Mexican-style blend cheese

Common questions

Is Mexican-style blend cheese healthy?

Mexican-style blend cheese scores 80/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This Mexican-style blend cheese is composed of multiple types of cheese, each made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, which are generally high-quality ingredients.

How processed is Mexican-style blend cheese?

Mexican-style blend cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Mexican-style blend cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Natamycin 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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Mexican-style blend cheese

80 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$3.48 · 16 oz · $0.22 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Publix
Category Cheese
Summary

This Mexican-style blend cheese is composed of multiple types of cheese, each made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, which are generally high-quality ingredients. However, the addition of potato starch to prevent caking and natamycin as a mold inhibitor indicates a moderate level of processing. While natamycin is a natural preservative, its presence suggests a reliance on additives to maintain shelf life, which slightly detracts from the overall score.

Key ingredients 6

Monterey Jack Cheese
Neutral

Monterey Jack Cheese is a dairy product made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes. It is a source of calcium and protein but lacks significant health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The cheese is processed but does not contain harmful additives.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance and high sodium content.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Monterey Jack Cheese →
Medium Cheddar Cheese
Neutral

Medium Cheddar Cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for color. It offers basic nutritional benefits like calcium and protein. The addition of annatto is for color and does not impact health significantly.

Risks

May cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or high blood pressure due to sodium.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health.

Queso Quesadilla Cheese
Neutral

Queso Quesadilla Cheese is a dairy product made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes. It provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The cheese is processed but free from harmful additives.

Risks

Lactose intolerance and high sodium content are potential concerns.

Benefits

Contains calcium and protein, beneficial for maintaining bone density and muscle function.

Asadero Cheese
Neutral

Asadero Cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, offering basic nutritional benefits. It is a processed cheese but does not contain harmful additives. The cheese is a source of calcium and protein.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance and high sodium intake.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, important for bone and muscle health.

Potato Starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used to prevent caking in cheese blends. It is a natural additive with minimal health impact. The starch is processed but does not pose significant health risks.

Benefits

Helps maintain the texture of cheese without adding significant nutritional value.

See more about Potato Starch →
Natamycin
Bad

Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor used to extend the shelf life of cheese. While it is effective in preventing spoilage, its use as a preservative raises concerns about potential overuse in processed foods. It is generally recognized as safe but may contribute to resistance if overused.

Risks

Potential for contributing to antifungal resistance if overused.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth, extending the shelf life of cheese products.

See more about Natamycin →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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