Mac & Cheese

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Common questions

Is Mac & Cheese healthy?

Mac & Cheese scores 63/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This mac & cheese product is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having some nutritious ingredients like lentil and quinoa flour.

How processed is Mac & Cheese?

Mac & Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Mac & Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, sea salt counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Mac & Cheese

Trader Joe's
63 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

Trader Joe's is carried at Trader Joe stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Trader Joe's
Category Pasta
Summary

This mac & cheese product is ultra-processed, which limits its score despite having some nutritious ingredients like lentil and quinoa flour. The use of a 4 cheese blend and a bechamel sauce adds flavor but also contributes to its processing level. While it avoids harmful additives and seed oils, the presence of annatto as a coloring agent and the overall processing level prevent a higher score.

Key ingredients 8

sea salt
Good

Sea salt is a natural mineral source that enhances flavor without added chemicals, contributing positively to taste.

See more about sea salt →
Cooked rotini pasta
Neutral

This ingredient is a common carbohydrate source that provides energy without strong positive or negative connotations.

yellow corn flour
Neutral

Corn flour is a neutral ingredient used as a thickener or base, with no significant health implications.

See more about yellow corn flour →
white rice flour
Neutral

Rice flour is a neutral carbohydrate ingredient that is commonly used in processed foods without strong health effects.

See more about white rice flour →
lentil flour
Neutral

Lentil flour adds some plant-based protein and fiber, but is generally considered neutral in overall impact.

See more about lentil flour →
quinoa flour
Neutral

Quinoa flour is a nutritious grain alternative, but in this context, it is used as a neutral ingredient.

See more about quinoa flour →
water
Neutral

Water is essential for cooking and has no health concerns associated with its use in this product.

See more about water →
reduced fat milk
Neutral

Reduced fat milk provides calcium and protein, but is considered neutral in overall health impact.

See more about reduced fat milk →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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