MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

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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 a processed cheese with a simple and clean ingredient list consisting of cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and microbial enzymes.

How processed is MONTEREY JACK CHEESE?

MONTEREY JACK CHEESE is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

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MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

365 Everyday Value
85 Excellent

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Whole Foods Market
Category Cheese
Summary

Monterey Jack Cheese is a processed cheese with a simple and clean ingredient list consisting of cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and microbial enzymes. This traditional cheese is free from harmful additives and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier choice within its category. Despite its processing level, the absence of seed oils and artificial additives allows it to score well.

Key ingredients 3

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. It lacks the probiotic benefits of raw milk due to pasteurization.

Benefits

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

See more about Cultured pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor and as a preservative. It is a refined form of sodium chloride without additional trace minerals. Excessive consumption can contribute to high blood pressure.

Risks

High sodium intake may lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the cheese.

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Microbial enzymes
Neutral

Microbial enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in coagulation. They are a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet. These enzymes are generally considered safe and effective for cheese making.

Benefits

Facilitates the cheese-making process and is suitable for vegetarian diets.

See more about Microbial enzymes →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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