Elbow macaroni

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Elbow macaroni healthy?

Elbow macaroni scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This elbow macaroni is made primarily from semolina wheat and is enriched with vitamins and minerals, which is common for pasta products.

How processed is Elbow macaroni?

Elbow macaroni is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Elbow macaroni's score?

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

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Elbow macaroni

65 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Pasta
Summary

This elbow macaroni is made primarily from semolina wheat and is enriched with vitamins and minerals, which is common for pasta products. While it is a processed food, it does not contain harmful additives or seed oils, making it a relatively clean option within its category. The processing level limits its score, but the absence of artificial additives and the inclusion of essential nutrients are positive factors.

Key ingredients 6

Niacin
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and helps maintain healthy skin and nerves.

See more about Niacin →
Riboflavin
Good

Essential B vitamin — beneficial micronutrient.

Benefits

Contributes to energy production and supports cellular function.

See more about Riboflavin →
Semolina
Neutral

Semolina is a coarse flour made from durum wheat, commonly used in pasta. It is a source of carbohydrates and provides some protein and fiber. It is not enriched with additional nutrients, making it a basic ingredient in pasta production.

Risks

Contains gluten, which can be a concern for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Benefits

Provides a source of energy through carbohydrates and contains some protein and fiber.

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Ferrous sulfate
Neutral

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement used to fortify foods and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is a common additive in enriched grain products. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues and iron overload.

Benefits

Helps prevent iron deficiency anemia by providing a source of iron.

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Thiamin mononitrate
Neutral

Thiamin mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 added to enriched foods to prevent deficiencies. It is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. It is commonly used in fortified grain products.

Benefits

Supports carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.

See more about Thiamin mononitrate →
Folic acid
Neutral

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin added to foods to prevent neural tube defects. It is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. It is a common fortification in grain products.

Risks

Excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

Benefits

Helps prevent neural tube defects and supports DNA synthesis and cell division.

See more about Folic acid →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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