Macaroni and Cheese Creamy
by The Kroger
A processed comfort food with moderate nutritional value. Contains real cheese and enriched pasta but relies on preservatives and phosphates for shelf stability.
- COOKED ENRICHED MACARONI – safe · Pre-cooked pasta fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, providing carbohydrate energy and some micronutrients.
- WATER – safe · Essential ingredient for hydration and cooking medium.
- SEMOLINA WHEAT – safe · High-protein wheat flour that provides good pasta texture and nutritional value.
- FERROUS SULFATE – safe · Iron supplement added to enriched flour to prevent iron deficiency.
- NIACIN – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added for enrichment, essential for energy metabolism and cellular function.
- THIAMIN MONONITRATE – beneficial · Vitamin B1 added for enrichment, crucial for nervous system function and energy metabolism.
- RIBOFLAVIN – beneficial · Vitamin B2 added for enrichment, important for cellular energy production and antioxidant function.
- FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate added for enrichment, essential for DNA synthesis and preventing birth defects.
- AMERICAN CHEESE – safe · Processed cheese that provides protein, calcium, and characteristic flavor profile.
- SWISS CHEESE – safe · Natural cheese that adds protein, calcium, and nutty flavor complexity.
- ENZYME MODIFIED CHEESES – safe · Cheeses treated with enzymes to intensify flavor, allowing for less cheese to achieve desired taste.
- PART SKIM MILK – safe · Reduced-fat milk that provides protein, calcium, and vitamins while lowering saturated fat content.
- WHOLE MILK – safe · Full-fat milk that provides complete proteins, calcium, and fat-soluble vitamins.
- CHEESE CULTURES – safe · Beneficial bacteria used in cheese-making process that may provide some probiotic benefits.
- SALT – safe · Essential mineral for flavor enhancement, though high sodium intake should be monitored.
- ENZYMES – safe · Natural proteins that help break down milk proteins during cheese production.
- MILK – safe · Primary dairy ingredient providing protein, calcium, and essential nutrients.
- WHEAT FLOUR – safe · Refined flour used as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
- BUTTER FAT – safe · Natural milk fat that provides richness, flavor, and fat-soluble vitamins.
- SKIM MILK – safe · Fat-free milk that adds protein and calcium without additional saturated fat.
- WHEY – safe · Milk protein byproduct that provides high-quality complete protein and calcium.
- SODIUM PHOSPHATE – controversial · Emulsifier and pH regulator that may contribute to excessive phosphorus intake and potential kidney concerns.
- MILKFAT – safe · Natural dairy fat that provides flavor, texture, and fat-soluble vitamins.
- LACTIC ACID – safe · Natural acid that provides tangy flavor and acts as a mild preservative.
- XANTHAN GUM – safe · Natural stabilizer that prevents separation and provides smooth texture.
- GUAR GUM – safe · Natural fiber-based thickener that may provide modest prebiotic benefits.
- SPICE – safe · Natural seasonings that enhance flavor profile.
- ANNATTO – safe · Natural coloring agent derived from achiote seeds, provides characteristic orange color.
- B-APO-8 CAROTENOL – safe · Nature-identical carotenoid coloring agent that provides orange color.
- SORBIC ACID – safe · Mild preservative that prevents mold growth, generally well-tolerated.
Real cheese ingredients
Enriched pasta with vitamins
No artificial sweeteners
Convenient prepared meal
High sodium content
Contains sodium phosphate
Moderate processing level
Non-organic ingredients
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Macaroni and Cheese Creamy 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