Cathedral City

Macaroni Cheese

Barcode 5024593000624

Yes — Macaroni Cheese is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives and formulations including: caramelised sugar (refined sugar product), colour (paprika extract), turmeric extract, and colour (annatto norbixin). These are extracted, isolated, or industrially processed additives used for colouring and flavouring, which places the product in the ultra-processed NOVA category.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked macaroni pasta in a cheese sauce topped with cheddar cheese
OK

breadcrumbs and parsley. oven cook-190°c
OK

gas 5
OK

fan 170°c from chilled preheat oven. remove sleeve and film lid. place container on a baking tray in the centre of the oven. cook for 25 minutes. allow to stand for 1 minute and serve. from frozen-preheat oven. remove sleeve and pierce film lid in several places. place container on a baking tray in the centre of the oven. cook for 20 minutes. remove film lid. return to the oven and cook for a further 25 minutes. allow to stand for 1 minute and serve. microwave 750w/850w/1000w remove sleeve and pierce film lid in several places. from chilled heat on full power for 4½ minutes (750w) or 4 minutes (850w) or 3½ minutes (1000w). allow to stand for 1 minute. stir before serving. from frozen heat on full power for 4 minutes (750w/850w) or 3½ minutes (1000w). peel back film lid
OK

stir well and re-cover. heat on full power for a further 4 minutes (750w) or 3½ minutes (850w) or 3 minutes (1000w). allow to stand for 1 minute. stir before serving. take care when removing film lid as hot steam will escape. check product is piping hot before serving. do not reheat. we have given you these heating instructions as a guide only. ingredients cooked macaroni pasta (29%) (water, durum wheat semolina)
OK

whole milk

Milk with no or minimal fat removal, commonly used as a dairy beverage and ingredient.
OK

cathedral city cheddar cheese (milk) (20%)
OK

water

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

double cream

A high-fat dairy cream skimmed from cow’s milk, commonly used for whipping and adding richness to dishes.
OK

ciabatta style breadcrumb (wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, folic acid, iron, niacin, thiamin), yeast, salt, olive oil)
OK

breadcrumbs (wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, folic acid, iron, niacin, thiamin), rapeseed oil, yeast, salt, caramelised sugar, colour (paprika extract), turmeric extract)
OK

*cathedral city red leicester cheese (red leicester cheese (milk), colour (annatto norbixin))
OK

cornflour

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

wheat flour

A basic refined flour made from wheat, enriched with vitamins and minerals (calcium carbonate, folic acid, iron, niacin, thiamin). Common baking ingredient.
OK

dijon mustard

A prepared mustard condiment made from mustard seeds, water, vinegar and salt; typically viscous, tangy and used for sauces, sandwiches and dressings.
OK

salt

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

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
OK

white pepper. *red leicester cheese made in the uk from uk milk. allergen advice:

Swap it for something less processed

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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 Cathedral City is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives and formulations including: caramelised sugar (refined sugar product), colour (paprika extract), turmeric extract, and colour (annatto norbixin). These are extracted, isolated, or industrially processed additives used for colouring and flavouring, which places the product in the ultra-processed NOVA category.

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.