Tag: Mac and cheese ingredients

Unlike many conventional mac and cheese brands, Annie's products do not contain red dye 40. The company has long differentiated itself by using only natural ingredients and avoiding synthetic colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives in its macaroni and cheese.

According to a 2025 study in *Nature Communications*, many health outcomes are linked to the types of food we eat, which makes it important to understand just how processed our food is. This is especially true for popular items like boxed mac and cheese, which raises the question: is boxed mac and cheese processed food?

Since the 1930s, Kraft has used a method of processing cheese to ensure its stability and safety. This process raises a key question for many consumers: Does Kraft mac and cheese use pasteurized cheese? The answer is a clear yes, across its product lines.

According to a 2017 study, the orange powder in boxed mac and cheese has concentrations of phthalates four times higher than in natural block cheese. This raises a key question for many comfort food lovers: is boxed mac and cheese highly processed and what exactly does that mean for its nutritional profile?

According to a 2017 report, boxed mac and cheese mixes were found to have significantly higher concentrations of harmful phthalates than natural cheese. This raises the question: Is mac and cheese very unhealthy, or does its nutritional impact depend on how it's prepared and consumed?