Ingredient
monterey jack cheese
What is monterey jack cheese?
Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, originally developed in California. It is known for its mild flavor and creamy texture, created through a process involving pasteurization, curdling, and aging.
It is commonly used in culinary dishes for its melting properties, making it a popular choice for casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches, and quesadillas. Generally, cheese consumption in moderation is considered part of a balanced diet, though it is calorically dense and can be high in saturated fat.
When checking labels, note that Monterey Jack cheese may appear in various processed and restaurant foods, contributing to both flavor and texture.
Commonly found in: Quesadillas, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Casseroles, Cheese Burgers, Snacks
What to watch
- High in saturated fats, which can contribute to health issues if consumed in excess.
Benefits
- Good source of calcium and protein, which are essential nutrients for bone and muscle health.
Monterey Jack cheese is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Research indicates that while cheese is nutritious, high saturated fat content links to heart disease risks.
As an animal-derived product, it is not suitable for a vegan diet.
Sources: Cheese and Health
Scout's take
Monterey jack cheese offers dairy nutrients but is included as part of the processed cheese blend.
More from Scout's analyses
A wholesome dairy source offering calcium, protein, and natural fats.
from the analysis of Oscar Mayer Natural Plate with Ham, Monterey Jack Cheese and CrackersFound in 2 products
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