If you’re a fan of quick and easy meals, chances are you’ve tried Kraft Mac and Cheese at least once in your life. But have you ever wondered if this beloved comfort food is processed? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and production process to find out.
What is Processed Food?
Before we dive into whether Kraft Mac and Cheese is processed, let’s define what processed food actually means. Processed food refers to any food item that has been altered in some way from its original state. This can include adding preservatives, flavorings, or other ingredients that are not naturally present in the food.
The Ingredients
The ingredients listed on a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese include enriched macaroni product (wheat flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate [iron], thiamin mononitrate [Vitamin B1], riboflavin [Vitamin B2], folic acid), cheese sauce mix (whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, contains less than 2% of citric acid, lactic acid, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, yellow 5, yellow 6, enzymes, cheese culture).
Enriched Macaroni Product
The macaroni used in Kraft Mac and Cheese is made from wheat flour that has been enriched with vitamins and minerals. Enrichment is a process where nutrients that were lost during processing are added back into the final product. In this case, the macaroni has been fortified with iron and B vitamins.
Cheese Sauce Mix
The cheese sauce mix contains whey (a byproduct of cheese-making), milkfat (the fat from milk), milk protein concentrate (a condensed form of milk protein), salt (for flavor), sodium tripolyphosphate (to prevent the cheese from clumping), and various other ingredients including artificial colors.
The Production Process
To make Kraft Mac and Cheese, the macaroni is cooked in boiling water for a few minutes until it’s tender. The cheese sauce mix is then added to the cooked pasta along with some butter and milk. The mixture is stirred until the cheese sauce is evenly distributed, and then it’s ready to serve.
Is Kraft Mac and Cheese Processed?
Based on the definition of processed food we discussed earlier, it’s safe to say that yes, Kraft Mac and Cheese is indeed a processed food. The macaroni has been enriched with vitamins and minerals, and the cheese sauce mix contains several ingredients that are not naturally present in cheese or milk.
But Is It Bad for You?
Just because a food is processed doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unhealthy. It’s all about moderation.
Kraft Mac and Cheese can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. It’s also important to note that Kraft has made some changes to its recipe in recent years to reduce artificial colors and preservatives.
The Bottom Line
Kraft Mac and Cheese is a processed food, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid it altogether. As with any food, moderation is key. Enjoy your mac and cheese as an occasional treat, but make sure you’re also incorporating plenty of whole foods into your diet for optimal health.