Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta

Common questions

Is Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta healthy?

Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta scores 63/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains organic pasta and several beneficial dairy ingredients, which contribute positively to its nutritional profile.

How processed is Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta?

Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Organic pasta, Cultured cream, Butter count in its favor; Sunflower lecithin, Sodium phosphate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Annie's Classic Macaroni & Cheese Family Size, Made with Organic Pasta

Annie's Homegrown
63 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.31 · 10.5 oz · $0.32 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by General Mills
Category Pasta
Summary

This product contains organic pasta and several beneficial dairy ingredients, which contribute positively to its nutritional profile. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to the presence of additives like sunflower lecithin and sodium phosphate, which are used to enhance texture and stability. The processing level and inclusion of these additives limit the overall healthiness of the product, despite its organic components.

Key ingredients 14

Organic pasta
Good

Organic pasta is made from organic wheat flour, which is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable product. Organic certification ensures higher quality and environmental standards.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates for energy and is a source of dietary fiber when made from whole grains.

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Cultured cream
Good

Cultured cream is a fermented dairy product that contains beneficial probiotics. It adds a rich flavor and creamy texture to foods. The fermentation process can enhance digestibility and nutrient absorption.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergies.

Benefits

Contains probiotics that support gut health and digestion.

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Butter
Good

Butter is a natural source of fat that provides flavor and richness to foods. It contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. When made from pasteurized cream, it is free from harmful bacteria.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.

Benefits

Provides fat-soluble vitamins and enhances the flavor of dishes.

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Whey
Neutral

Liquid whey as a minor dairy ingredient — benign.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergies.

Benefits

Supports muscle growth and repair due to its complete amino acid profile.

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Nonfat milk
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergies.

Benefits

Supports bone health due to its calcium and vitamin D content.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a common culinary ingredient but does not provide additional nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in foods.

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Dried cheddar cheese
Neutral

Dried cheddar cheese provides flavor and protein but is processed to remove moisture. It contains calcium and other nutrients found in cheese. The drying process extends shelf life but may reduce some nutrient content.

Risks

May contain high levels of sodium and saturated fats.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Dried cheddar cheese →
Corn starch
Neutral

Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in foods. It is a refined carbohydrate with no significant nutritional benefits. It is gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Benefits

Provides a gluten-free thickening option for sauces and soups.

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Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used to add acidity and preserve freshness in foods. It is generally recognized as safe when used in food products.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause tooth enamel erosion.

Benefits

Helps preserve food and enhance flavor without significant health risks.

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Annatto extract
Neutral

Annatto extract is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to impart a yellow or orange color to foods. It is considered safe and is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural color without the use of synthetic dyes.

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Lactic acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is used as a preservative and acidity regulator in foods. It is naturally occurring and produced by fermentation. It is generally recognized as safe and contributes to the tangy flavor in foods.

Benefits

Helps preserve food and enhance flavor without significant health risks.

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Silicon dioxide
Neutral

Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in powdered foods. It is a naturally occurring mineral and is generally recognized as safe. It does not provide nutritional benefits but aids in product consistency.

Benefits

Prevents clumping and maintains product consistency.

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Sunflower lecithin
Bad

Sunflower lecithin is used as an emulsifier to improve texture and consistency in foods. It is a processed ingredient derived from sunflower seeds. While it is less concerning than seed oils, it is still a refined additive.

Risks

May cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency in food products.

See more about Sunflower lecithin →
Sodium phosphate
Bad

Sodium phosphate is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in processed foods. It is a synthetic additive that can contribute to high phosphorus intake. Excessive consumption may affect kidney function and bone health.

Risks

High intake may lead to imbalances in phosphorus levels, affecting kidney and bone health.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in processed foods.

See more about Sodium phosphate →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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