Colby & Monterey Jack

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Colby & Monterey Jack healthy?

Colby & Monterey Jack scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cheese product is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto, which are typical ingredients for cheese.

How processed is Colby & Monterey Jack?

Colby & Monterey Jack is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Colby & Monterey Jack's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, En:e160b is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Colby & Monterey Jack

H-E-B
70 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by H-E-B
Category Cheese
Summary

This cheese product is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto, which are typical ingredients for cheese. However, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level, which limits its score despite having a relatively clean ingredient list. The presence of annatto as a colorant is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall quality, but the processing level prevents it from scoring higher.

Key ingredients 5

Cultured pasteurized milk
Neutral

Cultured pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential proteins and fats. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. However, it lacks the probiotic benefits of raw milk.

Benefits

Provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a common ingredient in many foods and is necessary for various bodily functions. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

See more about Salt →
Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in the coagulation of milk. They are crucial for the development of cheese texture and flavor. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are generally considered safe.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process, contributing to the final product's texture and flavor.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange color. As a natural dye, it is generally considered safe and preferable to synthetic alternatives.

Risks

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to annatto.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of color without the use of artificial dyes.

See more about Annatto →
En:e160b
Bad

En:e160b refers to annatto extract, used as a coloring agent in foods. While natural, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Its use in processed foods is sometimes criticized due to potential allergenic effects.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals.

See more about En:e160b →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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