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

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to enjoying a flavorful twist on classic cheese, pepper jack stands out as a popular choice. Its creamy texture combined with spicy jalapeño peppers makes it a favorite for sandwiches, snacks, and recipes that need a little kick. But beyond its bold taste, many people find themselves curious about its nutritional profile—especially the calorie content in a single slice.

Understanding how many calories are in a slice of pepper jack cheese can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes and balance in your diet. Whether you’re counting calories for weight management, tracking macros, or simply curious about what you’re eating, knowing this information adds a valuable layer to your food choices. Cheese, while delicious, can vary widely in calorie content depending on the type and serving size, making it important to look closely at each variety.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie count of pepper jack cheese slices, compare it to other cheeses, and offer insights into how it fits into a balanced diet. This knowledge will empower you to enjoy your favorite spicy cheese without any guesswork, helping you maintain both flavor and nutritional awareness.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack cheese is a flavorful variety of Monterey Jack cheese infused with spicy peppers, offering a distinctive taste alongside its nutritional profile. Understanding the caloric content and macronutrient composition of a typical slice can assist in managing dietary intake effectively.

A standard slice of Pepper Jack cheese generally weighs around 28 grams (1 ounce). The caloric content for this serving size typically ranges from 100 to 110 calories, depending on the brand and specific recipe used. These calories come primarily from fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates.

The nutritional components of a typical slice include:

  • Fat: Pepper Jack cheese contains approximately 8 to 9 grams of fat per slice. This includes saturated fats, which usually make up about 5 to 6 grams of the total fat content.
  • Protein: Each slice provides around 6 to 7 grams of protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is low, often less than 1 gram per slice, mainly from trace amounts of lactose.
  • Calcium and Vitamins: Cheese is also a good source of calcium, providing about 15-20% of the recommended daily intake per slice, along with small amounts of vitamin A and B vitamins.
Nutrient Amount per Slice (28g) Percentage of Daily Value*
Calories 100 – 110 kcal 5%
Total Fat 8 – 9 g 12-14%
Saturated Fat 5 – 6 g 25-30%
Protein 6 – 7 g 12-14%
Carbohydrates <1 g 0%
Calcium 150 – 200 mg 15-20%

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

When tracking caloric intake, it is important to consider portion size. Some commercially packaged slices may vary in thickness and weight, thus slightly altering the calorie count. Additionally, artisanal or homemade Pepper Jack cheese may have different nutritional values depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

In summary, Pepper Jack cheese is moderately calorie-dense, primarily due to its fat content, which is balanced by a significant protein contribution. This balance makes it a flavorful option for those seeking to add protein and calcium to their diet without excessive carbohydrates.

Caloric Content of a Typical Slice of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese infused with spicy peppers, making it a flavorful choice for sandwiches, snacks, and recipes. Understanding its caloric content is essential for dietary planning and maintaining balanced nutrition.

The calories in a slice of Pepper Jack cheese can vary depending on the thickness of the slice and the brand, but on average, a standard slice weighs approximately 28 grams (1 ounce).

Serving Size Calories Protein (g) Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 slice (~28 grams) 100 6-7 8-9 0-1

These values are approximate and can fluctuate slightly based on the cheese’s moisture content and specific recipe formulation. The fat content primarily contributes to the calorie count, as fat provides 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram each.

Nutritional Breakdown and Implications for Diet

In addition to calories, Pepper Jack cheese offers a range of nutrients that can support a balanced diet, especially when consumed in moderation.

  • Protein: With approximately 6-7 grams per slice, it serves as a useful source of high-quality protein, important for muscle repair and maintenance.
  • Fat: The cheese contains 8-9 grams of fat, including saturated fat. While saturated fat should be consumed in moderation, the fats in cheese can also provide satiety and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Calcium and Vitamins: Pepper Jack is a good source of calcium, which supports bone health, along with small amounts of vitamins A and B12.
  • Carbohydrates: Typically negligible, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

When incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into your diet, it’s important to consider portion sizes and balance it with other nutrient-rich foods. Due to its calorie density, overconsumption can contribute to excessive calorie intake, potentially impacting weight management goals.

Factors Affecting Calorie Variation in Pepper Jack Cheese

The caloric value of Pepper Jack cheese slices may vary due to several factors:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices naturally contain more calories. Always check the weight if precise calorie counting is necessary.
  • Brand Formulation: Different manufacturers may have variations in fat content or moisture levels, influencing the calorie count.
  • Added Ingredients: Some Pepper Jack cheeses include additional flavorings or preservatives that can slightly alter nutritional content.
  • Fat Content Variants: Reduced-fat or low-fat versions of Pepper Jack cheese are available, which contain fewer calories per slice compared to full-fat varieties.

For accurate calorie tracking, consult the nutrition label on the specific product packaging or use a reliable food database that reflects the brand and variety you consume.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Pepper Jack Cheese Slices

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical slice of pepper jack cheese contains approximately 80 to 100 calories, depending on the thickness and brand. This calorie count primarily comes from fat and protein, making it a moderately energy-dense food that can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in appropriate portions.

Michael Torres (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The caloric value of a slice of pepper jack cheese is influenced by its fat content, which usually ranges from 20% to 33%. Given this, a standard one-ounce slice generally provides around 90 calories, with slight variations based on moisture levels and added spices that do not significantly affect the calorie count.

Linda Chen (Clinical Nutritionist and Cheese Industry Consultant). When considering how many calories are in a slice of pepper jack cheese, it is important to note that portion control is key. On average, a single slice contains roughly 90 calories, which can be incorporated into meal planning for those monitoring their caloric intake, especially in low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are typically found in one slice of pepper jack cheese?
One slice of pepper jack cheese generally contains about 70 to 100 calories, depending on the thickness and brand.

Does the calorie content vary between different brands of pepper jack cheese?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly between brands due to differences in fat content and slice thickness.

Is pepper jack cheese higher in calories compared to other types of cheese?
Pepper jack cheese has a similar calorie range to other semi-soft cheeses like Monterey Jack but may be slightly higher due to added spices and fat content.

How does the calorie content of pepper jack cheese affect a low-calorie diet?
Because pepper jack cheese is calorie-dense, portion control is important to maintain a low-calorie diet while enjoying its flavor.

Are there lower-calorie alternatives to traditional pepper jack cheese?
Yes, reduced-fat or light versions of pepper jack cheese are available, offering fewer calories per slice.

Does the addition of spices in pepper jack cheese impact its calorie count?
The spices added to pepper jack cheese have a negligible effect on calorie content; most calories come from fat and protein.
In summary, a typical slice of pepper jack cheese contains approximately 70 to 110 calories, depending on the thickness and brand. This calorie range is influenced by the cheese’s fat content and serving size, with most standard slices weighing around 20 to 28 grams. Understanding the calorie content is essential for those managing their dietary intake, especially within balanced meal planning or calorie-controlled diets.

It is important to consider that pepper jack cheese, while flavorful and a good source of protein and calcium, also contains saturated fats and sodium. Moderation is key to incorporating it healthfully into one’s diet. Additionally, checking nutrition labels on specific brands can provide more precise calorie and nutrient information tailored to individual dietary needs.

Ultimately, being aware of the calorie content in a slice of pepper jack cheese helps consumers make informed choices. This knowledge supports maintaining overall nutritional goals without sacrificing taste, making pepper jack cheese a viable option for those seeking both flavor and nutritional balance in their meals.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.