Colby-Jack Cheese

Common questions

Is Colby-Jack Cheese healthy?

Colby-Jack Cheese scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Colby-Jack Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for coloring.

How processed is Colby-Jack Cheese?

Colby-Jack Cheese is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Colby-Jack Cheese compare to other cheese?

Colby-Jack Cheese ranks #37 of 59 cheese in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Colby-Jack Cheese's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheese culture counts in its favor; En:e160b 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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Colby-Jack Cheese

Sargento
70 Good
$4.99 · 12 count · $0.55 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Cheese
Summary

Colby-Jack Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for coloring. While it contains a natural colorant and minimal additives, it is classified as ultra-processed due to its processing level. Despite its clean ingredient list, the processing level limits its score potential.

Key ingredients 6

Cheese culture
Good

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

Benefits

Contributes to the development of flavor and texture in cheese.

See more about Cheese culture →
Pasteurized milk
Neutral

Pasteurized milk is a primary ingredient in cheese, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria but may also reduce some beneficial enzymes. It is a standard ingredient in cheese production, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Risks

Some individuals may be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins.

Benefits

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

See more about Pasteurized milk →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in cheese for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. It helps control the growth of unwanted bacteria during cheese aging. While necessary for cheese production, excessive salt intake can be a health concern.

Risks

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

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in cheese.

See more about Salt →
Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used in cheese making to coagulate milk, forming curds and whey. They are essential for the cheese production process and help develop the cheese's texture. Typically derived from animal or microbial sources, they are a standard component in cheese.

Benefits

Essential for coagulating milk and forming cheese curds.

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Annatto
Neutral

Annatto is a natural coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to give cheese its characteristic color. It is considered safe and is commonly used in food products. Annatto does not affect the flavor or nutritional value of the cheese.

Risks

Rare allergic reactions have been reported in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides natural color without affecting flavor or nutrition.

See more about Annatto →
En:e160b
Bad

En:e160b refers to annatto extract, a natural colorant used in food products. While generally considered safe, it is classified as an additive. The use of additives can be a concern for those seeking minimally processed foods.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides color to food products without synthetic chemicals.

See more about En:e160b →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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