HORIZON ORGANIC MONTEREY JACK ORGANIC SHREDDED CHEESE, MONTEREY JACK
HORIZON ORGANIC MONTEREY JACK ORGANIC SHREDDED CHEESE scores 53/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its notable protein content and significant calcium, balanced against its saturated fat and sodium levels.
This HORIZON ORGANIC cheese scores 53/100 (Decent) on FoodScore.
It provides a strong 25g of protein and 57% DV of calcium per 100g.
The main nutritional concerns are 17.9g of saturated fat and 607.1mg of sodium per 100g.
As a NOVA class 2 food, it is a processed culinary ingredient, similar to generic shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Portion control is key to managing saturated fat and sodium intake from this product.
Scores +20 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
25g
50% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
607.14mg
26% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (25g)+10
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (17.9g)-15
Sodium (607.1mg)-2
Why it scores 53
HORIZON ORGANIC MONTEREY JACK ORGANIC SHREDDED CHEESE achieves a FoodScore of 53/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and components that warrant moderation. The product receives significant bonuses for its high protein content, providing 25g per 100g, which contributes positively to satiety and muscle maintenance. Additionally, it is a good source of calcium, offering 57% of the Daily Value per 100g. As a NOVA class 2 food, it is considered a minimally processed culinary ingredient, which also adds to its score. However, the score is tempered by penalties, primarily due to its saturated fat content of 17.9g per 100g, which is a factor to consider for cardiovascular health. The sodium level, at 607.1mg per 100g, also incurs a minor penalty. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this HORIZON ORGANIC product aligns closely in its nutritional profile, offering similar benefits and considerations. The ingredient list, featuring 'CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC MILK' and 'CELLULOSE (TO PREVENT CAKING)', indicates a straightforward formulation typical for shredded cheese.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in horizon organic monterey jack organic shredded cheese, monterey jack actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Bone Health
This HORIZON ORGANIC shredded Monterey Jack cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing 57% of the Daily Value per 100g. Calcium is a crucial mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth throughout life. Regular intake of calcium-rich foods can contribute to bone density and help prevent conditions related to bone weakening. Incorporating this cheese into meals can be a practical way to boost your daily calcium intake, especially when paired with other calcium sources.
Contributes to Protein Intake
With 25g of protein per 100g, this product offers a substantial amount of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. Including protein-rich foods like this cheese in your diet can help promote satiety, which may be beneficial for weight management, and support muscle maintenance, particularly important for active individuals. It can be a convenient protein source in various dishes.
Source of Essential Nutrients
Beyond calcium and protein, cheese like this HORIZON ORGANIC product can contribute other micronutrients to the diet. While not high in all micronutrients, it is a concentrated source of dairy-derived nutrients. As a fermented dairy product, it contains beneficial compounds from the milk. The 'CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC MILK' indicates a traditional cheese-making process that retains some of milk's inherent nutritional value, making it a nutrient-dense food choice when consumed in appropriate portions.
HORIZON ORGANIC MONTEREY JACK ORGANIC SHREDDED CHEESE scores 53/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its notable protein content and significant calcium, balanced against its saturated fat and sodium levels.
How to eat it
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is commonly used as a topping or an ingredient in cooked dishes. A typical serving size is 1/4 cup. It melts well, making it popular for casseroles, tacos, and sandwiches. Be mindful of portion sizes, as its nutrient density means calories, saturated fat, and sodium can add up quickly.
Use this cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of vegetable-rich dishes like salads, roasted vegetables, or whole-wheat pasta bakes.
Combine with lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or beans to create a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Measure your portion (e.g., 1/4 cup) to manage the intake of saturated fat and sodium, especially if you are monitoring these nutrients.
Pair with whole grains like whole-wheat tortillas or crackers for added fiber, which can help moderate the overall glycemic impact of your meal.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains milk, which is a common allergen. Individuals with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy should avoid this product. The ingredient 'CELLULOSE (TO PREVENT CAKING)' is a common anti-caking agent derived from plant fibers and is generally recognized as safe. While the sodium content of 607.14mg per 100g is not excessively high, individuals monitoring their sodium intake for conditions such as hypertension should be mindful of portion sizes. Similarly, the saturated fat content of 17.89g per 100g warrants consideration for those managing cardiovascular health.
Is HORIZON ORGANIC Monterey Jack Organic Shredded Cheese healthy?
HORIZON ORGANIC Monterey Jack Organic Shredded Cheese scores 53/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. It offers significant protein and calcium, which are beneficial for bone and muscle health. However, it also contains notable amounts of saturated fat and sodium, so moderation and portion control are key to incorporating it into a balanced diet.
How does HORIZON ORGANIC Monterey Jack compare to other shredded cheeses?
Compared to many generic shredded Monterey Jack cheeses, HORIZON ORGANIC offers a similar nutritional profile, including comparable levels of protein, fat, and sodium. Its 'organic' certification means the milk comes from cows raised according to organic standards, which some consumers prefer. For example, it's nutritionally similar to a Sargento Shredded Monterey Jack in terms of macros per 100g.
What is 'CELLULOSE (TO PREVENT CAKING)' in the ingredient list?
Cellulose is a plant-derived fiber added to shredded cheese to prevent the individual shreds from sticking together. It helps maintain the product's texture and usability. It is generally considered a safe food additive and does not significantly impact the nutritional value of the cheese.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cheese?
A typical serving size for HORIZON ORGANIC Monterey Jack Organic Shredded Cheese is 1/4 cup. This portion provides a good balance of flavor and nutrients without contributing excessive amounts of saturated fat or sodium. Adhering to this portion size helps manage overall calorie and fat intake.
Can this cheese be part of a low-sodium diet?
While not extremely high, this cheese contains 607.14mg of sodium per 100g. For individuals on a strict low-sodium diet, this amount might be significant. It's best to consume it in small portions and balance it with other very low-sodium foods throughout the day to stay within dietary guidelines.
Is organic cheese nutritionally superior to conventional cheese?
The primary difference in organic cheese, like HORIZON ORGANIC, lies in the farming practices used to produce the milk. Nutritionally, the macro and micronutrient profiles are often very similar to conventional cheeses of the same type. Some studies suggest minor differences in fatty acid profiles, but these are generally not considered significant enough to impact overall health outcomes for most consumers.