Monterey Jack & Cheddar
Processing Score
9.4Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
6/10Good
The processing score reflects 36 ingredients, including modified ingredients, emulsifiers or gums and natural flavoring. The nutrition score reflects high sodium.
Nutrition Highlights
Little Or No Cholesterol ListedGood Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Sodium
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
077172667744
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size28 g
Amount per serving
Calories
70
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4.5g
6%
Saturated Fat 0g
0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 390mg
17%
Total Carbohydrate 2g
1%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 6g
Vitamin D 120.1mcg
601%
Calcium 300mg
23%
Iron 1.1mg
6%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
35 listed · 5 flagged for reviewFILTERED WATER, CASEIN* (MILK PROTEIN), CANOLA OIL, MODIFIED POTATO STARCH, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, RICE FLOUR, TAPIOCA STARCH, POTATO STARCH AND POWDERED CELLULOSE ADDED TO PREVENT CAKING, LACTIC ACID (NON-DAIRY), NATURAL FLAVOR, SODIUM CITRATE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, MILK, SORBIC ACID, ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, CARRAGEENAN, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, SOYMILK POWDER, YEAST EXTRACT, DRIED YEAST, APO CAROTENAL COLOR, CHEESE CULTURE, ENZYMES, NATAMYCIN (A NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR), VITAMINS AND MINERALS. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: VITAMIN E, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN C, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE, VITAMIN B12, VITAMIN D3, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B6, RIBOFLAVIN.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Monterey Jack & Cheddar scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Potato Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Chemical Preservatives (Natamycin (A Natural Mold Inhibitor)): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Casein* (Milk Protein)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
- Stabilizers & Gums (Potato Starch And Powdered Cellulose Added To Prevent Caking, Carrageenan): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
Within Cheese, this product is more processed than about 94% of the 19,171 products we've analyzed.
Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.
What These Ingredients Tell Us
We group Monterey Jack & Cheddar's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- Plant ProteinsUPF marker
In this product: Isolated Soy Protein.
Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
- EmulsifiersUPF marker
In this product: Mono And Diglycerides.
Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
- Industrial EnzymesUPF marker
In this product: Enzymes.
Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Canola Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate, Ferric Orthophosphate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid (Non-Dairy), Sorbic Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator
In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Yeast Extract, Dried Yeast.
Industrial fermentation for additive production.
This product is part of our wider analysis. It features in our Colby Jack vs Cheddar Cheese and American Cheese vs Cheddar comparisons.
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This product lists milk and soy in its ingredients. Ketzal, our iPhone app, tracks these and other allergens and ingredients on your Avoid List. Download Ketzal to set up your own Avoid List and get an alert when a product you scan contains something on it.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Alpenrose Dairy, Dry Curd Cottage Cheese
1.08.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Assorted Cheese Tray, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss & Cheddar Cheeses
1.04.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Baby Swiss Milk
1.04.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Blue Cheese Crumbles, Blue
Good & Gather
1.03.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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