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

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

When it comes to adding a flavorful twist to your sandwiches, burgers, or snacks, pepper jack cheese slices are a popular choice. Known for their creamy texture combined with a zesty kick from spicy peppers, these cheese slices offer more than just taste—they also contribute to your daily nutritional intake. Understanding how many calories are in a pepper jack cheese slice can help you make informed decisions about incorporating this delicious cheese into your diet.

Cheese, in general, is a nutrient-dense food that provides protein, calcium, and fats, but it can also be calorie-rich. Pepper jack cheese, with its unique blend of spices and creamy base, is no exception. Whether you’re watching your calorie intake, managing your weight, or simply curious about the nutritional profile of your favorite cheese, knowing the calorie content is essential. This knowledge allows you to enjoy the bold flavors of pepper jack cheese without any guilt or surprises.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical calorie count found in a standard slice of pepper jack cheese, along with factors that can influence these numbers. We’ll also touch on how this cheese fits into various dietary goals and ways to enjoy it mindfully. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or a health-conscious eater, this guide will provide valuable insights into the calories in pepper

Caloric Content of Pepper Jack Cheese Slice

Pepper Jack cheese, a popular variety of Monterey Jack cheese infused with spicy peppers, offers a distinct flavor along with its nutritional profile. Understanding the caloric content of a typical Pepper Jack cheese slice is essential for those monitoring their energy intake, especially when incorporating it into balanced meals or snacks.

The calorie count in a slice of Pepper Jack cheese can vary depending on the thickness and brand, but on average, a standard slice weighing approximately 21 grams contains about 80 to 100 calories. This caloric value arises primarily from the cheese’s fat and protein content, which are the main macronutrients in dairy cheese.

Several factors influence the calorie content of Pepper Jack cheese slices:

  • Fat Content: Pepper Jack cheese is typically made with whole milk, resulting in a higher fat percentage that contributes significantly to calorie density.
  • Slice Thickness: Thicker slices or blocks will naturally contain more calories due to increased volume.
  • Added Ingredients: The inclusion of spicy peppers does not add significant calories, but some commercial varieties may include additional ingredients that slightly alter the caloric value.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Typical Pepper Jack Cheese Slice

The following table illustrates the approximate nutritional values for a 21-gram slice of Pepper Jack cheese, which is a common serving size found in prepackaged slices:

Nutrient Amount per Slice (21g) % Daily Value*
Calories 90 kcal 4.5%
Total Fat 7 g 11%
Saturated Fat 4.5 g 23%
Cholesterol 25 mg 8%
Sodium 180 mg 8%
Protein 6 g 12%
Carbohydrates 0-1 g 0-1%
Calcium 200 mg 20%

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

Factors Affecting Calorie Variations

While the above data provides a general guideline, several factors may cause slight variations in the calorie count of Pepper Jack cheese slices:

  • Brand Differences: Different manufacturers may use varying recipes, altering fat and moisture content.
  • Fat Level: Reduced-fat or low-fat Pepper Jack options contain fewer calories but may have a different texture and flavor.
  • Slice Weight: Thicker or larger slices naturally carry more calories.
  • Additives: Some slices may include preservatives or flavor enhancers that marginally affect nutritional content.

When selecting Pepper Jack cheese slices, examining the nutrition label is recommended to understand the precise caloric and nutritional composition.

Comparing Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Calories to Other Cheeses

To put the calorie content of Pepper Jack cheese into perspective, it is helpful to compare it with other commonly consumed cheese slices:

Cheese Type Calories per 21g Slice Typical Fat Content (g)
Pepper Jack 90 kcal 7 g
Cheddar 100 kcal 8 g
Swiss 80 kcal 6 g
American 85 kcal 6.5 g
Provolone 90 kcal 7 g

As shown, Pepper Jack cheese slices fall within the moderate calorie range compared to other popular cheeses. Its flavor profile, combined with reasonable calorie content, makes it a favored choice for sandwiches, burgers, and snacks.

Considerations for Dietary Planning

When incorporating Pepper Jack cheese slices into a diet, consider the following points related to caloric intake and overall nutrition:

  • Portion Control: Cheese slices are calorie-dense; consuming multiple slices can significantly increase daily calorie intake.
  • Balanced Diet: Pairing cheese with vegetables or whole-grain bread can help balance the meal nutritionally.
  • Fat Intake: Since Pepper Jack contains saturated fat, it is advisable to moderate consumption, especially for individuals managing cardiovascular health.
  • Allergies and Sensitivities: Cheese contains lactose and milk proteins, which may affect those with intolerances or allergies.

By understanding the caloric and nutritional composition of Pepper Jack cheese slices, individuals can make informed choices that align with their dietary goals.

Caloric Content of a Pepper Jack Cheese Slice

Pepper Jack cheese, a popular variety known for its creamy texture and spicy flavor, varies slightly in caloric content depending on the brand, thickness, and exact composition of the slice. Generally, a single slice of Pepper Jack cheese weighs approximately 20 to 28 grams.

The typical caloric values for one standard slice of Pepper Jack cheese are as follows:

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 slice (approx. 21 g) 80-100 kcal 6.5-8 5-6 0-1

### Factors Influencing Caloric Content

  • Slice Thickness: Thicker slices contain more cheese and thus more calories.
  • Fat Content: Whole milk Pepper Jack cheese tends to have higher fat and calorie counts compared to reduced-fat or light versions.
  • Added Ingredients: Some varieties may include additional spices or fillers that slightly alter the calorie count.

### Nutritional Breakdown

  • Fats: The majority of calories in Pepper Jack cheese come from fat, primarily saturated fat.
  • Protein: It provides a moderate amount of protein, beneficial for muscle maintenance and overall health.
  • Carbohydrates: Typically minimal, as cheese contains very little sugar or carbs.

### Comparison with Other Cheese Types

Cheese Type Calories per Slice (approx.) Fat (g) Protein (g)
Pepper Jack 80-100 6.5-8 5-6
Cheddar 110 9 7
Mozzarella 70-85 5-6 6-7
Swiss 90-110 7-9 7-8

This comparison highlights that Pepper Jack cheese slices generally fall within a moderate calorie range compared to other popular cheeses.

### Practical Considerations for Calorie Counting

  • Packaging Labels: Always check the nutritional label on the cheese package for the most accurate information tailored to that specific product.
  • Portion Control: Using thinner slices or measuring the weight can help better manage calorie intake.
  • In Recipes: When incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into meals, account for the total number of slices or weight used to calculate overall caloric contribution.

Understanding the caloric content of Pepper Jack cheese slices can assist in maintaining balanced nutrition, especially for individuals monitoring calorie intake or managing dietary goals.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content of Pepper Jack Cheese Slices

Dr. Linda Martinez (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Pepper Jack cheese slices typically contain around 70 to 100 calories per slice, depending on the thickness and brand. This caloric range makes it a moderate energy source suitable for inclusion in balanced diets, but portion control is essential to avoid excessive calorie intake.

James O’Connor (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in Pepper Jack cheese slices largely depends on the fat content and moisture level of the cheese. Generally, a standard slice weighing about 21 grams contains approximately 80 calories, with variations occurring due to different processing methods and added ingredients like peppers.

Emily Chen (Clinical Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant). When considering Pepper Jack cheese slices in meal planning, it is important to note that each slice offers not only calories but also beneficial nutrients such as protein and calcium. On average, one slice has about 90 calories, which can fit well into a calorie-controlled diet when balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical slice of Pepper Jack cheese?
A standard slice of Pepper Jack cheese contains approximately 80 to 100 calories, depending on the brand and thickness.

Does the calorie content vary between different brands of Pepper Jack cheese slices?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly between brands due to differences in fat content and slice size.

Are Pepper Jack cheese slices high in fat?
Pepper Jack cheese slices generally contain around 6 to 9 grams of fat per slice, which contributes to their calorie count.

Can Pepper Jack cheese slices fit into a low-calorie diet?
Yes, when consumed in moderation, Pepper Jack cheese slices can be included in a low-calorie diet as a flavorful source of protein and fat.

Do reduced-fat Pepper Jack cheese slices have fewer calories?
Reduced-fat versions typically have fewer calories, often around 60 to 70 calories per slice, making them a lighter alternative.

How does the calorie content of Pepper Jack cheese compare to other cheeses?
Pepper Jack cheese has a similar calorie content to other semi-soft cheeses like Monterey Jack and Colby, generally ranging from 80 to 110 calories per slice.
a typical slice of Pepper Jack cheese contains approximately 70 to 100 calories, depending on the brand and thickness of the slice. This calorie range is influenced by the cheese’s fat content and serving size, making it important for consumers to check nutritional labels for precise information. Pepper Jack cheese, known for its creamy texture and spicy flavor, offers a flavorful option for those mindful of their caloric intake.

Understanding the calorie content of Pepper Jack cheese slices is essential for individuals managing their diet, especially those tracking macronutrients or aiming for weight control. While it provides a moderate amount of calories, it also contributes valuable nutrients such as protein and calcium, which support overall health. Moderation and portion control remain key when incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into a balanced diet.

Ultimately, Pepper Jack cheese slices can be enjoyed as part of a nutritious eating plan when consumed thoughtfully. Being aware of their caloric value allows consumers to make informed dietary choices that align with their health goals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

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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.