Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry

Common questions

Is Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry healthy?

Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry scores 73/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This macaroni and cheese product is primarily composed of enriched wheat flour, which is a processed ingredient.

How processed is Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry?

Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry's score?

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

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Macaroni and Cheese Spirals - 5.5oz - Market Pantry

Market Pantry
73 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Target Corporation
Category Pasta
Summary

This macaroni and cheese product is primarily composed of enriched wheat flour, which is a processed ingredient. While it does not contain harmful additives like artificial dyes or seed oils, the presence of refined flour and added nutrients indicates a moderate level of processing. The product's nutritional profile shows a high carbohydrate content with moderate protein and fat, which is typical for pasta products.

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

Supports energy production and cellular function, helping to prevent riboflavin deficiency.

See more about Riboflavin →
Ferrous sulfate
Neutral

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement added to enriched flour to prevent iron deficiency. It is a common fortification in processed foods. While it helps prevent anemia, excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal issues.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or iron overload in susceptible individuals.

Benefits

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

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Thiamin mononitrate
Neutral

Thiamin mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 added to enriched flour to replace nutrients lost during processing. It is essential for energy metabolism and nerve function. Its inclusion helps prevent thiamin deficiency.

Benefits

Essential for energy metabolism and supports nerve function.

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Folic acid
Neutral

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 added to enriched flour to prevent neural tube defects. It is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. Its fortification in foods helps reduce the risk of birth defects.

Risks

Excessive intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

Benefits

Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, reducing the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy.

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Wheat flour
Bad

Refined grain flour stripped of bran and germ.

Risks

Refined wheat flour may contribute to blood sugar spikes and lacks fiber compared to whole grain alternatives.

Benefits

Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy. Contains some protein and B vitamins, though in lower amounts than whole grains.

See more about Wheat flour →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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