How Many Calories Are in Pepper Jack Cheese?

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

Pepper Jack cheese is a flavorful favorite for many cheese lovers, known for its creamy texture and spicy kick. Whether you’re adding it to sandwiches, melting it over dishes, or enjoying it on its own, understanding the nutritional content—especially the calorie count—can help you make informed choices about your diet. But just how many calories are packed into this zesty cheese?

Cheese, in general, varies widely in calorie content depending on the type and preparation, and Pepper Jack is no exception. Its unique blend of Monterey Jack cheese with spicy peppers adds character and flavor, but also influences its nutritional profile. For those mindful of their calorie intake, knowing the energy contribution of Pepper Jack cheese can be crucial to balancing taste with health goals.

In this article, we’ll explore the calorie content of Pepper Jack cheese, delve into what factors affect its nutritional values, and offer insights on how to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious about what goes into your favorite snacks, this guide will provide the information you need to savor Pepper Jack cheese wisely.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack cheese, a variety of Monterey Jack, is known for its creamy texture and spicy flavor due to the addition of jalapeños or other peppers. When considering its caloric content, it is important to recognize that values can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific formulation, but a general estimate is possible based on standard nutritional data.

A typical serving size of Pepper Jack cheese is about 1 ounce (28 grams). This serving contains approximately 100 to 110 calories. The calories primarily come from fat and protein, with fat being the most significant contributor. The cheese also contains small amounts of carbohydrates, mainly from lactose.

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the average nutritional values found in one ounce of Pepper Jack cheese:

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) % Daily Value*
Calories 100-110 kcal 5-6%
Total Fat 8-9 g 12-14%
Saturated Fat 5-6 g 25-30%
Cholesterol 25-30 mg 8-10%
Sodium 180-220 mg 8-10%
Total Carbohydrates 0.5-1 g 0-1%
Protein 6-7 g 12-14%
Calcium 200-220 mg 20-22%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Several factors influence the caloric content of Pepper Jack cheese:

  • Fat Content: Pepper Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a relatively high fat percentage, typically ranging from 30% to 34% fat by weight. The majority of calories come from fat, making it energy-dense.
  • Moisture Level: Higher moisture content in cheese generally lowers the calorie density slightly, but Pepper Jack maintains a moderate moisture level that balances creaminess and firmness.
  • Added Ingredients: The peppers themselves add negligible calories but contribute to flavor and may slightly affect the nutrient profile.

Understanding these factors helps in making informed choices about portion sizes and dietary inclusion.

Comparison of Calories in Pepper Jack Cheese vs Other Cheeses

To place the caloric content of Pepper Jack cheese in context, it is useful to compare it with other common cheese types. This comparison can assist those seeking to manage calorie intake or select cheeses that better fit their nutritional goals.

Below is a comparison table showing the approximate calories per 1 ounce (28 grams) of various cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories (per 1 oz) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Pepper Jack 100-110 8-9 6-7
Cheddar 110-120 9-10 7
Mozzarella (part-skim) 70-85 4.5-6 6-7
Swiss 100-110 8-9 7-8
Feta 75-80 6-7 4-5
Parmesan 110-120 7-8 10-11

From this comparison, Pepper Jack cheese fits within the mid-to-high calorie range among common cheeses. It has slightly fewer calories than cheddar and parmesan but more than mozzarella and feta. Its fat content reflects this pattern, as do the protein levels, which are moderately high, making it a good source of protein.

Nutritional Considerations for Incorporating Pepper Jack Cheese

When including Pepper Jack cheese in a diet, several nutritional aspects should be considered beyond calorie count:

  • Fat and Saturated Fat: The relatively high saturated fat content may be a concern for individuals managing cardiovascular health. Moderation is advised, especially for those on low-fat diets.
  • Sodium Content: With sodium levels around 180-220 mg per ounce, Pepper

Caloric Content of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack cheese is a popular variety of Monterey Jack cheese infused with spicy peppers, offering a distinctive flavor profile alongside its nutritional benefits. Understanding the caloric content of Pepper Jack cheese is essential for those monitoring their diet or managing calorie intake for health reasons.

The calories in Pepper Jack cheese primarily come from fats and proteins, with a small proportion derived from carbohydrates. The exact caloric value can vary slightly based on the brand, production method, and fat content, but standard nutritional data provides a reliable baseline.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat Protein Carbohydrates
1 ounce (28 grams) 100-110 kcal 8-9 grams 6-7 grams 0-1 gram
100 grams 350-400 kcal 30-33 grams 23-26 grams 1-2 grams

Nutritional Breakdown and Caloric Sources

The calories in Pepper Jack cheese are largely attributed to its macronutrient composition, which is typical of semi-soft cheeses. The following breakdown highlights the main contributors to its caloric content:

  • Fats: Accounting for approximately 70-75% of the calories, fats in Pepper Jack cheese include saturated and monounsaturated fats. This high fat content contributes to the cheese’s creamy texture and rich taste.
  • Proteins: Proteins provide about 20-25% of the calories. Cheese is a good source of complete protein, containing all essential amino acids.
  • Carbohydrates: These contribute minimally to the caloric content, typically less than 5%. Most carbohydrates in cheese come from lactose, which is present in small amounts due to fermentation.

Factors Affecting Caloric Variations in Pepper Jack Cheese

Several factors influence the exact calorie count of Pepper Jack cheese, including:

  • Fat Content: Reduced-fat or low-fat versions of Pepper Jack cheese will have fewer calories compared to full-fat varieties.
  • Brand and Manufacturing Process: Different producers may use varying recipes and curing times, impacting moisture content and fat concentration, which in turn affects calories.
  • Serving Size: Portion control is critical; calorie counts are typically based on a 1-ounce serving, but actual consumption may vary.

Comparing Pepper Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

For context, here is a comparison of the calorie content in Pepper Jack cheese relative to other common cheeses per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving:

Cheese Type Calories Total Fat (grams) Protein (grams)
Pepper Jack 100-110 kcal 8-9 6-7
Cheddar 110-115 kcal 9-10 7
Monterey Jack 100-110 kcal 8-9 7
Swiss 105-110 kcal 8 7-8

As seen, Pepper Jack cheese aligns closely with Monterey Jack and other semi-hard cheeses in both calorie and macronutrient content, making it a flavorful yet comparable option for calorie-conscious individuals.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Pepper Jack Cheese

Dr. Emily Harper (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Pepper Jack cheese typically contains around 100 calories per ounce. This caloric value is influenced by its fat content, which is moderately high due to the cheese’s creamy texture and the inclusion of peppers. When incorporating Pepper Jack into a balanced diet, it’s important to consider portion size to manage overall calorie intake effectively.

James Thornton (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in Pepper Jack cheese is comparable to other semi-soft cheeses, averaging between 90 to 110 calories per ounce. The presence of spicy peppers does not significantly alter the calorie content but adds flavor complexity. For consumers tracking calories, understanding that Pepper Jack is energy-dense helps in making informed dietary choices.

Dr. Sophia Martinez (Clinical Nutritionist and Cheese Aficionado). From a clinical nutrition perspective, Pepper Jack cheese provides approximately 100 calories per ounce, primarily from fats and proteins. While it offers beneficial nutrients like calcium and vitamin A, its caloric density means it should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals monitoring their weight or cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one ounce of Pepper Jack cheese?
One ounce of Pepper Jack cheese typically contains about 100 to 110 calories, depending on the brand and fat content.

Does Pepper Jack cheese have more calories than regular cheddar?
Pepper Jack cheese generally has a similar calorie count to regular cheddar cheese, with minor variations based on moisture and fat levels.

Are the calories in Pepper Jack cheese primarily from fat or protein?
The majority of calories in Pepper Jack cheese come from fat, followed by protein, with minimal carbohydrates.

Can Pepper Jack cheese be included in a low-calorie diet?
Yes, Pepper Jack cheese can be included in a low-calorie diet when consumed in moderation and portion control is maintained.

How does the calorie content of reduced-fat Pepper Jack compare to full-fat versions?
Reduced-fat Pepper Jack cheese contains fewer calories per serving than full-fat versions, typically reducing calorie content by 25% to 30%.

Does the spiciness of Pepper Jack cheese affect its calorie content?
The spiciness from added peppers does not significantly affect the calorie content of Pepper Jack cheese.
Pepper Jack cheese is a flavorful variety of Monterey Jack cheese infused with spicy peppers, offering a unique taste while maintaining a similar nutritional profile to other semi-soft cheeses. On average, a one-ounce (28-gram) serving of Pepper Jack cheese contains approximately 100 to 110 calories. This calorie content primarily comes from fats and proteins inherent in the cheese, making it a moderately calorie-dense food option.

When incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into a balanced diet, it is important to consider portion sizes due to its calorie and fat content. Despite its richness, Pepper Jack cheese can be a valuable source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. However, individuals monitoring their caloric intake or saturated fat consumption should consume it in moderation to maintain dietary goals.

In summary, Pepper Jack cheese offers a distinctive spicy flavor with a calorie count comparable to other cheeses in its category. Understanding its nutritional content can help consumers make informed decisions about including this cheese in their meals while balancing taste and health considerations effectively.

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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.