How Many Calories Are There in a Slice of Pepper Jack Cheese?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Cheese

When it comes to enjoying a flavorful addition to sandwiches, snacks, or recipes, pepper jack cheese often stands out for its creamy texture and spicy kick. But beyond its delicious taste, many people are curious about the nutritional aspects of this popular cheese, especially how it fits into their daily calorie intake. Understanding the calorie content in a slice of pepper jack cheese can help you make informed choices whether you’re watching your weight, managing your diet, or simply aiming for a balanced lifestyle.

Cheese varieties differ widely in their nutritional profiles, and pepper jack is no exception. Its unique blend of Monterey Jack cheese with spicy peppers not only adds zest but also influences its calorie count. Exploring how many calories are packed into a typical slice of pepper jack cheese sheds light on how it compares to other cheeses and what role it can play in your meals.

In the sections ahead, we’ll delve into the calorie content of pepper jack cheese slices, discuss factors that affect these numbers, and offer insights on how to enjoy this flavorful cheese while keeping your nutritional goals in check. Whether you’re a cheese lover or someone mindful of calorie consumption, gaining this knowledge will enhance your appreciation and understanding of pepper jack cheese.

Caloric Content of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack cheese is a flavorful variety of Monterey Jack cheese infused with spicy peppers, which gives it a distinctive taste and texture. When considering its caloric content, it’s important to understand that the calories primarily come from its macronutrient composition—mainly fats and proteins, with a small amount of carbohydrates.

A typical slice of Pepper Jack cheese weighs approximately 28 grams (1 ounce). On average, this slice contains:

  • Calories: 100 to 110 kcal
  • Fat: 8 to 9 grams
  • Protein: 6 to 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and exact thickness of the slice. The fat content, particularly saturated fat, contributes the most to the total calorie count, followed by protein.

Macronutrient Breakdown and Its Impact on Calories

Understanding the macronutrient profile helps clarify how Pepper Jack cheese’s calories accumulate:

  • Fat: Each gram of fat provides 9 calories, so with 8 to 9 grams of fat, that contributes about 72 to 81 calories per slice.
  • Protein: Each gram of protein provides 4 calories, accounting for roughly 24 to 28 calories.
  • Carbohydrates: Though minimal, carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram, contributing less than 4 calories total.

This breakdown explains why fat content significantly influences the caloric content of Pepper Jack cheese.

Nutritional Comparison: Pepper Jack vs. Other Cheeses

When comparing Pepper Jack cheese to other common cheeses, slight variations in calorie content exist based on fat percentages and moisture content. Below is a comparison of calories in one-ounce slices of different cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories (per 1 oz slice) Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Pepper Jack 100 – 110 8 – 9 6 – 7 <1
Cheddar 110 – 120 9 – 10 7 <1
Swiss 100 – 110 8 7 – 8 <1
Monterey Jack 100 – 110 8 – 9 6 – 7 <1

This comparison highlights that Pepper Jack cheese is similar in caloric content to other semi-hard cheeses, with slight variations due to added peppers and moisture levels.

Factors Affecting Calorie Variability in Pepper Jack Cheese

Several factors may influence the calorie content in a slice of Pepper Jack cheese:

  • Brand and formulation: Some manufacturers may add additional ingredients or vary fat content, impacting calories.
  • Slice thickness: Thicker slices naturally contain more calories.
  • Fat content: Whole milk-based Pepper Jack will have higher fat and calorie content compared to reduced-fat versions.
  • Aging time: Longer aging may reduce moisture and concentrate nutrients, slightly increasing calories per gram.

Considerations for Dietary Planning

For those tracking calorie intake, it is useful to consider:

  • Serving size control: Be mindful of slice size to accurately estimate calorie consumption.
  • Pairing foods: Combining Pepper Jack cheese with low-calorie items can balance overall meal calorie density.
  • Fat content awareness: Since the fat contributes most calories, opting for reduced-fat Pepper Jack cheese is an option for calorie reduction.
  • Nutrient density: Despite calories, Pepper Jack provides valuable protein and calcium, which support dietary goals.

By integrating these considerations, Pepper Jack cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet without exceeding caloric limits.

Caloric Content of Pepper Jack Cheese Per Slice

Pepper Jack cheese, a popular variety known for its spicy flavor, is often consumed in sliced form, making it important to understand the caloric value per slice for dietary tracking and meal planning. The calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand, slice thickness, and moisture content, but general estimates provide a reliable guideline.

On average, a single slice of Pepper Jack cheese contains the following nutritional values:

Serving Size Calories Total Fat Protein Carbohydrates
1 Slice (approximately 28 grams) 100 – 110 kcal 8 – 9 grams 6 – 7 grams 1 gram or less

These values represent typical nutritional content found in commercially available Pepper Jack cheese slices. The calorie count primarily stems from fat and protein, as cheese is a high-fat dairy product with moderate protein and minimal carbohydrates.

Factors Influencing Caloric Variations in Pepper Jack Cheese Slices

Several factors contribute to the slight differences in calorie content from one slice to another:

  • Slice Thickness: Thicker slices contain more cheese, increasing calorie count proportionally.
  • Brand Formulation: Different manufacturers may use varying fat percentages and moisture levels, affecting calories.
  • Fat Content: Full-fat Pepper Jack cheese will have more calories than reduced-fat or low-fat versions.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture content reduces density, slightly lowering calories per slice.

When tracking calories, it is advisable to check the nutrition label on the specific product for the most accurate information.

Comparison With Other Common Cheese Varieties

Understanding how Pepper Jack cheese compares calorically to other cheeses can help in making informed dietary choices:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 Slice (~28g) Typical Fat Content
Pepper Jack 100 – 110 kcal 8 – 9 grams
Cheddar 110 – 120 kcal 9 – 10 grams
Swiss 90 – 100 kcal 7 – 8 grams
Monterey Jack 100 – 110 kcal 8 – 9 grams
Mozzarella (Whole Milk) 70 – 85 kcal 5 – 7 grams

Pepper Jack cheese’s calorie content is generally comparable to other semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar and Monterey Jack. It is slightly higher than mozzarella but lower than some aged cheeses with higher fat content.

Expert Perspectives on Caloric Content in Pepper Jack Cheese Slices

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical slice of pepper jack cheese, weighing approximately 28 grams, contains around 100 to 110 calories. This caloric value primarily comes from fat and protein content, making it a moderately energy-dense food that should be consumed mindfully within a balanced diet.

Michael Torres (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in a slice of pepper jack cheese can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and slice thickness, but generally, it ranges between 90 and 115 calories per slice. Variations in fat content and moisture levels influence this range, which is typical for semi-soft cheeses infused with peppers.

Linda Chen, MPH (Public Health Nutritionist and Cheese Industry Consultant). When advising clients on calorie intake, I emphasize that a single slice of pepper jack cheese contributes roughly 100 calories, which fits well into many dietary plans. However, portion control is key, especially for individuals monitoring fat and sodium intake, as pepper jack cheese tends to have higher sodium levels than milder cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical slice of pepper jack cheese?
A standard slice of pepper jack cheese, weighing about 28 grams (1 ounce), contains approximately 100 calories.

Does the calorie content of pepper jack cheese vary by brand?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific recipe, but most slices range between 90 to 110 calories.

How does pepper jack cheese compare calorie-wise to other cheeses?
Pepper jack cheese generally has a similar calorie count to other semi-soft cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby, typically around 100 calories per ounce.

Are the calories in pepper jack cheese mostly from fat or protein?
The majority of calories in pepper jack cheese come from fat, which constitutes about 8 grams per slice, while protein contributes approximately 6 grams.

Can the calorie content change if pepper jack cheese is shredded versus sliced?
The calorie content remains consistent by weight; however, shredded cheese may appear more voluminous, potentially leading to higher calorie consumption if portions are not measured carefully.

Is pepper jack cheese suitable for low-calorie diets?
Pepper jack cheese can be included in moderation within low-calorie diets, but portion control is essential due to its relatively high fat and calorie content.
In summary, a typical slice of pepper jack cheese contains approximately 70 to 100 calories, depending on the thickness and brand. This cheese variety is known for its creamy texture combined with spicy jalapeño peppers, which adds flavor without significantly increasing calorie content. Understanding the calorie count is essential for those monitoring their daily intake or managing dietary goals.

It is important to consider that the calorie content can vary slightly based on factors such as fat content and portion size. Additionally, pepper jack cheese provides beneficial nutrients like protein and calcium, making it a flavorful yet nutritious option when consumed in moderation. Being mindful of serving sizes helps incorporate this cheese into a balanced diet effectively.

Overall, pepper jack cheese offers a flavorful alternative to traditional cheeses while maintaining a moderate calorie profile. For individuals seeking to enjoy its unique taste without compromising their nutritional goals, paying attention to portion control and nutritional labels is advisable. This approach ensures an informed and health-conscious consumption of pepper jack cheese.

Author Profile

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Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.