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Banza White Cheddar Shells
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Macaroni and cheese

Banza White Cheddar Shells

5.5 oz/156 g

Good out of 100 Medium confidence
  • High in salt
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Why it scores 74

Banza White Cheddar Shells scores 74 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Processed (NOVA 3): Classified NOVA 3: processed with added salt, sugar or oil. Emerging
  2. Salt 2.1 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
  3. Fiber 15.4 g / 100 g: A good source of fiber. Strong

Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.

Better macaroni and cheese

The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.

The Receipt

White Cheddar Shells

START100

Ingredients

  • Pea protein
    Info An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Xanthan gum
    Info An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
  • Sodium phosphate
    Strong EFSA (2019) set a group ADI for phosphates of 40 mg/kg body weight (as phosphorus) and noted that infants, toddlers and children may exceed it. [2]
  • Silicon dioxide
    Info An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). [1]
subtotal−9

Processing

  • Processed (NOVA 3)
    Emerging Classified NOVA 3: processed with added salt, sugar or oil. [1]
subtotal−8

Nutrition per 100 g

  • Sugars 7.7 g / 100 g
    Strong Contains some sugar. [3]
  • Saturated fat 3.8 g / 100 g
    Strong High in saturated fat. [4]
  • Salt 2.1 g / 100 g
    Strong Very high in salt. [5]
  • Energy 366 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [6]
  • Fiber 15.4 g / 100 g
    Strong A good source of fiber. [6]
  • Protein 21.8 g / 100 g
    Info A good source of protein. [6]
subtotal−9
TOTAL 74Good

100 − 26 = 74

Can’t score above 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [7]

GTIN 00857183005656 · 2026-10-06

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy366 kcal
Fat10.3 g
Saturated fat3.8 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates51.3 g
Sugars7.7 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber15.4 g
Protein21.8 g
Salt2.1 g

Serving: 1 serving (78 g)

Ingredients

High Moderate Not recognized Tap an ingredient for its evidence and rules.
Label text, as published

Chickpea pasta: chickpeas, tapioca, pea protein, xanthan gum cheese: cheddar cheese (cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes), nonfat milk, buttermilk, salt, disodium phosphate, lactic acid, cultured whole milk, citric acid, silicon dioxide (anticaking).

Allergens and diets

Contains: Milk

  • Not vegan
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest macaroni and cheese in the US

More from Banza

Sources

  1. Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  2. EFSA issues new advice on phosphates

    European Food Safety Authority · Jun 12, 2019 · Agency assessment

    “We estimated that dietary exposure to phosphates may exceed the new ADI for infants, toddlers and children with average consumption of phosphates in their diet.”

    efsa.europa.eu

  3. Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children

    World Health Organization · Mar 4, 2015 · Agency assessment

    “In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake”

    who.int

  4. Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline

    World Health Organization · Jul 17, 2023 · Agency assessment

    “WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”

    who.int

  5. Sodium reduction (fact sheet)

    World Health Organization · May 11, 2026 · Agency assessment

    “For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”

    who.int

  6. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture · January 2026 · Regulator

    “Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”

    cdn.realfood.gov

  7. Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets

    Department of Health and Social Care / Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK) · Nov 8, 2016 · Regulator

    “Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”

    assets.publishing.service.gov.uk