FoodScore
0/ 100

Tillamook County Creamery Association TILLAMOOK, PEPPER JACK CHEESE

Tillamook County Creamery Association TILLAMOOK, PEPPER JACK CHEESE scores 54/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its significant protein and micronutrient content, balanced against its saturated fat and sodium levels.

  • This Tillamook County Creamery Association cheese scores 54/100, placing it in the Decent category.
  • It provides a notable 23.5g of protein and 57% DV of calcium per 100g serving.
  • A key concern is the 20.59g of saturated fat and 676.47mg of sodium per 100g.
  • This product is classified as NOVA class 2, indicating it is a processed culinary ingredient.
  • Consider portion control due to its calorie density and saturated fat content.
  • Scores +21 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
23.5g
47% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
676.47mg
29% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (23.5g)+10
Micronutrients (Calcium, Vitamin A)+4
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
What holds it back
Saturated fat (20.6g)-15
Sodium (676.5mg)-3

Why it scores 54

Tillamook County Creamery Association TILLAMOOK, PEPPER JACK CHEESE receives a FoodScore of 54 out of 100, categorized as Decent. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and components that warrant moderation. The product earns significant bonus points for its high protein content, providing 23.5g per 100g, which is a substantial contribution. It also gains points for key micronutrients, delivering 57% DV for calcium and 131% DV for Vitamin A per 100g. The ingredient list, featuring cultured pasteurized milk and enzymes, places it in NOVA class 2, indicating it is a minimally processed culinary ingredient, which contributes positively to its score. However, penalties are incurred due to the saturated fat content, which is 20.59g per 100g, and its sodium level of 676.47mg per 100g. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this specific pepper jack cheese offers a similar nutritional profile typical of many hard cheeses, with the added flavor from jalapeno peppers not significantly altering its core nutritional impact.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in tillamook county creamery association tillamook, pepper jack cheese actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Bone Health

This Tillamook County Creamery Association cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing 57% of the Daily Value per 100g. Calcium is a vital 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 weakness. Incorporating this cheese into a balanced diet can be a practical way to meet a significant portion of daily calcium needs.

Contributes to Protein Intake

With 23.5g of protein per 100g, this product offers a substantial amount of protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions. Including protein-rich foods in meals can help with satiety and support metabolic health. For individuals looking to increase their protein consumption, this cheese can be a convenient option to add to various dishes.

Source of Vitamin A

This cheese provides 131% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g, making it a rich source of this fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health. Dairy products like cheese are naturally good sources of Vitamin A, which is important for various physiological processes in the body.

How to eat it

Pepper jack cheese is commonly enjoyed in the US as a flavorful addition to sandwiches, quesadillas, or melted over various dishes. A typical serving size is 3 slices, which is less than 100g, so portion control is key to manage calorie and saturated fat intake.

Pair with whole-grain crackers or fresh vegetables to add fiber and reduce the overall saturated fat impact of a snack.
Use as a flavor enhancer in dishes like omelets or chili, rather than as the main ingredient, to moderate intake.
Consider grating a small amount over salads or baked potatoes for flavor without adding excessive calories or saturated fat.
When making sandwiches, combine with lean protein sources and plenty of vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Things to keep in mind

This Tillamook County Creamery Association cheese contains cultured pasteurized milk, making it unsuitable for individuals with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. While the sodium content is moderate at 676.47mg per 100g, individuals monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management should be mindful of portion sizes. The jalapeno peppers in pepper jack cheese may cause digestive discomfort for some sensitive individuals, though this is generally mild. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives listed in the ingredients, which is a positive aspect for those avoiding such additives.

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Reader questions
Is Tillamook County Creamery Association TILLAMOOK, PEPPER JACK CHEESE healthy?
This cheese scores 54/100, which is considered Decent. It offers good amounts of protein, calcium, and Vitamin A. However, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation and portion control are important for a balanced diet. It can be part of a healthy eating pattern when consumed thoughtfully.
How does Tillamook County Creamery Association Pepper Jack compare to other cheese brands?
Compared to a generic pepper jack cheese or similar brands like Sargento Pepper Jack, Tillamook County Creamery Association's product has a comparable nutritional profile in terms of macros and key micronutrients. The specific ingredient list and processing methods may vary slightly, but the overall nutritional contribution is similar within the hard cheese category.
What is the significance of 'cultured pasteurized milk' in the ingredients?
Cultured pasteurized milk indicates that the milk has been heated to kill harmful bacteria and then fermented with beneficial cultures. This process is standard for most cheeses and contributes to the flavor and texture development of the cheese. It also means the product contains dairy.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cheese?
The suggested serving size is 3 slices. This helps manage the intake of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. For a balanced diet, consider consuming this cheese in smaller portions as part of a larger meal or snack that includes vegetables and whole grains.
Can I eat this cheese if I am lactose intolerant?
As this product is made from cultured pasteurized milk, it contains lactose. While some aged cheeses may have lower lactose levels due to the aging process, individuals with severe lactose intolerance should exercise caution or avoid this product. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

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