🧪 Nutrition Facts
- Calories 249.9
- Total Fat 12.0 g
- Saturated Fat 8.0 g
- Cholesterol 35.5 mg
- Sodium 539.6 mg
- Potassium 134.9 mg
- Total Carbohydrate 25.0 g
- Dietary Fiber 1.0 g
- Sugars 4.0 g
- Protein 11.0 g
- Vitamin A 0.0 IU
- Vitamin B-12 0.0 µg
- Vitamin B-6 0.0 mg
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg
- Vitamin D 0.0 IU
- Vitamin E 0.0 mg
- Calcium 215.8 mg
- Copper 0.0 mg
- Folate 0.0 µg
- Iron 1.0 mg
- Magnesium 0.0 mg
- Manganese 0.0 mg
- Niacin 0.0 mg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.0 mg
- Phosphorus 0.0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.0 mg
- Thiamin 0.0 mg
- Zinc 0.0 mg
Note: Nutrition information comes from the USDA Food Central Database. Daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet (FDA). Actual requirements vary by individual. Use at your own risk.
📋 Nutrition Summary
With 249.9 calories per serving (1 Serving (142.0g)), Mac & Cheese is a moderately calorie-dense food worth tracking if you're managing your intake. The majority of its calories come from fat (12.0g, 42.8% of calories), including 8.0g of saturated fat. It provides a noteworthy 215.8mg of calcium (17% DV), contributing to bone and dental health.
🏷️ Diet & Nutrition Tags
Tags are generated automatically from USDA nutrition data using standard dietary thresholds. They are for general guidance only and are not medical advice.
📝 Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Sauce (milk, American Cheese [cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt Enzymes, Water, Milkfat, Sodium Phosphate, Salt and Annatto], Cheddar Cheese [pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto, Cellulose (anti Caking)], Flour [wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour], Butter [cream, Natural Flavoring], Salt), Macaroni Pasta (water, Enriched Durum Semolina [durum Semolina Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid).
🔬 Ingredient Analysis
Fortification / Enrichment Agents: Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid
Detected additives are based on the ingredient list in the USDA Food Central Database. Always read the full product label as formulations can change. Presence of these ingredients does not necessarily indicate a health risk — consult a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice. Fortification agents are synthetic vitamins or minerals added to restore nutrients lost during processing or to boost nutritional content. They are added for public health reasons and are widely considered safe.
🤖 AI Nutrition Coach
AI POWEREDAsk anything about Mac & Cheese — how it fits your diet, what to pair it with, or how it compares nutritionally.
📊 % Daily Value
The following shows how one serving of Mac & Cheese contributes to the recommended daily intake for key nutrients, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 249.9 kcal | 12.5% |
| Total Fat | 12.0 g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 35.5 mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 539.6 mg | 23% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.0 g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | 8% |
| Protein | 11.0 g | 22% |
| Calcium | 215.8 mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 134.9 mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ✅ marks ≥20% DV (FDA "good source" threshold); ⭐ marks ≥100% DV (a full day's value).
🔥 Calorie Analysis
Mac & Cheese accounts for 12.5% of a standard 2,000 calorie daily diet per serving. The majority of the calories for this food comes from fat. Fat makes up 42.8% of the calories.
🏃 Exercise Burn Time
How long would it take to burn off the 249.9 calories in Mac & Cheese? The table below shows burn time for a 170-pound person doing common exercises.
| Exercise | Minutes to Burn |
|---|---|
| Running: 10 minutes per mile | 18.9 min |
| Walking: 17 minutes per mile | 43.1 min |
| Cycling (Low Intensity) | 27.3 min |
| HIIT | 23.2 min |
| Running: 8 minutes per mile | 16.2 min |
Find more information on calories burned doing popular exercises.
💬 Nutrition Q&A: Mac & Cheese
Is Mac & Cheese good for weight loss?
At 250 calories per serving with modest protein (11g) and high saturated fat (8g), this isn't ideal for weight loss. The low fiber content (1g) means it won't keep you feeling full for long, so you might find yourself hungry again soon after eating.
Is Mac & Cheese good for muscle building?
The 11g of protein per serving can contribute to muscle recovery, though it's on the modest side. You'd want to pair this with additional protein sources or higher-protein foods to meaningfully support muscle-building goals.
Is Mac & Cheese good post-workout fuel?
This works reasonably well post-workout because it combines carbs (25g) for replenishing energy with some protein (11g) for recovery. Just keep portions moderate and consider adding a vegetable or extra protein source to round out the meal.
Is Mac & Cheese heart-healthy?
The saturated fat content (8g) and sodium level make this less heart-friendly as a regular choice. While a single serving isn't problematic, eating mac and cheese frequently could contribute to elevated cholesterol and blood pressure over time.
What should I watch out for with Mac & Cheese?
The sodium content (540mg per serving) is notable—eat a couple servings and you're approaching half your daily limit. The saturated fat and cholesterol levels are also worth monitoring if you eat this regularly, especially since the fiber is very low.
Nutrition Q&A answers are based on USDA nutritional data and are for general informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice.
