Publix Deli Macaroni Salad — DUMP
Munch or Dump rates Publix Deli Macaroni Salad by Publix DUMP — score 17/90.
The cookout nostalgia is real, but the label isn't. Under the macaroni and celery sits a stack of refined soybean oil, sugar plus corn syrup, modified starches, hydrolyzed corn protein and four separate preservatives. It's an ultra-processed dressing built for shelf life and craving, not a fresh side.
Why this verdict
- Well over 18 sub-ingredients once the dressing, mayo, relish and seasoning are unpacked
- Four preservatives stacked: calcium disodium EDTA, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, plus polysorbate 80
- Two sweeteners layered together: sugar and corn syrup
- Hydrolyzed corn protein acts as a glutamate flavor enhancer
- Hyper-palatable base of refined soybean oil, sugar and enriched-starch macaroni
Ingredients (12)
- Cooked enriched macaroni (moderate) — Refined durum semolina pasta; fast starch with synthetic vitamins added back.
- Soybean Oil (moderate) — Refined vegetable oil for body and mouthfeel.
- Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
- Corn Syrup (caution) — Added sugar baked into the crust.
- modified food starch (moderate) — Industrial thickener that gives the condensed texture; a processing marker.
- calcium disodium edta (moderate) — Preservative that binds metals to protect quality; a processed-food additive but used in tiny amounts.
- POLYSORBATE 80 (caution) — Synthetic emulsifier used to mimic creaminess cheaply.
- sodium benzoate (caution) — Chemical preservative for shelf life.
- Potassium Sorbate (moderate) — Preservative for shelf life.
- HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN (caution) — Free-glutamate flavor enhancer for savory depth.
- Celery (safe) — Real vegetable.
- carrots (safe) — Real vegetable.