How Many Calories Are in a Colby Jack Cheese Stick?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to snacking smart, cheese sticks have become a popular go-to for many seeking a convenient and tasty treat. Among the variety of cheese options available, Colby Jack cheese sticks stand out for their unique blend of flavors and creamy texture. But if you’re mindful of your calorie intake or simply curious about the nutritional profile of your favorite snack, understanding how many calories are in a Colby Jack cheese stick is an important first step.

Cheese, while delicious and packed with essential nutrients like calcium and protein, can vary significantly in calorie content depending on the type and portion size. Colby Jack, a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, offers a distinctive taste that appeals to many, but its calorie count can influence how it fits into your daily diet. Whether you’re tracking calories for weight management, fitness goals, or general health, gaining insight into this popular snack’s energy content can help you make informed choices.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie content of a typical Colby Jack cheese stick, compare it with other cheese varieties, and discuss how it fits into a balanced diet. This knowledge will empower you to enjoy your snack mindfully without compromising your nutritional goals.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown of a Colby Jack Cheese Stick

A typical Colby Jack cheese stick, commonly weighing around 28 grams (1 ounce), provides a moderate caloric intake mainly derived from fats and proteins. This makes it a popular snack choice for those seeking a balance between taste and energy density.

The calorie content in a Colby Jack cheese stick generally ranges from 100 to 110 calories per stick. This variation depends on the brand, fat content, and exact serving size. Most of these calories come from fat, with a significant amount also contributed by protein.

Key nutritional components of a standard Colby Jack cheese stick include:

  • Calories: Approximately 100 to 110 kcal
  • Total Fat: Around 8 grams, including saturated fats
  • Protein: Approximately 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Typically less than 1 gram
  • Calcium: A good source, providing about 20% of the daily recommended intake

These values make Colby Jack cheese sticks a convenient source of protein and calcium, with a relatively low carbohydrate content, suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Cheese Stick % Daily Value*
Calories 100-110 kcal 5%
Total Fat 8 g 12%
Saturated Fat 5 g 25%
Protein 7 g 14%
Carbohydrates 0-1 g 0%
Calcium 200 mg 20%

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

Understanding these nutritional details helps in incorporating Colby Jack cheese sticks effectively into daily meal planning, particularly for those monitoring calorie intake or macronutrient distribution.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations in Colby Jack Cheese Sticks

Several factors can cause slight differences in the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese sticks across various brands and products. These include:

  • Fat Content: Some versions use reduced-fat milk, which lowers the overall fat and calorie count. Full-fat varieties naturally have higher calories due to increased fat content.
  • Serving Size: While most cheese sticks are standardized around 28 grams, some may be larger or smaller, directly affecting caloric values.
  • Additives and Processing: Ingredients like added salts, preservatives, or flavor enhancers can marginally impact nutritional content. Additionally, the moisture content can vary, affecting density and calories per stick.
  • Packaging and Portion Control: Individually wrapped sticks may differ in size compared to bulk-packaged cheese portions.

Consumers should always check the nutrition label for the specific product they purchase to get the most accurate calorie information. This is especially important for those tracking calories meticulously for dietary goals.

Comparing Caloric Content with Other Cheese Varieties

Colby Jack cheese sticks have a calorie profile that is generally similar to other semi-hard cheeses. For perspective, here is a comparison with popular cheese types per 1-ounce serving:

Cheese Type Calories (kcal) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Colby Jack 100-110 8 7
Cheddar 110-120 9 7
Monterey Jack 100-110 8 7
Swiss 105-110 8 8
Mozzarella (part-skim) 70-85 5 7

This comparison highlights that Colby Jack is a calorie-dense cheese, comparable to Cheddar and Monterey Jack, but higher in calories than part-skim mozzarella. This is important when choosing cheese based on dietary needs such as fat restriction or calorie control.

Tips for Including Colby Jack Cheese Sticks in a Balanced Diet

While Colby Jack cheese sticks are calorie-dense, their nutrient profile supports several health goals when consumed in moderation. Consider the following tips:

  • Pair cheese sticks with fresh vegetables or whole-grain crackers for a balanced snack that adds fiber and micronutrients.
  • Use them as a protein-rich addition to lunchboxes or quick meals to help maintain satiety.
  • Monitor portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake, especially if combining with other high-fat foods.
  • Choose reduced-fat versions if aiming to reduce saturated fat intake while still enjoying the

Caloric Content of a Typical Colby Jack Cheese Stick

The calorie count in a Colby Jack cheese stick depends primarily on its size and fat content. Generally, these cheese sticks are portion-controlled snacks that provide a convenient source of protein and fat.

Most commercially available Colby Jack cheese sticks weigh approximately 28 grams (1 ounce). The caloric value is derived mainly from fat and protein content, with minimal carbohydrates.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 Cheese Stick (28g) 100-110 kcal 8-9 6-7 1

The range of 100 to 110 calories accounts for minor variations in brand formulations and moisture content. Colby Jack cheese typically contains about 7 grams of fat per ounce, with a significant portion as saturated fat, which contributes to its rich texture and flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown and Impact on Daily Caloric Intake

Understanding the macronutrient distribution in a Colby Jack cheese stick helps contextualize its caloric impact within a daily diet:

  • Fat: Approximately 75-80% of the calories come from fat, predominantly saturated fat, which is a key consideration for cardiovascular health guidelines.
  • Protein: Provides roughly 25-30% of the calories, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Carbohydrates: Negligible, typically less than 1 gram, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

When incorporating a Colby Jack cheese stick into a daily meal plan, it’s important to consider its calorie density. For example, in a standard 2,000-calorie diet, a single cheese stick accounts for about 5% of total daily calories. This makes it a moderate-calorie snack option but one that should be balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Cheese Sticks

Caloric content can vary due to multiple factors:

  • Portion Size: Some cheese sticks may be larger or smaller than the typical 28-gram serving, directly affecting calorie count.
  • Fat Content: Reduced-fat or low-fat Colby Jack cheese sticks contain fewer calories, often around 70-80 kcal per stick.
  • Brand Formulation: Different manufacturers may use varying recipes, including added ingredients or moisture levels, which influence caloric density.
  • Processing: String cheese or processed cheese variants may have slightly altered nutritional profiles compared to natural Colby Jack cheese sticks.

Comparison of Colby Jack Cheese Stick Calories to Other Cheese Varieties

To provide perspective, the following table compares calorie content per ounce of Colby Jack cheese sticks with other commonly consumed cheese sticks:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28g) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Colby Jack 100-110 kcal 8-9 6-7
Cheddar 110-115 kcal 9-10 7
Monterey Jack 100-110 kcal 8-9 6-7
Mozzarella (Part-Skim) 70-85 kcal 5-6 7-8

This comparison highlights that Colby Jack cheese sticks fall within a moderate calorie range relative to similar semi-hard cheeses, with mozzarella being notably lower in calories due to reduced fat content.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Colby Jack Cheese Sticks

Dr. Linda Matthews (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant). Colby Jack cheese sticks typically contain around 80 to 100 calories per stick, depending on the size and brand. This makes them a convenient, portion-controlled snack option, especially for individuals monitoring their calorie intake while seeking a good source of protein and calcium.

James O’Connor (Food Scientist and Dairy Product Specialist). The caloric content in a Colby Jack cheese stick primarily comes from its fat and protein composition. Since Colby Jack is a semi-hard cheese made from whole milk, its fat content contributes significantly to the calorie count, which generally ranges between 85 and 110 calories per typical serving size of about one ounce.

Dr. Emily Chen (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). When considering Colby Jack cheese sticks as part of a balanced diet, it is important to note that while they provide essential nutrients, their calorie density means they should be consumed in moderation. Most cheese sticks contain roughly 90 calories each, making them suitable for snacks but not for large quantities if calorie control is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical Colby Jack cheese stick?
A standard Colby Jack cheese stick, weighing about 1 ounce (28 grams), contains approximately 100 to 110 calories.

What factors can affect the calorie content of a Colby Jack cheese stick?
Calorie content may vary based on the brand, exact weight, and fat content of the cheese used in the stick.

Are Colby Jack cheese sticks a good source of protein?
Yes, a typical Colby Jack cheese stick provides around 6 to 7 grams of protein, making it a convenient protein snack.

How does the fat content in Colby Jack cheese sticks impact calorie count?
Higher fat content increases the calorie count, as fat contains 9 calories per gram, contributing significantly to the overall calories.

Can Colby Jack cheese sticks fit into a weight management diet?
When consumed in moderation, Colby Jack cheese sticks can fit into a balanced diet, providing protein and calcium while controlling portion size to manage calorie intake.

Are there lower-calorie alternatives to Colby Jack cheese sticks?
Yes, options like reduced-fat cheese sticks or other lower-fat cheese varieties offer fewer calories while still providing essential nutrients.
a typical Colby Jack cheese stick contains approximately 80 to 110 calories, depending on the brand and specific serving size. This calorie count primarily comes from its fat and protein content, making it a nutrient-dense snack option. Understanding the caloric value is essential for those monitoring their daily intake or managing dietary goals.

Colby Jack cheese sticks offer a convenient and portion-controlled way to enjoy cheese, providing beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein while maintaining moderate calorie levels. However, it is important to consider the overall dietary context, as cheese can be calorie-dense and high in saturated fat. Moderation is key to incorporating this snack into a balanced diet.

Ultimately, being aware of the calorie content in Colby Jack cheese sticks allows consumers to make informed nutritional choices. This knowledge supports better meal planning and helps maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

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.