Monterey Jack Cheese

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 made from pasteurized cow milk, salt, rennet, and cultures, which are traditional ingredients for cheese production.

How processed is Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey Jack Cheese is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Monterey Jack Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pasteurized Cow Milk, Rennet, Cultures count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

More from Kerrygold

See more

Monterey Jack Cheese

Kerrygold
85 Excellent

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Ornua
Category Cheese
Summary

Monterey Jack Cheese is made from pasteurized cow milk, salt, rennet, and cultures, which are traditional ingredients for cheese production. The product is processed but maintains a clean label with no artificial additives or seed oils, contributing to its favorable rating. Its nutritional profile, including a good amount of protein and essential minerals, supports its health benefits, although the processing level limits its maximum score.

Key ingredients 4

Pasteurized Cow Milk
Good

Pasteurized cow milk is a primary source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. The pasteurization process ensures safety by eliminating harmful bacteria while retaining nutritional value. It is a high-quality animal-based protein with a complete amino acid profile.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. Provides essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12.

Rennet
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Essential for cheese production, aiding in milk coagulation and curd formation.

See more about Rennet →
Cultures
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Contribute to flavor development and may improve gut health through probiotic effects.

See more about Cultures →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in cheese. It is a refined ingredient without additional trace minerals. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese production.

See more about Salt →

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

More in Cheese