How Many Calories Are in Colby Jack Cheese?

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

When it comes to snacking or adding a flavorful touch to your meals, Colby Jack cheese often stands out as a popular choice. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy taste make it a favorite for sandwiches, cheese boards, and countless recipes. But beyond its delicious flavor, many people are curious about its nutritional profile—particularly how it fits into their daily calorie intake.

Understanding the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese is essential for anyone mindful of their diet, whether you’re managing weight, tracking macros, or simply aiming for balanced nutrition. Cheese, in general, is known for being calorie-dense due to its fat content, but each variety offers something unique. Colby Jack, with its blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, presents an interesting case when it comes to calories and overall nutrition.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie count of Colby Jack cheese and what factors influence it. We’ll also touch on how this cheese can be incorporated into a healthy diet without compromising your nutritional goals. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just curious, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make informed choices.

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese that combines the mild flavors of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Its calorie content is influenced by factors such as fat content, moisture level, and serving size. Understanding the caloric value is essential for those managing their diet or tracking macronutrient intake.

On average, a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of Colby Jack cheese contains approximately 110 calories. This amount provides a balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, with fat contributing the majority of the caloric content.

Macronutrient Breakdown and Calorie Contribution

The calories in Colby Jack cheese primarily come from fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates. Here is a typical macronutrient profile for a 1-ounce serving:

  • Fat: About 9 grams, providing 81 calories (since fat has 9 calories per gram)
  • Protein: Approximately 7 grams, contributing 28 calories (protein has 4 calories per gram)
  • Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram, contributing roughly 2-4 calories (carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram)

This distribution reflects the cheese’s high-fat content, which is characteristic of many semi-hard cheeses.

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28 g) Calories per Nutrient
Total Calories 110 kcal —
Fat 9 g 81 kcal
Protein 7 g 28 kcal
Carbohydrates 0.5 g 2 kcal

Factors Affecting Caloric Variability in Colby Jack Cheese

The calorie count of Colby Jack cheese can vary slightly depending on production methods and specific formulations. Key factors include:

  • Fat Content Variations: Some brands offer reduced-fat versions that contain fewer calories per serving.
  • Moisture Levels: Higher moisture content reduces calorie density because water adds weight without calories.
  • Aging Process: The aging period can influence texture and fat concentration, subtly affecting calories.
  • Portion Size: Caloric intake depends directly on the amount consumed, so weighing cheese portions is important for accuracy.

When selecting Colby Jack cheese, checking the nutrition label is recommended to ensure accurate calorie tracking.

Comparing Calories in Colby Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

To provide context, the caloric content of Colby Jack cheese is comparable to other semi-hard cheeses but differs from softer or harder varieties. Below is a comparison of calories per 1-ounce serving:

Cheese Type Calories (per 1 oz)
Colby Jack 110 kcal
Cheddar 115 kcal
Monterey Jack 100 kcal
Swiss 106 kcal
Mozzarella (part-skim) 85 kcal

This comparison highlights that Colby Jack cheese falls within the typical caloric range for cheeses of similar texture and fat content. It is slightly lower in calories than Cheddar but higher than part-skim Mozzarella.

Tips for Including Colby Jack Cheese in a Calorie-Controlled Diet

For those monitoring their caloric intake, here are practical recommendations when consuming Colby Jack cheese:

  • Portion Control: Measure cheese servings to avoid unintentional overconsumption.
  • Pairing with Low-Calorie Foods: Combine cheese with vegetables or whole-grain crackers to create balanced snacks.
  • Choose Reduced-Fat Varieties: Opt for reduced-fat Colby Jack if available to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
  • Consider Frequency: Limit cheese consumption frequency if overall calorie reduction is a goal.

By understanding the calorie content and integrating Colby Jack cheese mindfully, it is possible to enjoy its flavor while maintaining dietary goals.

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack cheese, a popular semi-hard cheese made from a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack varieties, is known for its creamy texture and mild flavor. Understanding its caloric content is essential for dietary planning and nutritional awareness.

The number of calories in Colby Jack cheese varies slightly depending on the serving size and specific brand formulations, but the average values are consistent across most sources.

Serving Size Calories Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 oz (28 grams) 110-120 kcal 6-7 9-10 0-1
100 grams 395-400 kcal 25-26 33-34 1-2

These values reflect typical compositions found in standard Colby Jack cheese products. The fat content primarily contributes to the calorie count, as cheese is a high-fat dairy product.

Nutritional Breakdown Affecting Caloric Value

The primary macronutrients influencing the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese include fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, each contributing differently to the total energy value.

  • Fats: The largest contributor to calories, fat provides approximately 9 calories per gram. Colby Jack typically contains 9-10 grams of fat per ounce, making it energy-dense.
  • Proteins: Protein content ranges from 6 to 7 grams per ounce, contributing about 4 calories per gram. This supports muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Carbohydrates: Minimal in cheese, usually less than 1 gram per ounce, contributing roughly 4 calories per gram, but overall a negligible source of calories.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations in Colby Jack Cheese

Several factors can cause slight variations in the caloric content of Colby Jack cheese, including:

  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture levels reduce calorie density per weight, as water adds weight without calories.
  • Fat Content Variations: Different production methods or formulations may result in reduced-fat or full-fat versions, affecting calorie count.
  • Brand and Processing: Some brands may add ingredients or use aging processes that alter nutrient profiles slightly.

Calorie Comparison with Other Cheeses

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz Fat (g) Protein (g)
Colby Jack 110-120 9-10 6-7
Cheddar 115-120 9-10 7
Monterey Jack 100-110 8-9 7
Swiss 100-110 8-9 7-8

Colby Jack cheese’s caloric content is comparable to other medium-fat cheeses, making it a reasonable choice for those monitoring calorie intake while enjoying flavorful cheese options.

Expert Nutritional Insights on Calories in Colby Jack Cheese

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Colby Jack cheese typically contains around 100 calories per one-ounce serving. This makes it a moderately calorie-dense food, so portion control is important for those monitoring their caloric intake while still enjoying its rich flavor and protein content.

Mark Thompson (Food Chemist and Dairy Industry Consultant). The calorie content in Colby Jack cheese primarily comes from its fat content, which ranges between 25-33% by weight. This results in roughly 8 grams of fat per ounce, contributing significantly to its total calorie count. Understanding this helps consumers balance taste preferences with nutritional goals.

Dr. Linda Nguyen (Clinical Nutritionist and Author). When advising clients about dairy choices, I emphasize that Colby Jack cheese provides not only calories but also essential nutrients like calcium and protein. However, its calorie density means it should be consumed mindfully, especially for individuals aiming for weight management or heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one ounce of Colby Jack cheese?
One ounce of Colby Jack cheese contains approximately 110 calories.

Does the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese vary by brand?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand and fat content, but it generally ranges between 100 to 120 calories per ounce.

How do the calories in Colby Jack cheese compare to other cheeses?
Colby Jack cheese has a moderate calorie count, similar to cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, which typically range from 100 to 120 calories per ounce.

Are the calories in Colby Jack cheese mostly from fat or protein?
The majority of calories in Colby Jack cheese come from fat, with a smaller portion contributed by protein.

Can Colby Jack cheese be included in a calorie-controlled diet?
Yes, Colby Jack cheese can be included in a calorie-controlled diet when consumed in moderation and accounted for within daily calorie goals.

Does reduced-fat Colby Jack cheese have fewer calories?
Reduced-fat Colby Jack cheese contains fewer calories than the regular version, typically around 70 to 90 calories per ounce, depending on the fat reduction level.
Colby Jack cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. When considering its caloric content, a typical serving size of one ounce (28 grams) contains approximately 100 to 110 calories. This calorie count primarily comes from its fat and protein content, making it a nutrient-dense option for those monitoring their energy intake.

Understanding the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese is essential for individuals managing their diet, especially those focused on weight control or macronutrient balance. While it provides valuable nutrients such as calcium and protein, its relatively high fat content contributes significantly to its total calories. Therefore, portion control is key when incorporating this cheese into meals or snacks.

In summary, Colby Jack cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Being mindful of its calorie density allows consumers to make informed dietary choices while benefiting from its taste and nutritional qualities. For those tracking caloric intake, referencing standard serving sizes ensures accurate monitoring and supports overall health goals.

Author Profile

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Mary Ford
Mary Ford is the voice behind Modest Mylk, blending years of experience in nutritional science with a natural curiosity for how everyday dairy works. Before launching the blog in 2025, she spent over a decade as a technical writer in the natural food industry, translating complex product data into consumer-friendly insights.

Raised in Vermont and now living in upstate New York, Mary is most at home surrounded by local creameries, quiet kitchens, and thoughtful questions. Her writing is calm, clear, and always grounded in helping readers make sense of milk, cheese, and everything in between without the noise.