Upton’s Naturals

Upton’s Naturals Original Ch’eesy Mac earns a 3/5 green leaf rating, indicating it is a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. The product does not boast an organic label, thus it loses points in the assessment of its overall healthfulness. However, it is made with non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect for consumers looking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their diet.

The mac and cheese is composed of durum wheat semolina, a common pasta base, and derives its cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast, a popular vegan cheese substitute. Rice bran oil serves as the fat source, and the product is seasoned with sea salt, mustard, onion, garlic, paprika, and turmeric, which are all natural spices. Nevertheless, the inclusion of added sugar, albeit likely small in quantity, detracts from its health score.

Furthermore, the presence of corn starch raises concerns due to its potential as a harmful additive, which impacts the product’s rating significantly. While corn starch is a common ingredient in many processed foods, it is often scrutinized for its highly refined nature and the potential for it to be sourced from GMO corn, although that is not the case here.

The product does contain wheat, which may not suit those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. For those without such concerns, Upton’s Naturals Original Ch’eesy Mac presents itself as an average option within the market. It strikes a balance between cleaner ingredients and those that are less desirable for a health-conscious consumer.

With its mid-range green leaf rating, the product stands as a moderately clean option. It manages to avoid GMOs but does not reach the standards of organic certification and includes added sugars and potential additives. This positions Upton’s Naturals Original Ch’eesy Mac as an acceptable alternative for those seeking a better option without expecting the highest standards of health and ingredient purity.