LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, RAISINS & HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS scores 40/100 (Poor), largely due to its **ultra-processed nature** and contributions from **saturated fat**.
This product received a FoodScore of 40/100, classifying it as 'Poor'.
It provides 18.6g of protein and 4.7g of fiber per 100g serving.
A notable concern is the NOVA 4 classification, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to generic dairy, this snack mix has higher protein and fiber but also more added sugar and saturated fat.
Consider this product as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple.
Scores +7 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
4.7g
17% of Daily Value
Protein
18.6g
37% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.3g
5% of Daily Value
Sodium
372.09mg
16% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (4.7g)+5
Protein (18.6g)+10
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (10.5g)-15
Sodium (372.1mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 40
LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, RAISINS & HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS received a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score reflects a combination of beneficial nutrients and less favorable components. On the positive side, the product earned bonus points for its protein content, providing 18.6g per 100g, and fiber, with 4.7g. It also received a small bonus for micronutrients like calcium (30% DV) and iron (13% DV). However, several factors significantly reduced its score. The product contains 10.51g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing a substantial penalty. Its sodium content of 372.09mg per 100g also incurred a minor penalty. A major factor in the lower score is its classification as a NOVA 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed, which results in a 10-point penalty. The presence of concentrated ultra-processed fat, likely from the honey roasted peanuts, further reduced the score. Ingredients like modified corn starch and maltodextrin in the honey roasted peanuts contribute to its ultra-processed status. While it offers some protein and fiber, these are outweighed by the processing and less favorable fat profile when compared to a generic dairy equivalent.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lucerne farms snackers, pepper jack cheese, raisins & honey roasted peanuts actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This LUCERNE FARMS snack provides 18.6g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to satiety and support muscle maintenance. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in numerous bodily functions, including enzyme production and tissue repair. Including protein in snacks can help manage hunger between meals, potentially reducing overall calorie intake later in the day. The protein primarily comes from the pepper jack cheese and peanuts in the mix.
Contains Dietary Fiber
With 4.7g of fiber per 100g, this product offers a moderate amount of dietary fiber, mainly from the raisins and peanuts. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While not a primary source of fiber, this amount can contribute to your daily fiber intake goals, which are often not met by the average American diet. Fiber also adds bulk to food, aiding in feelings of fullness.
Provides Calcium and Iron
This snack contributes 30% DV for calcium and 13% DV for iron per 100g. Calcium is crucial for bone health and nerve function, primarily sourced from the cheese. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. While not a significant source for all micronutrients, the contributions of calcium and iron are notable, especially for individuals looking to increase their intake of these specific minerals.
LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, RAISINS & HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS scores 40/100 (Poor), largely due to its ultra-processed nature and contributions from saturated fat.
How to eat it
LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, RAISINS & HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS is designed as a convenient, on-the-go snack. It's typically consumed directly from the tray as a single serving. While convenient, it's important to consider its nutrient density and portion size within your daily diet.
To enhance the nutritional profile, pair this snack with a serving of fresh fruit like an apple or berries to add more vitamins and fiber.
Consider this snack for occasional use rather than a daily staple due to its ultra-processed nature and saturated fat content.
If you're looking for a similar flavor profile with less processing, consider making your own snack mix with plain cheese, unsalted nuts, and a small amount of dried fruit to control added sugars and sodium.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains milk and peanuts, which are common allergens. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this product. The ingredient list also includes potato starch and powdered cellulose as anti-caking agents, which are generally recognized as safe but contribute to the product's ultra-processed status. The honey roasted peanuts contain modified corn starch and maltodextrin, which are refined carbohydrates. While these ingredients are not typically a concern for most individuals, those monitoring their intake of highly processed ingredients may wish to limit consumption. There are no specific interactions or warnings for particular populations beyond general dietary considerations for saturated fat and sodium.
Is LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, RAISINS & HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS healthy?
This product received a FoodScore of 40/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional rating. While it offers protein and some fiber, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its content of saturated fat contribute to this lower score. It can fit into a balanced diet as an occasional snack, but it's not a primary source of whole, unprocessed nutrients.
How does LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS compare to other snack cheeses?
Compared to a simple block of plain cheese, LUCERNE FARMS SNACKERS, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, RAISINS & HONEY ROASTED PEANUTS is more complex due to the added raisins and honey roasted peanuts. While it offers more fiber and a slightly different nutrient profile than just cheese, it also contains added sugars and is more processed. For example, a simple string cheese like Sargento Balanced Breaks might have a different nutritional balance, often with less added sugar.
What is 'powdered cellulose' in the cheese?
Powdered cellulose is a common anti-caking agent used in shredded and pre-packaged cheeses, including the Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers in this product. It helps prevent the cheese from clumping together, maintaining its texture and usability. It is derived from plant fibers and is generally considered safe for consumption, though it contributes to the ultra-processed nature of the food.
What is a reasonable portion size for this snack?
The product is packaged as a single 1 TRAY serving. This portion provides 372.09 calories, 10.51g of saturated fat, and 372.09mg of sodium. While convenient, consuming the entire tray contributes significantly to daily intake of these nutrients. For a lighter snack, you might consider sharing the tray or pairing it with a larger portion of fresh vegetables to increase nutrient density.
Can this snack be part of a weight management plan?
Due to its calorie density (372.09 calories per 100g) and fat content, this snack should be consumed mindfully if you are managing your weight. While protein and fiber can aid in satiety, the overall calorie count from the full tray might be higher than desired for a typical snack in a weight management plan. Portion control and balancing with lower-calorie foods are key.