Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese

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Common questions

Is Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese healthy?

Colby & 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. This cheese product is made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and annatto color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese.

How processed is Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese?

Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized milk 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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Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese

Great Value
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

Great Value is carried at Walmart stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

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

This cheese product is made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and annatto color, which are typical ingredients for traditional cheese. The use of pasteurized milk ensures safety and provides essential nutrients, while the minimal use of additives like annatto for coloring maintains a clean label. Despite being processed, the absence of harmful additives and the simplicity of the ingredient list allow it to score well within its category.

Key ingredients 5

Pasteurized milk
Good

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria. It serves as a base for cheese cultures to develop flavor and texture.

Benefits

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

See more about Pasteurized milk →
Cheese cultures
Neutral

Cheese cultures are used to ferment milk, developing the flavor and texture of cheese. They are essential for the cheesemaking process but do not provide direct nutritional benefits. The quality of cheese cultures can affect the final taste and texture of the cheese.

Benefits

Essential for developing the characteristic flavor and texture of cheese.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during fermentation. While necessary for cheesemaking, 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 preservative in cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese production to coagulate milk, forming curds. They are crucial for the texture and consistency of cheese. Enzymes do not contribute significant nutritional value but are essential for the cheesemaking process.

Benefits

Essential for coagulating milk and forming the structure of cheese.

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Annatto color
Neutral

Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese its characteristic yellow-orange hue. It is generally considered safe and does not affect the flavor or nutritional value of the cheese. Annatto is preferred over artificial colorants for its natural origin.

Risks

In rare cases, annatto may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural color to cheese without affecting flavor or nutrition.

See more about Annatto color →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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