Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
by The Kroger
A moderately processed mac and cheese with real dairy ingredients but concerning phosphate additives and artificial colors. Better than many ultra-processed options but still contains preservatives and emulsifiers that may disrupt gut health.
- Cooked Enriched Macaroni – safe · Standard enriched wheat pasta providing carbohydrates and B vitamins from fortification.
- Water – safe · Essential solvent and base for the sauce preparation.
- Semolina Wheat – safe · High-protein wheat flour used for pasta making, provides good texture and nutrition.
- Wheat – safe · Standard grain ingredient, safe for those without gluten sensitivity.
- Ferrous Sulfate – safe · Iron fortification compound that helps prevent iron deficiency.
- Niacin – beneficial · Vitamin B3 fortification that supports metabolism and nervous system function.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 fortification essential for energy metabolism and nerve function.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 that supports cellular energy production and antioxidant activity.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate, crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- American Cheese – safe · Real cheese providing protein, calcium, and authentic dairy flavor.
- Swiss Cheese – beneficial · Natural aged cheese with probiotics and high-quality protein.
- Enzyme Modified Cheese – safe · Real cheese treated with enzymes to concentrate flavor, still natural dairy.
- Part Skim Milk – safe · Natural dairy ingredient providing protein and calcium with reduced fat content.
- Whole Milk – safe · Natural dairy ingredient providing complete nutrition and creamy texture.
- Cheese Cultures – beneficial · Beneficial bacteria used in cheese making that may support gut health.
- Salt – safe · Natural mineral for flavor enhancement and preservation, moderate amounts are fine.
- Enzymes – safe · Natural proteins that facilitate cheese making and improve digestibility.
- Milk – safe · Natural dairy providing complete protein and essential nutrients.
- Wheat Flour – safe · Standard thickening agent for sauce, provides some B vitamins and fiber.
- Butter Fat – safe · Natural dairy fat that provides richness and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Skim Milk – safe · Fat-free milk providing protein and calcium without additional calories.
- Whey – safe · Milk protein byproduct that adds protein and improves texture.
- Sodium Phosphate – controversial · Emulsifier that may disrupt gut bacteria and interfere with mineral absorption when consumed regularly.
- Milkfat – safe · Natural dairy fat providing flavor and essential fatty acids.
- Lactic Acid – safe · Natural acid produced during fermentation, safe and may have probiotic benefits.
- Xanthan Gum – safe · Natural polysaccharide thickener that's generally well-tolerated in small amounts.
- Guar Gum – safe · Natural fiber-based thickener that may have mild prebiotic effects.
- Spice – safe · Generic spice blend for flavor enhancement, generally safe.
- Annatto – safe · Natural color derived from achiote seeds, considered safe with minimal processing.
- B-apo-8 Carotenol – safe · Synthetic carotenoid colorant that's FDA-approved but unnecessary for nutrition.
- Sorbic Acid – safe · Naturally-occurring preservative that's well-tolerated and effective against mold.
Made with real cheese varieties
No seed oils or trans fats
Enriched pasta provides B vitamins
Moderate ingredient list length
Contains beneficial cheese cultures
Sodium phosphate may disrupt gut health
Artificial colorant B-apo-8 carotenol
High sodium content
Multiple emulsifiers and thickeners
Conventional dairy ingredients
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Creamy Macaroni and Cheese 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