Heinz

Macaroni cheese

Barcode 5000157025043

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Macaroni cheese is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives and processed ingredients: flavouring, modified cornflour, and stabilisers (polyphosphates and sodium phosphates). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and fit NOVA’s definition of ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

macaroni (39%, water, durum wheat semolina)
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

skim milk

Low-fat milk from which the fat portion has been removed; a basic dairy ingredient used as a beverage or in cooking.
OK

cheddar cheese (3%, contains milk)
OK

reduced fat cheese (2%, contains milk)
OK

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
UPF

flavouring

Flavouring preparation containing milk derivatives; used to impart taste without a specific food form.
UPF

modified starch (corn)

Chemically or enzymatically modified starch used as a thickener and texture enhancer in processed foods.
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

mustard

Seeds and/or prepared mustard used as a spice or condiment; a basic spice/condiment ingredient in cooking.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

stabiliser - polyphosphates and sodium phosphates
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

colour-beta-carotene

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Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Macaroni cheese

Is Macaroni cheese ultra-processed?

Yes — Macaroni cheese by Heinz is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives and processed ingredients: flavouring, modified cornflour, and stabilisers (polyphosphates and sodium phosphates). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and fit NOVA’s definition of ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Macaroni cheese are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Macaroni cheese as ultra-processed markers: flavouring, modified starch (corn). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.