Shop Map Research Get the app
Monterey jack

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

Common questions

Is Monterey jack healthy?

Monterey jack scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Monterey Jack cheese contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cheese culture, which contribute to its nutritional value and flavor.

How processed is Monterey jack?

Monterey jack is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Monterey jack's score?

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

You might also like

80
Kraft Mexican Style Cheddar Jack Shredded Cheese
Kraft
$2.98
95
Yorkshire Cottage Cheese Fat Free Natural
Longley Farm
95
Baby Bella Parmesan Garlic Cheese Stuffed Caps
Giorgio
92
M&C Dairy Pressed Cottage Cheese / Fromage Cottage Pressé
M&C Dairy

See more

Monterey jack

Bioengineered
68 Fair

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

$4.69 · 8 oz · $0.59 / ounce
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

Monterey Jack cheese contains beneficial ingredients like pasteurized milk and cheese culture, which contribute to its nutritional value and flavor. However, the presence of modified cornstarch as an anti-caking agent adds unnecessary processing to the product. While the cheese is not heavily processed, the inclusion of this additive and its processed nature limit its overall health score.

Key ingredients 6

Pasteurized Milk
Very Good

Pasteurized milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, making it a beneficial ingredient in cheese.

See more about Pasteurized Milk →
Cheese Culture
Good

Cheese cultures help develop flavor and texture while supporting healthy digestion through beneficial bacteria.

See more about Cheese Culture →
Salt
Neutral

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

See more about Salt →
Enzymes
Neutral

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

See more about Enzymes →
Natamycin
Neutral

Natamycin is used as a mold inhibitor to preserve the cheese, with minimal impact on health when used appropriately.

See more about Natamycin →
Modified Cornstarch
Bad

Modified cornstarch is a processed additive that can be considered less natural and may impact the overall ingredient quality.

See more about Modified Cornstarch →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play
Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

More in Cheese