MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

Common questions

Is MONTEREY JACK CHEESE healthy?

MONTEREY JACK CHEESE scores 85/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Monterey Jack Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are traditional ingredients for cheese-making.

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, Cheese culture counts 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

Food Lion
85 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Food Town Stores Inc.
Category Cheese
Summary

Monterey Jack Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which are traditional ingredients for cheese-making. Despite being classified as processed, it contains no harmful additives or seed oils, and the ingredient list is clean and straightforward. This aligns it with traditional cheese products that are minimally processed and made from whole food ingredients.

Key ingredients 4

Cheese culture
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Contributes to the development of probiotics, which can support gut health.

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Pasteurized milk
Neutral

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. The pasteurization process eliminates harmful bacteria but may reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese making to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during fermentation. While necessary in cheese production, excessive salt intake can be a health concern.

Risks

Excessive consumption of salt can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a natural preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to coagulate milk, forming curds and whey. They are crucial for the cheese-making process, affecting texture and flavor. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are standard in cheese production.

Benefits

Essential for the cheese-making process, contributing to the development of texture and flavor.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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