How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Colby Jack Cheese?

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

When it comes to enjoying a delicious sandwich or adding a flavorful touch to your favorite recipes, Colby Jack cheese often takes center stage. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy taste make it a popular choice among cheese lovers. But beyond its delightful flavor, many people are curious about the nutritional impact of this cheese, especially when it comes to calorie content. Understanding how many calories are in a slice of Colby Jack cheese can help you make informed choices that align with your dietary goals.

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can fit into a variety of eating plans, but like any food, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and nutritional values. Colby Jack, a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, offers a unique combination of taste and texture, which also translates into its calorie profile. Whether you’re tracking calories for weight management, balancing macronutrients, or simply curious about what you’re eating, knowing the calorie count in a slice of Colby Jack cheese is a useful piece of information.

In this article, we’ll explore the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese slices and discuss factors that can influence these numbers. We’ll also touch on how this cheese fits into various dietary plans and offer insights to help you enjoy it without compromising your nutritional goals

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

The caloric content of Colby Jack cheese varies depending on the slice thickness and the brand, but generally, a standard slice weighs approximately 28 grams (1 ounce). On average, one slice of Colby Jack cheese contains around 100 calories. This value is derived mainly from its fat and protein content, both of which provide essential energy.

Colby Jack is a semi-hard cheese made from a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, snacks, and recipes. The calorie count is influenced by the cheese’s fat content, which ranges between 25-33% by weight, contributing to its energy density.

Nutritional Breakdown Per Slice

Understanding the nutritional components in a slice of Colby Jack cheese helps in assessing its role in a balanced diet. Besides calories, the cheese provides significant amounts of protein, fats, and essential minerals like calcium. The following table summarizes the typical nutrient values for one slice (28 grams):

Nutrient Amount per Slice (28g) Daily Value (%)
Calories 100 kcal 5%
Total Fat 8 g 12%
Saturated Fat 5 g 25%
Cholesterol 25 mg 8%
Sodium 180 mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 1 g 0.3%
Protein 7 g 14%
Calcium 200 mg 20%

The protein content in Colby Jack cheese is notably high, providing about 7 grams per slice, which supports muscle maintenance and repair. The fat content, particularly saturated fat, is significant and should be considered in daily intake limits to maintain cardiovascular health. The presence of calcium is beneficial for bone health, making this cheese a nutrient-dense option.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation

Several factors can cause variations in the caloric content of Colby Jack cheese slices:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices naturally contain more calories. For example, a 42-gram slice will have approximately 150 calories.
  • Brand Formulation: Some manufacturers may alter fat content or add ingredients, affecting calories.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture typically means fewer calories per gram because water dilutes the energy density.
  • Aging Process: Although Colby Jack is typically aged for a short period, longer aging can slightly change its nutrient profile.

Consumers should check nutritional labels for precise calorie counts, especially if managing caloric intake is important for their diet or health goals.

Comparing Calories with Other Cheeses

Colby Jack cheese sits in the mid-range in terms of calorie density when compared to other common cheese varieties. Below is a comparison table highlighting calories per one-ounce slice for various cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28g) Fat Content (g)
Colby Jack 100 kcal 8 g
Cheddar 115 kcal 9.5 g
Monterey Jack 100 kcal 8 g
Swiss 106 kcal 8.5 g
Mozzarella (part-skim) 85 kcal 6 g

This comparison shows that Colby Jack is relatively moderate in calories and fat, making it a suitable choice for those who want a flavorful cheese without excessive calorie intake. Selecting part-skim or lower-fat versions of Colby Jack can further reduce calorie consumption.

Practical Tips for Managing Caloric Intake

For individuals monitoring their calorie intake, particularly from cheese, consider the following guidelines:

  • Portion Control: Use thin slices or weigh cheese portions to avoid inadvertently consuming high calories.
  • Pair with Low-Calorie Foods: Combine cheese with fresh vegetables or whole grain crackers to balance the meal.
  • Choose Lower-Fat Options: Some brands offer reduced-fat Colby Jack varieties with fewer calories.
  • Track Total Daily Intake: Incorporate cheese calories into the overall daily caloric budget, especially if following a weight management plan.

By understanding

Caloric Content of a Slice of Colby Jack Cheese

The calorie count of a slice of Colby Jack cheese varies depending on the thickness and weight of the slice. Typically, pre-sliced Colby Jack cheese found in stores is standardized for convenience and nutritional labeling.

On average, a single slice of Colby Jack cheese weighs approximately 28 grams (1 ounce), which is a common serving size used in nutritional information. The calorie content for this serving size is as follows:

Serving Size Calories Total Fat Protein Carbohydrates
1 slice (28g / 1 oz) 110 kcal 9 g 7 g 1 g

Calories in Colby Jack cheese predominantly come from fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates.

Nutritional Breakdown of Colby Jack Cheese

Understanding the macronutrient composition of Colby Jack cheese helps in managing dietary goals, especially for those tracking calorie intake or following specific nutrition plans.

  • Fat: Approximately 9 grams per slice, including saturated fats, which contribute to the majority of the caloric content.
  • Protein: Roughly 7 grams, offering a good source of high-quality dairy protein.
  • Carbohydrates: Typically about 1 gram, mostly from lactose.
  • Calcium and Vitamins: Colby Jack cheese is rich in calcium and contains vitamins A and B12, important for bone health and red blood cell formation.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count in Cheese Slices

Several factors can influence the calorie content of a slice of Colby Jack cheese, including:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices or those cut unevenly may contain more calories than standard 28-gram slices.
  • Brand Variations: Different manufacturers may have slight variations in fat content, which can affect overall calories.
  • Reduced-Fat or Low-Fat Versions: Some varieties of Colby Jack cheese are offered with reduced fat, which lowers calorie content significantly.
  • Additional Ingredients: Some processed cheeses may include additives or fillers that can alter nutritional values.

Comparing Caloric Content with Other Cheeses

To put Colby Jack cheese into perspective, here is a comparison of calories per 1-ounce slice with other popular cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28g) Slice Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Colby Jack 110 kcal 9 7
Cheddar 115 kcal 9.4 7
Swiss 106 kcal 8 8
Mozzarella (Whole Milk) 85 kcal 6.3 6.3

As shown, Colby Jack cheese has a moderate calorie content comparable to other semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Colby Jack Cheese

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Colby Jack cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce slice. This caloric value is influenced by its fat content, which is moderately high due to the blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. For individuals monitoring caloric intake, portion control is essential when incorporating this cheese into their diet.

James Caldwell (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The caloric content of a slice of Colby Jack cheese is primarily derived from its fat and protein composition. On average, a standard slice weighing approximately 28 grams contains about 115 calories. Variations can occur based on moisture levels and the specific cheese formulation used by manufacturers.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). When assessing how many calories are in a slice of Colby Jack cheese, it is important to consider serving size and cheese density. A typical slice provides roughly 110 calories, making it a nutrient-dense option that offers calcium and protein but should be consumed mindfully within a balanced diet to maintain caloric goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical slice of Colby Jack cheese?
A standard slice of Colby Jack cheese, weighing about 28 grams (1 ounce), contains approximately 110 calories.

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

How does the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese compare to other cheeses?
Colby Jack cheese has a moderate calorie level, similar to cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, but slightly higher than low-fat cheese varieties.

Are the calories in Colby Jack cheese primarily from fat or protein?
Most calories in Colby Jack cheese come from fat, which typically accounts for about 9 grams per ounce, with protein contributing around 7 grams.

Can the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese impact a weight management plan?
Yes, due to its calorie density and fat content, portion control is important when including Colby Jack cheese in a weight management or calorie-controlled diet.

Is there a significant difference in calories between sliced and shredded Colby Jack cheese?
Calorie content per weight remains consistent regardless of form; differences arise only if portion sizes differ between sliced and shredded servings.
In summary, a typical slice of Colby Jack cheese contains approximately 100 calories, though this value can vary slightly depending on the thickness and brand of the slice. Colby Jack is a semi-hard cheese made from a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, offering a rich source of protein and calcium alongside its calorie content. Understanding the calorie count is essential for individuals monitoring their dietary intake, especially within balanced meal plans or calorie-controlled diets.

It is important to consider that while Colby Jack cheese provides beneficial nutrients, it also contains saturated fats and sodium, which should be consumed in moderation. Portion control remains a key factor in incorporating this cheese into a healthy diet without exceeding caloric or nutritional limits. Additionally, choosing natural or reduced-fat versions can help manage calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

Overall, being aware of the calorie content in a slice of Colby Jack cheese enables informed dietary decisions. This knowledge supports maintaining nutritional balance and achieving health goals, whether for weight management, muscle building, or general wellness. Careful consideration of serving sizes and nutritional composition ensures that Colby Jack cheese can be enjoyed as part of a nutritious and satisfying diet.

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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.