Is VERMONT WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and go straight to the ingredient label. For this product, the verdict is clear: it contains gluten. The culprit isn't a hidden additive or a trace amount from cross-contamination; it is a primary structural ingredient in the pasta itself.

The specific ingredient listed is cooked organic pasta. While that sounds harmless, the sub-ingredients listed under it are water, organic semolina wheat flour, and organic wheat gluten. Semolina is a flour made from wheat, and wheat gluten is added to give the pasta its chewy texture. Because these are distinct ingredients, this product is not safe for a gluten-free diet.

It is also important to note the dairy content for those with lactose issues. The product relies heavily on Organic skim milk, reduced fat vermont cheddar cheese, and extra sharp vermont cheddar cheese. These provide the flavor profile but also mean the product is high in dairy.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this mac and cheese is a standard comfort food. It provides a decent amount of protein from the cheese and milk, but it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which is typical for a cheddar-based dish. The pasta serves as the primary source of carbohydrates.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake, this product is relatively low in added sugars compared to other processed meals, as the flavor comes from the aged cheddar and mustard flour rather than sweeteners. However, because the pasta is made from refined wheat flour, it has a higher glycemic index than options made with legumes or whole grains. It fits into a standard diet but should be eaten in moderation if you are watching your caloric intake.