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 September 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 like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which helps maintain a relatively clean label. The processing level limits its score, but the absence of problematic ingredients allows it to score fairly well within its category.

Key ingredients 6

Niacin
Good

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

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and is essential for maintaining healthy skin and nerves.

See more about Niacin →
Riboflavin
Good

Essential B vitamin — beneficial micronutrient.

Benefits

Essential for energy production and helps maintain healthy skin and eyes.

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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. However, it lacks significant micronutrients and is not considered a whole grain.

Risks

Contains gluten, which may cause issues 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 prevent or treat low blood levels of iron. It is commonly added to fortified foods to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. However, excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, or iron overload.

Benefits

Helps prevent iron deficiency anemia and supports oxygen transport in the blood.

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Thiamin mononitrate
Neutral

Thiamin mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 used to fortify foods. It is essential for energy metabolism and nerve function. In fortified foods, it ensures adequate intake but does not provide additional benefits beyond dietary needs.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and is crucial for nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism.

See more about Thiamin mononitrate →
Folic acid
Neutral

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used to fortify foods and prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. It is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. Fortification ensures adequate intake but does not provide additional benefits beyond dietary needs.

Risks

Excessive intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

Benefits

Supports DNA synthesis and is crucial for fetal development during pregnancy.

See more about Folic acid →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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