Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Loaded Bacon Cheddar Artisan Crafted Enriched Macaroni Product With Cheese Sauce, Loaded Bacon Cheddar: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Mixed integrity
Great Value loaded bacon cheddar artisan crafted enriched macaroni product with cheese sauce, loaded bacon cheddar received a Food Integrity Score of 60 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects moderately processed and moderate additive load. This product includes several additives, such as sodium phosphate and natural flavors, commonly associated with more processed foods. The presence of various gums and preservatives points to a higher level of industrial formulation. Consider enjoying this as an occasional treat rather than a staple, and try to diversify with simpler alternatives that focus on fewer, more recognizable ingredients. Main considerations include ingredient concern, additive load, and processing. Simpler options: Choose cheese sauces without additives; opt for macaroni made from whole grain pasta.
Food Integrity Score 60/100
What stood out on the label?
- Moderately processed
- Moderate additive load
- Transparency: Medium
What to watch?
- Ingredient concern
- Additive load
- Processing
Simpler options to consider
- Choose cheese sauces without additives
- Opt for macaroni made from whole grain pasta
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Great Value Loaded Bacon Cheddar Artisan Crafted Enriched Macaroni Product With Cheese Sauce, Loaded Bacon Cheddar
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Pasta Dinners
- GTIN / UPC
00078742007960- Serving size
- 98 GRM (about 1/4 box)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Food Quality Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Loaded Bacon Cheddar Artisan Crafted Enriched Macaroni Product With Cheese Sauce, Loaded Bacon Cheddar
Great Value
Mixed integrity
Warning Signs
Watch out for sodium phosphate in the cheese and bacon.
Consider This
Natural flavors are often used in highly processed foods.
Good Substitutes
Look for macaroni with whole food cheese and without added stabilizers.
Overall Assessment
Mixed integrityThis product includes several additives, such as sodium phosphate and natural flavors, commonly associated with more processed foods. The presence of various gums and preservatives points to a higher level of industrial formulation. Consider enjoying this as an occasional treat rather than a staple, and try to diversify with simpler alternatives that focus on fewer, more recognizable ingredients.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Ingredient concern
- Additive load
- Processing
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- CANOLA OIL — Refined oils
- MALTODEXTRIN — Refined carb
- NATURAL FLAVORS — Vague ingredient
- SODIUM PHOSPHATE — Additive use
- GUAR GUM — Gum use
- SODIUM NITRITE — Preservative
Highest concern ingredients
- BACON (7/10) — Multiple preservatives and curing agents.
- CANOLA OIL (6/10) — Refined industrial oil.
- SODIUM PHOSPHATE (6/10) — Preservative and texture enhancer.
Better choice tips
- Choose cheese sauces without additives.
- Opt for macaroni made from whole grain pasta.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (SEMOLINA, NIACIN, IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SKIM MILK, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), CANOLA OIL, WATER, WHEY, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: MALTODEXTRIN, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT, CREAM CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CREAM, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, GUAR GUM, CAROB BEAN GUM, XANTHAN GUM), BACON (CURED WITH WATER, SALT, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE, SMOKE FLAVORING, SUGAR, DEXTROSE, BROWN SUGAR, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM DIACETATE, FLAVORING, HONEY), NATURAL FLAVORS, SODIUM ALGINATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, LACTIC ACID, BLACK PEPPER, XANTHAN GUM, SORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), COLOR ADDED (BETA CAROTENE).
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
BACON (CURED WITH WATER, SALT, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE, SMOKE FLAVORING, SUGAR, DEXTROSE, BROWN SUGAR, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM DIACETATE, FLAVORING, HONEY)Concern 7/10 — Higher concernCured meatWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Cured meat
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Multiple preservatives and curing agents
Additional note
Cured meat with preservatives
Family watchlist
Preservatives
SODIUM PHOSPHATEConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used in processed cheese and meals
Additional note
Preservative and texture enhancer
Family watchlist
Additive use
SODIUM ALGINATEConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used to modify product viscosity
Additional note
Thickening agent
Family watchlist
Thickener use
MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDESConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Maintain texture and product consistency
Additional note
Emulsifiers for mixing
Family watchlist
Emulsifier use
View all 19 ingredient assessments
SORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE)Concern 6/10 — Moderate concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Prevents spoilage, synthetic origin
Additional note
Used to extend shelf life
CANOLA OILConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined oils lack whole-food integrity
Additional note
Industrial refined oil
Family watchlist
Refined oils
MALTODEXTRINConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined carbWatchlist
What this is
Refined carb
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
High glycemic index; processed character
Additional note
Refined carbohydrate
CREAM CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CREAM, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, GUAR GUM, CAROB BEAN GUM, XANTHAN GUM)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernStabilized cheeseWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Stabilized cheese
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Uses multiple gums for texture
Additional note
Contains multiple stabilizers
Family watchlist
Gum additives
XANTHAN GUMConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Thickens and stabilizes textures
Additional note
Common thickener
ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (SEMOLINA, NIACIN, IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernEnriched pasta
What this is
Enriched pasta
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined grains and fortification ingredients
Additional note
Enriched grains with vitamins and iron
NATURAL FLAVORSConcern 3/10 — Mild concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Obscures specific ingredient identity
Additional note
Vague flavoring term
WHEYConcern 2/10 — Very low concernDairy component
What this is
Dairy component
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Common food, normal protein source
Additional note
Dairy byproduct, protein source
LACTIC ACIDConcern 2/10 — Very low concernAcidulantAdditive
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Used to adjust pH level
Additional note
Naturally occurring acidulant
COLOR ADDED (BETA CAROTENE)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernColor additiveVague label term
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used for coloring; natural source
Additional note
Natural food coloring
CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple cheese
What this is
Simple cheese
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Traditional foods often minimally refined
Additional note
Traditional cheese ingredient
SKIM MILKConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernDairy
What this is
Dairy
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Common food, basic nutritional role
Additional note
Basic dairy ingredient
WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernWater
What this is
Water
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Neutral in processing concerns
Additional note
Basic ingredient
SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernCommon seasoning
What this is
Common seasoning
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Essential food seasoner
Additional note
Essential seasoning
BLACK PEPPERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSeasoning
What this is
Seasoning
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Basic ingredient, simple seasoning
Additional note
Common seasoning spice
This score does not reflect medical safety. Please consult experts for health information. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "dextrose", "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
Heart-Healthy Eating
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Added-sodium ingredients (Mentions "salt", "cured", "sodium phosphate". See ingredients for details.)
GLP-1 Eating Support
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "dextrose", "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "dextrose", "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
Appetite & Portion Awareness
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "dextrose", "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Athletic Fueling
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Carb fueling ingredients (Mentions "honey". See ingredients for details.)
Workout Recovery
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "whey", "bacon". See ingredients for details.)
Strength & Protein Focus
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "whey", "bacon". See ingredients for details.)
Vegetarian
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Meat/seafood ingredients (Mentions "bacon". See ingredients for details.)
Vegan
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "bacon", "milk", "cream". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "bacon", "milk", "cream". See ingredients for details.)
Pescatarian
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Land-meat ingredients (Mentions "bacon". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin", "dextrose", "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin", "dextrose", "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low Gluten Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Gluten-related ingredients (Mentions "semolina". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Family watchlist items (CANOLA OIL)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Family watchlist items (CANOLA OIL)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Family watchlist items (CANOLA OIL)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "bean". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Great Value Loaded Bacon Cheddar Artisan Crafted Enriched Macaroni Product With Cheese Sauce, Loaded Bacon Cheddar highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Moderately processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Great Value Loaded Bacon Cheddar Artisan Crafted Enriched Macaroni Product With Cheese Sauce, Loaded Bacon Cheddar shows about 1.96g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Loaded Bacon Cheddar Artisan Crafted Enriched Macaroni Product With Cheese Sauce, Loaded Bacon Cheddar: 6g total sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains some protein; Includes real cheddar cheese.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: High sodium content; Low fiber; Processed ingredients.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same pasta dinners differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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