FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentdairySARGENTO· 1 SLICE

SARGENTO SLICED COLBY & MONTEREY JACK NATURAL CHEESE, COLBY-JACK

SARGENTO Sliced Colby & Monterey Jack Natural Cheese scores 54/100 (Decent) due to its notable protein and micronutrient content, balanced against its saturated fat and sodium levels.

  • This SARGENTO cheese scores 54/100 (Decent) on the FoodScore scale.
  • It provides 21g of protein and is a good source of calcium (61% DV) per 100g.
  • A serving contains 21g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing significantly to its penalty points.
  • As a NOVA class 2 food, it is considered minimally processed, similar to generic cheese.
  • Consider portion sizes to manage saturated fat and sodium intake effectively.
  • Scores +21 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
21g
42% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
657.89mg
29% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (21g)+10
Micronutrients (Calcium, Vitamin A)+4
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
What holds it back
Saturated fat (21g)-15
Sodium (657.9mg)-3

Why it scores 54

SARGENTO Sliced Colby & Monterey Jack Natural Cheese achieves a FoodScore of 54 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and components that warrant moderation. On the positive side, the product is a significant source of protein, providing 21g per 100g, which contributes a +10 bonus to its score. It also offers a notable amount of micronutrients, specifically calcium (789.47mg, 61% DV) and Vitamin A (117% DV), earning a +4 bonus. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA class 2 indicates it is a minimally processed culinary ingredient, which adds an additional +8 bonus. However, the cheese incurs penalties primarily due to its fat content. It contains 21g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -15 penalty. Additionally, the sodium content of 657.89mg per 100g results in a -3 penalty. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this SARGENTO product aligns closely in its nutritional profile, offering similar benefits and considerations regarding fat and sodium.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in sargento sliced colby & monterey jack natural cheese, colby-jack actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Bone Health

This SARGENTO cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing 789.47mg (61% DV) per 100g. Calcium is a crucial mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth throughout life. Regular intake of calcium-rich foods like cheese can help support bone density and reduce the risk of bone-related issues. Incorporating this cheese into a balanced diet can contribute significantly to your daily calcium requirements.

Contributes to Muscle Maintenance

With 21g of protein per 100g, this cheese can be a valuable contributor to your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as for the production of enzymes and hormones. Including protein-rich foods like SARGENTO Colby-Jack cheese in meals and snacks can help support satiety and muscle mass, especially when combined with physical activity.

Provides Vitamin A

This product delivers a substantial amount of Vitamin A, providing 117% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin vital for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. The presence of Vitamin A in this cheese means it can contribute to meeting your daily needs for this important micronutrient, supporting overall physiological processes.

How to eat it

Colby-Jack cheese is commonly consumed in the US as a versatile ingredient in sandwiches, on crackers, or melted into dishes. A typical serving size is one slice, which can be easily incorporated into various meals or snacks. Be mindful of portion sizes, as even a single slice contributes to daily fat and sodium intake.

Pair with whole-grain crackers or fresh fruit like apples for a balanced snack that adds fiber.
Use in moderation on sandwiches or wraps to add flavor and protein without excessive saturated fat.
Melt a small amount over vegetables or lean protein to enhance taste and increase calcium intake.
Consider grating a smaller portion over salads instead of using multiple slices to manage sodium.
Things to keep in mind

This SARGENTO cheese contains pasteurized milk, making it unsuitable for individuals with a milk allergy. While the ingredient list is relatively short and free from artificial colors or flavors, the presence of annatto (vegetable color) may be a consideration for those sensitive to natural food colorings. The sodium content of 657.89mg per 100g is moderate, but individuals monitoring their sodium intake due to blood pressure concerns should be mindful of portion sizes. There are no specific interactions or cross-contamination risks noted beyond the milk allergen.

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Reader questions
Is SARGENTO Sliced Colby & Monterey Jack Natural Cheese healthy?
SARGENTO Sliced Colby & Monterey Jack Natural Cheese scores 54/100, indicating it's a 'Decent' choice. It offers good protein and calcium, but its saturated fat and sodium content mean it's best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Its NOVA class 2 rating means it's a minimally processed food.
How does SARGENTO Colby-Jack compare to other cheese brands?
Compared to other natural cheese brands like Kraft or Tillamook, SARGENTO Colby-Jack typically has a similar nutritional profile in terms of protein, fat, and sodium per 100g. The primary differences often lie in specific ingredient sourcing or minor variations in micronutrient levels. Always check the nutrition label for direct comparisons.
What is 'Annatto (vegetable color)' in the ingredients?
Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It's used in this SARGENTO cheese to give it its characteristic orange hue. It's generally recognized as safe, though some individuals may have sensitivities to natural food colorings.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cheese?
A single slice is considered one serving. While it contributes beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein, one slice also contains saturated fat and sodium. For a balanced diet, consider consuming one to two slices per day, depending on your overall dietary goals and other food choices.
Can I use this cheese if I'm trying to reduce my fat intake?
This cheese contains 31.58g of total fat and 21g of saturated fat per 100g. If you are actively trying to reduce your fat intake, consider using smaller portions or exploring reduced-fat cheese options available in the market. Always check the nutrition label for fat content when making choices.

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