Monterey Jack vs Cheddar
Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.
Monterey Jack Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese: nutrition per 100 g
| Per 100 g | Monterey Jack Cheese | Cheddar Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 392 kcal | 408 kcal |
| Protein | 22.6 g | 23.3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1.9 g | 2.4 g |
| Fat | 32.6 g | 34 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Allergens | Milk | Milk |
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
| Nutrient | Monterey Jack Cheese | Cheddar Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 714.6 mg | 707 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0 mg | 0.16 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 29.6 mg | 26.8 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 470.9 mg | 458 mg |
| Potassium, K | 82.94 mg | 77 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 662.2 mg | 654 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0 ug | 0.6 ug |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.79 mg | 3.67 mg |
These foods are nutritionally similar per 100 g — the practical difference is more about form, taste and how they fit your day than the macros.
Full nutrition facts: Monterey Jack Cheese · Cheddar Cheese
Bottom line
Per 100 g, Monterey Jack Cheese provides 392 kcal, 22.6 g protein and 32.6 g fat; Cheddar Cheese provides 408 kcal, 23.3 g protein and 34 g fat.
That is a difference of 16 kcal and 1.4 g of fat per 100 g.
Jack is the milder, softer melter — it is what makes a quesadilla behave. Cheddar brings the flavour but also more fat per 100 g, and aged cheddar can turn grainy when it melts. The common blend of the two is a practical compromise rather than laziness.
In short: for protein per calorie, monterey jack. If that is not the deciding factor, pick by how it behaves in the dish.
Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.
Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.