Monterey Jack Cheese

Common questions

Is Monterey Jack Cheese healthy?

Monterey Jack Cheese scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Monterey Jack Cheese is a processed food with a moderate level of processing, containing pasteurized milk and cheese culture, which are beneficial for nutrition and flavor.

How processed is Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey Jack Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Monterey Jack Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Monterey Jack Cheese

PCC
75 Good

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
Category Cheese
Summary

Monterey Jack Cheese is a processed food with a moderate level of processing, containing pasteurized milk and cheese culture, which are beneficial for nutrition and flavor. However, the presence of cellulose powder and natamycin as additives indicates a higher processing level, which slightly detracts from its overall healthiness. Despite these additives, the cheese maintains a relatively clean ingredient list compared to more heavily processed products.

Key ingredients 8

Pasteurized Milk
Very Good

Pasteurized milk is a high-quality source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle function.

See more about Pasteurized Milk →
Cheese Culture
Good

Cheese cultures help develop the flavor and texture of the cheese, supporting digestion and gut health.

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Salt
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used to coagulate milk, aiding in cheese production without adding nutritional value.

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Potato Starch
Neutral

Potato starch acts as a stabilizer or anti-caking agent, ensuring product consistency without health concerns.

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Starch
Neutral

Starch is used as a thickening or anti-caking agent, with no significant health impact.

Cellulose Powder
Neutral

Cellulose powder is a plant fiber used to prevent caking, considered safe and inert.

See more about Cellulose Powder →
Natamycin
Neutral

Natamycin is an antifungal agent used to prevent mold growth, ensuring product safety.

See more about Natamycin →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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