How Many Calories Are in Colby Jack Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to enjoying cheese, Colby Jack stands out as a flavorful and versatile favorite. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy taste make it a popular choice for everything from sandwiches to snacks. But beyond its delicious flavor, many people are curious about the nutritional aspects of this cheese, particularly its calorie content.

Understanding how many calories are in Colby Jack cheese can be an important factor for those mindful of their diet or looking to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Cheese, in general, is known for being nutrient-dense, offering a good source of protein and calcium, but it can also be calorie-rich. This balance makes it essential to know what you’re consuming, especially if you’re tracking your daily caloric intake.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie count of Colby Jack cheese, how it compares to other cheeses, and what factors can influence its nutritional profile. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious about making informed food choices, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you enjoy Colby Jack cheese without any guesswork.

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack cheese, a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, offers a rich, creamy texture and a mild flavor. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake. The number of calories in Colby Jack cheese varies slightly depending on the brand and fat content but generally falls within a predictable range.

On average, a typical serving size of Colby Jack cheese is about 1 ounce (28 grams). In this serving, the calorie count is approximately 110 to 120 calories. This makes Colby Jack a calorie-dense food, largely due to its fat content. The calories primarily come from fats and proteins, with minimal carbohydrates present.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The calorie content in Colby Jack cheese is distributed among its macronutrients: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Fat contributes the majority of calories, followed by protein, while carbohydrates are minimal. This breakdown is useful for understanding how this cheese fits into various dietary plans.

Key macronutrient facts per 1-ounce serving include:

  • Total Fat: Around 9 grams, which contributes approximately 81 calories
  • Protein: Roughly 7 grams, contributing about 28 calories
  • Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram, contributing about 4 calories or less

These values may vary slightly based on specific production methods or added ingredients but generally remain consistent across different brands.

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Calories per nutrient
Total Calories 110-120 kcal —
Total Fat 9 g 81 kcal
Protein 7 g 28 kcal
Carbohydrates <1 g 4 kcal (approx.)

Factors Affecting Calorie Variations

Several factors can influence the exact caloric content of Colby Jack cheese, including:

  • Fat content: Reduced-fat or low-fat versions contain fewer calories but may alter texture and flavor.
  • Serving size: Pre-packaged slices or shredded cheese may vary in weight, affecting calorie count.
  • Brand differences: Ingredients, processing methods, and moisture content can cause slight variations.
  • Aging: Longer-aged cheeses may have different moisture content, potentially influencing calorie density.

When tracking calorie intake, it’s important to verify the nutrition label on the specific product to ensure accuracy.

Calorie Comparison with Other Cheeses

Colby Jack cheese falls into a moderate calorie range compared to other popular cheeses. For perspective:

  • Cheddar cheese typically contains around 115 calories per ounce.
  • Mozzarella cheese has approximately 85 calories per ounce, often lower due to higher moisture content.
  • Swiss cheese contains about 110 calories per ounce, similar to Colby Jack.

This comparison highlights Colby Jack as a cheese with a balanced caloric profile suitable for varied dietary needs.

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28g)
Colby Jack 110-120 kcal
Cheddar 115 kcal
Mozzarella 85 kcal
Swiss 110 kcal

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese made from a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Its caloric content varies slightly depending on the brand and fat content, but typical values can be outlined to guide dietary considerations.

The number of calories in Colby Jack cheese primarily depends on the serving size and fat percentage. Standard full-fat Colby Jack cheese contains a moderate amount of calories derived mainly from fats and proteins.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 ounce (28 grams) 110 – 120 kcal 9 – 10 7 1
100 grams 395 – 420 kcal 32 – 34 25 – 27 1 – 2

These values are approximate and may vary slightly by manufacturer. Reduced-fat or low-fat versions of Colby Jack cheese will have fewer calories, typically ranging from 70 to 90 calories per ounce.

Nutritional Breakdown and Caloric Sources

Understanding the nutritional components that contribute to the caloric content of Colby Jack cheese helps in managing dietary intake effectively. The main macronutrients contributing calories are fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

  • Fat: Fat is the largest contributor to the caloric content. Each gram of fat provides approximately 9 calories. Colby Jack cheese contains around 9 to 10 grams of fat per ounce, making fat the dominant energy source.
  • Protein: Protein provides about 4 calories per gram. With about 7 grams of protein per ounce, protein contributes a significant portion of calories.
  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are minimal in Colby Jack cheese, generally around 1 gram per ounce, contributing roughly 4 calories.

Factors Affecting Caloric Content

Several factors influence the exact number of calories in Colby Jack cheese, including:

  • Fat Content Variation: Full-fat varieties have higher calorie counts, whereas reduced-fat or part-skim versions contain fewer calories.
  • Moisture Levels: Moisture content affects weight and density; higher moisture cheeses may have slightly fewer calories by weight.
  • Serving Size Accuracy: Differences in portion size can significantly affect calorie intake.
  • Brand Formulations: Different manufacturers may have slight variations in recipe and processing, impacting calorie content.

Comparative Calorie Content with Other Cheeses

For perspective, comparing Colby Jack cheese with other popular cheeses illustrates its relative caloric density:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28g) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Colby Jack 110 – 120 9 – 10 7
Cheddar 115 – 120 9 – 10 7
Monterey Jack 100 – 110 8 – 9 7
Swiss 105 – 110 8 – 9 8

As shown, Colby Jack cheese has a caloric content comparable to Cheddar and Monterey Jack, reflecting its similar fat and protein profiles.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Colby Jack Cheese

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Colby Jack cheese typically contains around 100 calories per one-ounce serving. This caloric value is influenced by its fat content, which is moderate compared to other cheeses, making it a reasonable choice for those monitoring their energy intake while still seeking a flavorful dairy option.

James Thornton (Food Chemist, Dairy Research Institute). The calorie count in Colby Jack cheese arises primarily from its fat and protein composition. On average, an ounce contains approximately 8 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein, contributing to its roughly 100-calorie density. Variations can occur depending on the specific brand and aging process.

Dr. Anika Patel (Clinical Nutritionist and Cheese Specialist). When considering how many calories are in Colby Jack cheese, it is important to note that portion control is key. While it offers essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A, its caloric density means that consuming multiple servings can quickly add up, impacting daily caloric goals for weight management or health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one ounce of Colby Jack cheese?
One ounce of Colby Jack cheese contains approximately 100 calories.

Does the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese vary by brand?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific formulation, but it generally ranges between 95 to 110 calories per ounce.

How does the calorie content of Colby Jack compare to other cheeses?
Colby Jack cheese has a moderate calorie content, similar to cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, typically around 100 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.

Is Colby Jack cheese suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Colby Jack cheese can be included in a low-calorie diet when consumed in moderation, as it provides essential nutrients but is calorie-dense.

How does the fat content affect the calorie count in Colby Jack cheese?
Higher fat content increases the calorie count since fat provides 9 calories per gram, making full-fat Colby Jack cheese more calorie-dense than reduced-fat versions.
Colby Jack cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. When considering its caloric content, a standard serving size of one ounce (28 grams) typically contains approximately 100 to 110 calories. This calorie count primarily comes from fat and protein, making it a nutrient-dense option for those monitoring their energy intake.

It is important to note that the exact calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific formulation of the cheese. Additionally, Colby Jack cheese provides essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin A, which contribute to its overall nutritional value beyond just calories. For individuals managing their diet, understanding the calorie content alongside these nutrients can aid in making informed dietary choices.

In summary, Colby Jack cheese offers a moderate calorie count per serving, making it a flavorful and nutritious option when consumed in appropriate portions. Being mindful of serving sizes and nutritional information can help integrate this cheese effectively into a balanced diet without exceeding calorie goals.

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.