Finding out Which Mac and Cheese Has No Phthalates?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2017 study, laboratory tests commissioned by public health advocates found phthalates in all ten samples of cheese powder tested from various macaroni and cheese products, including organic brands. Navigating the options to find which mac and cheese has no phthalates can be confusing, but consumer commitments and healthier alternatives offer clearer choices.

Quick Summary

Phthalates, industrial chemicals used in food processing, have been found in many boxed mac and cheese products, including organic versions. Some brands like Annie's Homegrown have made commitments to eliminate these chemicals from their processing equipment. Consumers can reduce their exposure by choosing certain brands or by adopting homemade recipes and other dietary changes.

Key Points

Phthalates are Ubiquitous in Processing: Phthalates are industrial chemicals that migrate into food, especially fatty products like mac and cheese powder, from processing equipment and packaging.
Annie's Homegrown Made a Commitment: Following a 2017 study, Annie's committed to removing phthalates from its processing equipment and packaging, making it a potentially safer option among boxed brands.
Organic Doesn't Guarantee Phthalate-Free: The 2017 study found phthalates in both organic and conventional cheese powders, indicating the source is often processing equipment rather than ingredients.
Homemade is the Safest Option: The most reliable way to avoid phthalates in mac and cheese is to make it from scratch using fresh ingredients, which puts you in full control of the process.
Avoid Heating Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers, as heat increases the rate at which chemicals like phthalates can leach into food.
Use Non-Plastic Kitchenware: Store and cook food in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel to minimize chemical exposure.

Understanding Phthalates in Your Food

Phthalates are a class of industrial chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. They are not intentionally added to food but can transfer from processing equipment and packaging into food, particularly fatty foods like cheese powder. The concern surrounding phthalates stems from studies suggesting some types can disrupt hormonal systems and may be linked to reproductive and developmental issues, especially in children. A 2017 study found phthalates in most tested cheese products, with the highest levels in boxed mac and cheese powder.

Which Mac and Cheese Has No Phthalates? A Brand-by-Brand Look

Consumer advocacy following the 2017 reports prompted some industry changes. However, completely eliminating phthalates from boxed mac and cheese is difficult due to their presence in manufacturing processes. Annie's Homegrown has been a notable brand in addressing this issue.

Annie's Homegrown's Commitment

In 2021, following reports of phthalates in their products, General Mills, Annie's parent company, committed to removing these chemicals from the packaging and processing equipment used for Annie's mac and cheese. Annie's stated its intention to work with suppliers to phase out materials containing ortho-phthalates. This commitment was significant as Annie's was the first major mac and cheese brand to make such a public promise. Despite this step towards safer products, complete elimination of contaminants in a complex supply chain is an ongoing process.

The Stance of Other Brands

In contrast to Annie's, other large brands like Kraft Heinz have not made similar public commitments. Kraft Heinz has stated that phthalates are not intentionally added but acknowledges their presence can result from migration from processing equipment. Public health groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) advise limiting exposure to highly processed foods due to such systemic issues.

Comparing Mac and Cheese Options

This table compares different mac and cheese options based on factors related to potential phthalate exposure.


Category	Boxed Conventional (e.g., Kraft)	Boxed Organic (e.g., Annie's)	Homemade Mac and Cheese	Vegan/Plant-Based Boxed Options
Phthalate Risk	High; detected in 2017 study with higher levels than natural cheese.	Potentially lower due to brand commitments, but initial study found traces.	Lowest risk; consumer controls all ingredients and equipment.	Varies by brand and processing, but can be low if equipment is phthalate-free.
Ingredients	Highly processed cheese powder, artificial colors, preservatives.	Often includes organic cheese powder and natural ingredients, but still uses powdered cheese.	Fresh, whole-food ingredients (cheese, butter, milk, flour, spices).	Plant-based cheese substitutes and non-dairy milks.
Preparation	Boil pasta, add cheese powder, butter, and milk.	Boil pasta, add organic cheese powder, butter, and milk.	Requires making a cheese sauce from scratch.	Follow box instructions, similar to conventional.
Taste	Distinctly classic, tangy, processed cheese flavor.	More natural, less artificial flavor.	Rich, creamy, and highly customizable.	Varies by brand, with some mimicking traditional cheese taste.
Control	Minimal control over ingredients or processing.	Higher control over ingredients (organic), but processing equipment historically a risk.	Full control over ingredients, quality, and cooking process.	Varies by brand; check for transparent sourcing and processing practices.

Practical Steps to Reduce Phthalate Exposure

Reducing your intake of processed foods is the most effective way to minimize phthalate exposure. Here are some practical steps:

Make it from scratch: Preparing homemade mac and cheese with fresh ingredients significantly reduces the risk of phthalate contamination found in cheese powder.
Use non-plastic kitchenware: Opt for glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for cooking and storing food to prevent phthalates from leaching from plastic.
Avoid microwaving plastic: Heating food in plastic containers can increase the transfer of chemicals into your food.
Reduce processed food: Decreasing your consumption of pre-packaged and canned foods helps lower overall exposure to phthalates present in the processing industry.
Consider vegan options: Some plant-based mac and cheese alternatives may pose a lower phthalate risk depending on their processing methods.
Support committed brands: Choosing brands like Annie's that are actively working to remove phthalates from their supply chain can encourage wider industry change.

Conclusion

While it's challenging to definitively identify mac and cheese with absolutely no phthalates, brands like Annie's Homegrown have shown a commitment to reducing their presence. The most reliable method to avoid these chemicals is to make mac and cheese from scratch. By being mindful of food sources, supporting brands working towards safer products, and making changes in your kitchen, you can reduce dietary phthalate exposure. For more information, resources like the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) offer insights into chemical contamination in food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics. They are not intentionally added to food but can migrate from food processing equipment, such as plastic tubing and conveyor belts, into fatty foods like the cheese powder in mac and cheese.

Following a 2017 report, Annie's Homegrown committed in 2021 to eliminating phthalates from its processing equipment and packaging. This is a move toward safer products, but achieving zero phthalates in the supply chain is a complex process.

No, being organic does not guarantee a product is phthalate-free. A 2017 study found phthalates in both organic and conventional boxed mac and cheese products, as the chemicals originate from the processing equipment, not necessarily the ingredients.

To make phthalate-free mac and cheese, use fresh ingredients like block cheese, butter, and milk, and cook using non-plastic cookware. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and processing.

Some studies have linked high levels of phthalate exposure to health concerns, including potential endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and developmental problems, particularly in children.

Kraft is a major manufacturer whose products were found to contain phthalates in the 2017 study. While the company has stated that phthalates are not added intentionally, they have not made the same public commitment as Annie's to specifically remove them from processing equipment.

To reduce overall exposure, eat fewer processed and packaged foods, avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, and opt for glass or stainless steel for food storage and cooking.