Health score
0
/ 100Verdict: unhealthy
Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value receives a 35/100 score due to its high sodium content and reliance on ultra-processed additives. It lacks the nutritional profile required for a balanced meal.
Key takeaways
- Contains 757.1mg of sodium per serving
- Features refined pasta lacking fiber
- Includes natural annatto extract
- Uses modified cornstarch as a thickener
- High environmental footprint from dairy
Our read on this product
The 35/100 health score is primarily driven by the excessive 757.1mg of sodium per serving and the use of refined wheat pasta. While annatto extract is a positive, natural colorant, it cannot offset the negative health impact of the cheddar cheese sauce mix, which contains processed dairy derivatives. The inclusion of modified cornstarch provides texture but contributes empty calories with no fiber. Ultimately, this product functions more as a caloric filler than a nutritious meal option.
Best for
This product is suitable for individuals seeking an occasional, budget-friendly pantry meal that requires minimal preparation time.
Approach with care
Individuals with high blood pressure, sodium sensitivity, or those following a whole-food or low-glycemic diet should avoid this product.
Ingredient breakdown
Good ingredients
Neutral ingredients
Ingredients to watch
Enriched macaroni
A refined wheat pasta fortified with nutrients like niacin and folic acid. It provides a primary source of carbohydrates but lacks the fiber found in whole grains.
Cheddar cheese sauce mix
A blend including dried cheese, whey, and various additives designed to create a creamy texture. It is high in sodium and contains processed dairy derivatives.
Modified cornstarch
A processed starch used as a thickening agent to improve sauce consistency. While generally recognized as safe, it offers no nutritional value beyond simple carbohydrates.
Annatto extract
A natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree used to give the sauce its orange hue. It is considered a safe natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
Nutrition facts
Values shown per 100g
Energy
371.4 kcal
Protein
15.7g
Carbs
72.9g
Fat
2.9g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
11.4g
Sodium
757.1mg
Saturated fat
1.5g
Fiber
2g
How it scores against your goal
Mood Effect
The high sugar and refined starch content can lead to energy crashes that negatively impact mood stability.
Muscle Gain
While it contains 15.7g of protein, the refined carb source and high sodium make it a suboptimal choice for muscle recovery.
Weight Loss
The high calorie density and lack of fiber make Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value poor for weight loss satiety.
Flu Recovery
This meal lacks the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants required to actively support immune function during flu recovery.
Fever Recovery
Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value is too heavily processed to provide the gentle, hydrating nutrition needed during fever recovery.
Pcos Management
The combination of high sodium and processed carbs can exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance associated with PCOS.
Diabetes Management
Refined wheat pasta causes sharp spikes in blood sugar, making this a poor choice for diabetes management.
Myth busters
The cheese color is artificial
The product uses annatto extract, which is a natural colorant derived from seeds.
It is a low-sodium meal option
It contains 757.1mg of sodium per serving, which is significant for a single meal.
Contains fiber for digestive health
The enriched macaroni is made from refined wheat, which has had the fiber-rich bran removed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value considered healthy?
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Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value is not considered healthy, as it earns a 35/100 health score due to high sodium levels and reliance on processed ingredients.
What is the main health concern regarding Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value?
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Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value contains excessive sodium, providing 757.1mg per serving, which exceeds recommended daily limits for single meals.
Does Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value contain any natural ingredients?
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Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value includes annatto extract, which is a safe, natural colorant used to provide the signature orange hue of the cheese sauce.
Is Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value appropriate for a diabetic diet?
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Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value is generally not appropriate for a diabetic diet because the refined pasta and sugar content may cause rapid blood glucose spikes.
Are there better alternatives to Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value?
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Thick & creamy macaroni & cheese by Great Value can be replaced with whole-grain pasta combined with real cheddar cheese and steamed vegetables to improve nutritional value and fiber intake.