Mac & cheese vs Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce
Overall, Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has the better nutritional profile on the measures we compare. It wins on 7 of our comparison points versus 2.
Mac & cheese
Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce
Nutrition per 100 g
| Nutrient | Mac & cheese | Pasta shells in a cheddar ch... |
|---|---|---|
| Nutri-Score | e | b |
| NOVA group | 4 | 4 |
| Calories | 379 kcal | 65 kcal |
| Fat | 6 g | 1.8 g |
| Saturated fat | 3.5 g | 1 g |
| Sugars | 8.6 g | 0.5 g |
| Salt | 2.1 g | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 12.1 g | 3.6 g |
| Additives | 8 | 4 |
| Allergens | Gluten, Milk | Gluten, Milk |
Green = better value for that nutrient (less sugar, fat, salt and calories; more fiber and protein).
Key differences
- Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has 83% fewer calories (65 kcal vs 379 kcal).
- Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has 70% less fat (1.8 g vs 6 g).
- Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has 70% less saturated fat (1 g vs 3.5 g).
- Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has 94% less sugar (0.5 g vs 8.6 g).
- Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has 86% less salt (0.3 g vs 2.1 g).
- Mac & cheese has 70% more fiber (1.7 g vs 0.5 g).
- Mac & cheese has 70% more protein (12.1 g vs 3.6 g).
- Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has the better Nutri-Score.
Ingredients
Mac & cheese
ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WHEAT FLOUR, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE [IRON], THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID); CHEESE SAUCE MIX (WHEY, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, MILK, PALM OIL, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, MILKFAT, SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, 2% CALCIUM CARBONATE, SODIUM TRIPHOSPHATE, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, DRIED BUTTERMILK, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CREAM, LACTIC ACID, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, NONFAT DRY MILK, GUAR GUM, CHEESE CULTURE, PAPRIKA (ADDED FOR COLOR), TURMERIC (ADDED FOR COLOR), ANNATTO (ADDED FOR COLOR), SILICON DIOXIDE, ENZYMES, NATURAL FLAVOR, XANTHAN GUM); MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, MALTODEXTRIN, ACETYLATED MONOGLYCERIDES, SALT, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES.
Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce
cooked pasta, water, durum wheat semolina, pea protein isolate, water, cheddar cheese, pasteurized milk, bacterial culture, salt, cellulose, calcium chloride, microbial enzymes, annatto, pasteurized milk, carrots, cream, corn starch, butternut squash, skim milk powder, natural flavor, sea salt, xanthan gum, lactic acid
FAQ
Which is healthier: Mac & cheese or Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce?
Overall, Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has the better nutritional profile on the measures we compare. We compare Nutri-Score, processing level and seven nutrients per 100 g. Your own needs (for example low sugar or high protein) may make a different choice better for you.
Which has fewer calories?
Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has fewer calories: 65 kcal versus 379 kcal per 100 g.
Which has less sugar?
Pasta shells in a cheddar cheese sauce has less sugar: 0.5 g versus 8.6 g per 100 g.