How Many Calories Are in Colby Jack Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to enjoying flavorful cheeses, Colby Jack stands out as a popular choice for many cheese lovers. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy taste make it a versatile addition to sandwiches, snacks, and recipes. But beyond its delicious flavor, many people are curious about its nutritional profile—especially the calorie content.

Understanding how many calories are in Colby Jack cheese is essential for those who are mindful of their diet or looking to balance indulgence with healthy eating. Whether you’re counting calories, managing weight, or simply want to make informed food choices, knowing the energy value of this cheese can help you enjoy it without guilt. This article will explore the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese and provide insights into how it fits into a balanced diet.

As we delve into the details, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what makes Colby Jack cheese not only a tasty treat but also a component of your nutritional intake. From serving sizes to comparisons with other cheeses, the information ahead will equip you with the knowledge to savor your favorite cheese while staying on track with your health goals.

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Its distinctive marbled appearance and mild flavor make it a popular choice for sandwiches, snacks, and recipes. Understanding the caloric content of Colby Jack cheese is essential for those monitoring their daily energy intake or following specific dietary guidelines.

The number of calories in Colby Jack cheese can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific product formulation, but on average, the calorie content is relatively consistent across standard servings. This cheese is calorie-dense due to its fat content, which contributes significantly to its energy value.

Typically, a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of Colby Jack cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories. This serving size is common for nutritional labeling and dietary measurement.

Macronutrient Breakdown and Caloric Sources

Calories in Colby Jack cheese primarily come from fat and protein, with a minimal amount contributed by carbohydrates. The macronutrient distribution per 1-ounce serving can be summarized as follows:

  • Fat: The dominant macronutrient, contributing about 70-80% of the total calories.
  • Protein: Provides the remaining significant portion of calories.
  • Carbohydrates: Present in negligible amounts, usually less than 1 gram per serving.

The fat in Colby Jack cheese consists of saturated and unsaturated fats, with saturated fat making up a substantial part. This impacts both the caloric density and the nutritional profile.

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28 g) Calories from Nutrient
Total Calories 110-120 kcal 100%
Total Fat 9-10 g 81-90 kcal
Saturated Fat 6 g 54 kcal
Protein 7 g 28 kcal
Carbohydrates 0.5 g 2 kcal

Factors Affecting Caloric Content

Several factors can influence the calorie count of Colby Jack cheese, including:

  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture content can slightly reduce the calorie density because water adds weight without calories.
  • Fat Content Variations: Some reduced-fat or low-fat versions of Colby Jack cheese are available, which contain fewer calories per serving.
  • Aging Process: Longer aging may concentrate nutrients and calories as moisture decreases.
  • Serving Size: Caloric intake depends on the portion size consumed, so actual calorie consumption varies with the amount eaten.

Comparing Colby Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

Colby Jack cheese has a moderate calorie count when compared to other common cheeses. For example:

  • Cheddar cheese typically contains about 115 calories per ounce.
  • Mozzarella cheese usually has around 85 calories per ounce (part-skim).
  • Swiss cheese contains roughly 110 calories per ounce.

This places Colby Jack in a similar range to many semi-hard cheeses, making it a suitable choice for those tracking calorie intake but seeking a flavorful option.

Incorporating Colby Jack Cheese into a Balanced Diet

When managing calorie intake, it is important to consider how Colby Jack cheese fits into the overall diet:

  • Portion Control: Measure servings to avoid consuming excess calories.
  • Balanced Meals: Pair cheese with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Nutrient Density: Cheese provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, and protein, which can support overall health despite its calorie content.

By understanding the caloric content and nutritional profile of Colby Jack cheese, individuals can make informed choices that align with their dietary goals.

Caloric Content of Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack cheese is a popular semi-hard cheese known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. When considering dietary intake, understanding the caloric content of this cheese is essential for managing nutrition and energy balance.

The calorie count in Colby Jack cheese primarily derives from its fat and protein content. Like most cheeses, it is relatively calorie-dense due to its high fat percentage. The typical serving size used for nutritional information is 1 ounce (28 grams).

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28 g)
Calories 110 – 120 kcal
Total Fat 9 – 10 grams
Protein 7 grams
Carbohydrates 0.5 grams or less
Calcium 200 mg (approximately 20% DV)

Nutritional Breakdown and Factors Affecting Calories

The exact caloric value of Colby Jack cheese can vary slightly depending on the brand, manufacturing process, and moisture content. Reduced-fat or low-fat varieties will have fewer calories compared to regular full-fat Colby Jack.

  • Fat content: The primary contributor to calories; 1 gram of fat provides 9 calories.
  • Protein content: Provides 4 calories per gram, contributing to the overall calorie count.
  • Carbohydrates: Minimal in Colby Jack, thus negligible in caloric contribution.
  • Moisture level: Higher moisture cheeses have fewer calories by weight due to dilution.

For individuals tracking macronutrients or managing caloric intake, it is important to consider portion size carefully, as cheese is calorie-dense and easy to overconsume.

Comparison with Other Common Cheeses

To provide perspective, here is a comparison of the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese versus other frequently consumed cheeses, per 1-ounce serving:

Cheese Type Calories (per 1 oz) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Colby Jack 110 – 120 9 – 10 7
Cheddar 115 9.4 7
Monterey Jack 100 – 110 8 – 9 7
Swiss 105 8 8
Mozzarella (part skim) 70 – 85 5 – 6 7

Practical Tips for Calorie Control When Consuming Colby Jack

Incorporating Colby Jack cheese into a balanced diet can be done without excessive calorie intake by following these guidelines:

  • Measure portions: Use a kitchen scale or pre-portioned servings to avoid overeating.
  • Pair with low-calorie foods: Combine cheese with vegetables or whole-grain crackers to increase satiety.
  • Choose reduced-fat options: Select lower-fat varieties if available to reduce caloric intake.
  • Limit frequency: Consume cheese in moderation to maintain overall calorie goals.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Colby Jack Cheese

Dr. Emily Carter (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 moderately high due to the cheese’s blend of Colby and Monterey Jack varieties. For individuals monitoring calorie intake, portion control is essential when including this cheese in their diet.

Michael Reynolds (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in Colby Jack cheese primarily comes from its fat and protein content. On average, a standard serving size of one ounce provides approximately 9 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein, contributing to roughly 100 to 110 calories. Variations may occur depending on the specific brand and aging process.

Linda Martinez (Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Cheese Aficionado). When assessing how many calories are in Colby Jack cheese, it’s important to consider not only the quantity consumed but also its role in a balanced diet. While it is calorie-dense, it also offers valuable nutrients like calcium and vitamin A. Moderation is key to enjoying its flavor without exceeding daily caloric goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one ounce of Colby Jack cheese?
One ounce of Colby Jack cheese contains approximately 110 calories.

Does the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese vary by brand?
Calorie content may vary slightly by brand due to differences in fat content and processing, but it generally ranges between 100 to 115 calories per ounce.

How does the calorie content of Colby Jack cheese compare to other cheeses?
Colby Jack cheese has a moderate calorie count, similar to cheddar and Monterey Jack, but typically contains fewer calories than higher-fat cheeses like cream cheese.

Are the calories in Colby Jack cheese primarily from fat or protein?
Most calories in Colby Jack cheese come from fat, with protein contributing a smaller portion of the total calorie count.

Can the calorie content in Colby Jack cheese affect weight management?
Yes, because Colby Jack cheese is calorie-dense and high in fat, portion control is important for weight management.

Is reduced-fat Colby Jack cheese lower in calories?
Reduced-fat Colby Jack cheese contains fewer calories than the regular version, typically around 70 to 80 calories per ounce.
Colby Jack cheese is a popular cheese variety known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. When considering its caloric content, it typically contains approximately 100 to 110 calories per one-ounce (28-gram) serving. This makes it a moderately calorie-dense food, primarily due to its fat content, which contributes to both flavor and energy value.

Understanding the calorie count in Colby Jack cheese is essential for those managing their dietary intake, especially individuals monitoring fat and calorie consumption. While it provides valuable nutrients such as protein and calcium, portion control is important to balance its energy contribution within a healthy diet. Additionally, the calorie content may vary slightly depending on the brand and specific formulation.

In summary, Colby Jack cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Its calorie content is comparable to other semi-hard cheeses, making it a suitable choice for those seeking flavor without excessive caloric intake. Being mindful of serving sizes will help maintain nutritional goals while benefiting from the cheese’s taste and nutritional profile.

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.