Stoufer’s
Flavor:
Macaroni & Cheese With Broccoli
Ingredients:
Cooked Pasta (Water, Semolina Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten), Skim Milk, Broccoli, Water, Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Color), Cheddar Club Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Salt, Annatto Color), Soybean Oil, 2% Or Less Of Bleached Wheat Flour, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Yeast extract, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Calcium Lactate.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Stoufer’s Macaroni & Cheese With Broccoli falls short in the realm of cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. The presence of additives such as Xanthan Gum further detracts from its clean food status. Additionally, the use of soybean oil, which is often heavily processed and may have health implications, is another factor that negatively impacts the healthfulness of this product.
The ingredient list begins with cooked pasta made from semolina wheat flour and wheat gluten, followed by skim milk and broccoli. The inclusion of broccoli does add a vegetable component to the dish, which is a positive aspect. However, the health benefits of the broccoli are overshadowed by the use of two types of cheddar cheese with added annatto color, which raises questions about the necessity of artificial coloring in a product that could otherwise rely on the natural colors of its ingredients.
This product contains bleached wheat flour, which is a refined grain with less nutritional value than its whole grain counterpart. The addition of salt, potassium chloride, and yeast extract are common in processed foods and contribute to the overall sodium content. The use of lactic acid and calcium lactate are likely included as preservatives or to adjust the acidity, which are common practices in processed food manufacturing.
The Stoufer’s Macaroni & Cheese With Broccoli could benefit from using organic pasta and dairy ingredients, eliminating GMOs, and replacing soybean oil with a healthier oil option. Removing unnecessary additives and artificial colors would also improve the product’s standing as a cleaner food choice.
The green leaf rating system reflects the product’s departure from the ideals of clean eating. With significant room for improvement, this macaroni and cheese dish does not align with the goals of consumers seeking wholesome, minimally processed, and nutrient-dense food options.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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