SELECT FARMS, Colby Jack Cheese receives a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor), primarily due to its **high saturated fat content** and classification as a processed food. It offers notable calcium and Vitamin A.
FoodScore: 42/100 (Poor) due to saturated fat and processing.
Provides 55% DV of calcium and 119% DV of Vitamin A per 100g.
Significant concern: 21.39g of saturated fat per 100g.
Higher in sodium (607.14mg/100g) compared to generic Colby Jack.
Use in moderation to manage saturated fat and sodium intake.
Scores +9 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, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (21.4g)-15
Sodium (607.1mg)-2
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 42
SELECT FARMS, Colby Jack Cheese scores 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its high saturated fat content, which contributes a significant penalty. With 21.39g of saturated fat per 100g, this product exceeds the recommended daily limits for many individuals. The sodium content, at 607.14mg per 100g, also incurs a minor penalty. As a NOVA class 3 food, it is considered processed, which further reduces its score by 5 points. On the positive side, the product receives bonuses for its protein content, providing 25g per 100g, and for its micronutrient profile, specifically its contributions of calcium (714.29mg, 55% DV) and Vitamin A (119% DV). Ingredients like powdered cellulose and potato starch are added to prevent caking, which is common in shredded or pre-sliced cheeses, but do not significantly impact the score. Compared to a generic Colby Jack cheese, this SELECT FARMS product has a similar nutritional profile, with the primary drivers of the score being inherent to the cheese category itself.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in select farms, colby jack cheese actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Bone Health
SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing 714.29mg, or 55% of the Daily Value, per 100g serving. Calcium is a critical mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth throughout life. Regular intake of calcium-rich foods can help support bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Incorporating this cheese into a balanced diet can contribute meaningfully to your daily calcium requirements, especially when paired with other calcium sources.
Contributes to Vitamin A Intake
This Colby Jack Cheese provides a substantial amount of Vitamin A, offering 119% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for several bodily functions, including maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. The presence of annatto color in the ingredients contributes to the cheese's characteristic orange hue and is a natural source of carotenoids, which can be converted to Vitamin A in the body.
Source of Protein
With 25g of protein per 100g, SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese is a good source of dietary protein. Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall satiety. Including protein-rich foods in meals and snacks can help manage hunger and support muscle maintenance. This cheese can be a convenient way to add protein to various dishes, contributing to a balanced macronutrient intake.
SELECT FARMS, Colby Jack Cheese receives a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor), primarily due to its high saturated fat content and classification as a processed food. It offers notable calcium and Vitamin A.
How to eat it
Colby Jack cheese is commonly consumed as a snack, in sandwiches, or melted into cooked dishes. A typical serving size is 1 ounce (28g), which is considerably less than the 100g reference. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage saturated fat and sodium intake.
Pair with vegetables or whole-grain crackers to add fiber and other nutrients, balancing the meal.
Use as a flavor enhancer in smaller quantities, for example, sprinkling a modest amount over a salad or baked potato.
Consider grating your own cheese from a block to avoid additives like powdered cellulose and potato starch if preferred.
When using in recipes, balance with lower-sodium ingredients to keep overall sodium levels in check.
Portion out cheese before eating to avoid overconsumption, as it is calorie-dense.
Things to keep in mind
SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese contains pasteurized milk, making it unsuitable for individuals with a dairy allergy. The presence of natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor, is generally recognized as safe but may be a consideration for those sensitive to food additives. While the product includes powdered cellulose and potato starch to prevent caking, these are common food additives and are not typically associated with adverse health effects for most consumers. Due to its relatively high sodium content, individuals on a sodium-restricted diet should consume this product in moderation and monitor their overall daily sodium intake. There are no specific interactions or risks noted for other populations beyond general dietary considerations for fat and sodium.
SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese has a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor). While it provides significant calcium and Vitamin A, its high saturated fat content and classification as a processed food contribute to a lower score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, considering its nutrient profile.
How does SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese compare to other cheeses?
Compared to a generic Colby Jack cheese, SELECT FARMS offers a similar nutritional profile. When compared to lower-fat cheese options, it contains more saturated fat. For example, a brand like Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheddar would have significantly less fat and calories, but may also have a different texture and flavor profile.
What is 'annatto color' in the ingredients?
Annatto color is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is used in SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese to give it its characteristic orange hue. It is generally considered safe for consumption and is also a source of carotenoids, which can act as precursors to Vitamin A.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cheese?
A typical serving size for cheese is 1 ounce (28g). Consuming this amount of SELECT FARMS Colby Jack Cheese will provide approximately 110 calories, 9g of protein, and 9g of saturated fat. Sticking to this portion size helps to manage calorie and saturated fat intake within dietary guidelines.
Can I use this cheese if I am lactose intolerant?
Colby Jack cheese, like many aged cheeses, contains very little lactose due to the cheesemaking process. While not entirely lactose-free, many individuals with lactose intolerance can tolerate small to moderate amounts of hard or semi-hard cheeses like Colby Jack. However, individual tolerance varies, so it's best to test small amounts first.