for enrichment, essential for nerve and muscle function.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 added for enrichment, important for energy production and cellular function.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate added for enrichment, crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Cheddar Cheese – beneficial · Real aged cheese providing protein, calcium, and probiotics from natural fermentation.
- Cultured Milk – beneficial · Fermented milk used in cheese production, contains beneficial bacteria and proteins.
- Salt – safe · Essential mineral used for flavor enhancement and cheese preservation.
- Enzymes – safe · Natural enzymes used in cheese production to develop flavor and texture.
- Annatto – safe · Natural coloring agent from annatto seeds, gives cheese its orange color.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – beneficial · Mild cheese adding protein, calcium, and creamy texture to the dish.
- Milk – beneficial · Whole milk providing protein, calcium, and fat for creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese – safe · Rich dairy product adding creaminess and flavor, higher in saturated fat.
- Milk and Cream – beneficial · Dairy base for cream cheese providing protein and calcium.
- Cheese Culture – beneficial · Beneficial bacteria used in fermentation process, may provide probiotic benefits.
- Carob Bean Gum – safe · Natural stabilizer from carob tree seeds, helps maintain smooth texture.
- Xanthan Gum – safe · Fermentation-derived thickener that may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
- Guar Gum – safe · Natural fiber from guar beans used as thickener, may have prebiotic benefits.
- Rice Starch – safe · Natural thickening agent from rice, helps create smooth cheese sauce.
- Natural Flavors (Milk) – safe · Dairy-derived flavor compounds to enhance cheese taste.
- Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar unnecessary in savory dish, may contribute to blood sugar spikes.
- Natural Flavor (Maltodextrin) – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar more than table sugar.
- Jalapeno Pepper – beneficial · Natural pepper adding flavor and capsaicin with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Red Pepper – beneficial · Natural spice providing flavor and antioxidants like capsaicin.
- Spice – safe · Unspecified natural seasonings for flavor enhancement.
Real cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
No artificial preservatives or colors
Contains beneficial bacteria from cheese cultures
Natural spices for flavor
Refined enriched pasta
Added sugar in savory dish
Maltodextrin spikes blood sugar
Multiple stabilizing gums
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Momma B's Mac & Cheese Homestyle was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Pasta & Grains