Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago
Total Sources: 51
Verified Claims: 28
Scientific Sources: 18
Burger King Mac n' Cheetos are deep-fried macaroni and cheese bites coated in a Cheetos-flavored breading, offering a combination of fast food and snack food elements [24], [26]. Originally introduced in 2016, they are now available as a frozen grocery item [24].
Mac n' Cheetos are fried macaroni and cheese bites shaped and coated to resemble Cheetos cheese curls [24]. The product combines Burger King, Cheetos, and macaroni and cheese into a single food item [24].
Fast food snack
Frozen grocery item
Taco Bell introduced the Doritos Locos Taco, a similar fast-food/snack brand combination [24], [26].
Burger King president described the food item as a 'triple threat,' combining Burger King, Cheetos, and macaroni and cheese [24].
Mac n' Cheetos are available frozen in grocery stores around the United States [24].
Fast food consumption is associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity [5].
Ultra-processed foods are linked to adverse health outcomes, including cardiometabolic disorders and common mental disorders [15], [8].
Food additives, including artificial colors, may have implications for inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndrome [13], [18].
Studies suggest that food emulsifiers may cause bacterial translocation across the intestinal epithelium, intestinal inflammation, and metabolic syndrome [14].
High UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases and mental health disorders [6].
High intake of FFs and UPFs is linked to a 25% greater risk of breast cancer [49].
Fast food consumption and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Higher consumption of fast food was significantly associated with a 55% increased risk of NAFLD and a 37% higher risk of obesity [5].
Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses
Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes [15], [8].
Food additives and their implication in inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndrome
Emerging research has shown that food additives may be implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) [13].
Food additives: Assessing the impact of exposure to permitted emulsifiers on bowel and metabolic health
Ultra-processed foods (UPF) intake has increased sharply over the last few decades and has been consistently asserted to be implicated in the development of non-communicable diseases [6].
Consumption of fast foods and ultra-processed foods and breast cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The pooled analysis of 17 observational studies showed a significant association between the highest FFs and UPFs consumption and increased breast cancer risk (OR 1.25, 95% CI [1.09–1.43], _p_=0.001) [49].
Potentially Unsafe
Healthier Macaroni and Cheese
Homemade macaroni and cheese allows for control over ingredients, reducing sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives [34], [33].
Where to find: Numerous recipes are available online and in cookbooks [Source 34].
Healthier Snack Options
Opting for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole-grain crackers can provide essential nutrients and fiber without the drawbacks of ultra-processed snacks [36], [39].
Where to find: These alternatives are widely available at grocery stores and farmers' markets [Source 36].
Limit consumption of fast food and ultra-processed foods [5], [6], [7], [8].
Read food labels carefully to identify and avoid products with high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives [41].
Prepare meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients to control nutritional content [34], [33].