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

AvatarByNora Gaines Cheese

When it comes to snacking or enhancing your favorite dishes, cheese often takes center stage with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Among the many varieties, pepper jack cheese stands out for its unique blend of spicy jalapeño peppers and smooth Monterey Jack base. Whether melted over a burger, sliced onto a sandwich, or enjoyed on its own, pepper jack cheese adds a delightful kick that many cheese lovers crave.

But beyond its bold taste, many people are curious about the nutritional aspects of this popular cheese, especially when it comes to calorie content. Understanding how many calories are 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 balanced nutrition. This article will explore the calorie count of pepper jack cheese slices and offer insights into how it fits into various eating plans.

As we delve deeper, you’ll discover not only the calorie information but also factors that influence these numbers, such as slice thickness and serving size. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy pepper jack cheese guilt-free or with mindful moderation, depending on your health goals. So, let’s unwrap the details behind the calories in a slice of pepper jack cheese and see how this flavorful dairy delight fits into your daily diet.

Caloric Content of Pepper Jack Cheese per Slice

The number of calories in a slice of Pepper Jack cheese can vary depending on the thickness and weight of the slice, as well as the specific brand or recipe used. On average, a typical slice of Pepper Jack cheese weighs approximately 28 grams (1 ounce). This standard serving size provides a useful benchmark for understanding its caloric content.

Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese infused with spicy peppers, usually jalapeños, which does not significantly alter the calorie count compared to other cheeses of similar fat content. The calories mainly come from fats and proteins naturally present in the cheese.

Average Calories in a Standard Slice

  • A 1-ounce (28g) slice of Pepper Jack cheese contains approximately 100 to 110 calories.
  • The calorie content is influenced primarily by the fat content, which is typically between 8 to 9 grams per slice.
  • Protein content is around 6 to 7 grams, contributing to the overall caloric value.
Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Slice Calories per Nutrient
Total Calories ~105 kcal —
Fat 8.5 g ~77 kcal
Protein 6.5 g ~26 kcal
Carbohydrates 0.5 g ~2 kcal

Factors Affecting Calorie Variation

Several factors can cause variation in the calorie count of Pepper Jack cheese slices:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices or larger pieces will naturally contain more calories.
  • Brand Differences: Some manufacturers may use different fat percentages or milk types, affecting caloric density.
  • Added Ingredients: Additional spices or flavorings typically have a negligible effect on calories but can vary slightly.
  • Fat Content: Whole milk Pepper Jack cheese has more fat and calories compared to reduced-fat or low-fat versions.

Nutritional Breakdown of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack cheese is a nutrient-dense food, rich in essential vitamins and minerals beyond just calories. It provides:

  • Calcium: Important for bone health, typically around 20% of the daily recommended intake per slice.
  • Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune function.
  • Sodium: Cheese is naturally high in sodium, with about 200-250 mg per slice.
  • Phosphorus: Works alongside calcium to maintain bone structure.

Summary of Caloric Impact

  • The majority of calories in Pepper Jack cheese come from fat, making it an energy-dense food.
  • Protein also contributes significantly to the caloric content, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Carbohydrates are minimal, as Pepper Jack cheese contains negligible lactose.

By understanding these details, one can better manage dietary intake, especially when incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into calorie-sensitive meal plans or weight management strategies.

Caloric Content of a Typical Slice of Pepper Jack Cheese

The caloric content of a slice of Pepper Jack cheese depends on factors such as the thickness of the slice and the brand. Generally, Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese infused with spicy peppers, which does not significantly alter its calorie density compared to other cheeses.

On average, a standard slice of Pepper Jack cheese weighs approximately 21 to 28 grams (0.75 to 1 ounce). The calorie count for such a slice typically ranges between 80 to 110 calories.

Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Fat (grams) Protein (grams) Carbohydrates (grams)
21 80 6.5 5 1
28 110 8.5 7 1

Nutritional Breakdown and Macronutrients

Pepper Jack cheese is a rich source of energy derived primarily from fat and protein. Its nutritional profile supports its role as a flavorful addition to meals while contributing essential nutrients.

  • Fats: Pepper Jack cheese contains approximately 30% to 35% fat by weight, mostly saturated and monounsaturated fats.
  • Proteins: Each slice provides about 5 to 7 grams of protein, which supports muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is minimal, usually less than 1 gram per slice.
  • Calcium and Vitamins: It is also a good source of calcium, providing roughly 20% of the daily recommended intake per slice, along with small amounts of vitamin A and B12.

Factors Affecting Caloric Values

Several variables influence the exact calorie count in a slice of Pepper Jack cheese:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices naturally contain more calories.
  • Brand Formulation: Different manufacturers may use varying fat contents and ingredients.
  • Added Ingredients: Some Pepper Jack cheeses include additional spices or flavorings that minimally affect calories.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture content typically reduces the calorie density per gram.

Comparing Pepper Jack to Other Cheeses

When considering calorie intake, Pepper Jack cheese is comparable to other semi-soft cheeses such as Monterey Jack and Colby. It generally has a similar caloric density to cheddar but may slightly vary due to moisture and fat content.

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz Slice Fat (grams) Protein (grams)
Pepper Jack 100 8 6
Monterey Jack 100 8 7
Cheddar 115 9.5 7

Practical Considerations for Calorie Counting

To accurately manage calorie intake involving Pepper Jack cheese, consider the following:

  • Use a kitchen scale to weigh slices for precise measurement.
  • Check nutritional labels for brand-specific data.
  • Account for cheese used in recipes, as melted cheese may be harder to quantify.
  • Remember that cheese contributes to satiety due to its fat and protein content, which can help regulate overall calorie consumption.

Summary of Key Nutritional Facts

  • A typical slice of Pepper Jack cheese contains roughly 80 to 110 calories.
  • Most calories come from fat, with a significant contribution from protein.
  • Carbohydrates are negligible.
  • Nutrient content varies slightly by slice size and manufacturer.
  • Pepper Jack is nutritionally similar to other semi-soft cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar.

This detailed understanding of Pepper Jack cheese calories allows for informed dietary choices, especially for those monitoring caloric intake or managing macronutrient ratios.

Expert Perspectives on Caloric Content in Pepper Jack Cheese Slices

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) emphasizes that a typical slice of pepper jack cheese contains approximately 80 to 110 calories, depending on its thickness and brand. She notes that while it is a flavorful addition to meals, portion control is important for those monitoring caloric intake.

James O’Connor (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist) explains that the calorie count in a slice of pepper jack cheese primarily comes from its fat content, which usually ranges between 7 to 9 grams per slice. He points out that variations in production methods and milk fat percentages can slightly alter the caloric value.

Dr. Linda Chen (Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Health Expert) highlights that while pepper jack cheese offers beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein, individuals should be mindful of its calorie density. She advises incorporating it thoughtfully within a balanced diet to maintain overall energy balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

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

How does pepper jack cheese compare calorie-wise to other cheeses?
Pepper jack cheese has a similar calorie count to other semi-soft cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby, generally 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, typically accounting for about 70-80% of the total calories, with protein contributing the remainder.

Can the calorie content of pepper jack cheese impact a weight management diet?
Yes, due to its calorie density and fat content, portion control is important when including pepper jack cheese in a weight management plan.

Is reduced-fat pepper jack cheese significantly lower in calories?
Reduced-fat versions typically contain fewer calories, often around 70-80 calories per slice, but exact values depend on the product formulation.
In summary, a typical slice of pepper jack cheese contains approximately 70 to 110 calories, depending on the thickness and brand. This cheese variety, known for its creamy texture and spicy flavor, provides a moderate calorie count that fits well within many dietary plans when consumed in moderation. The calorie content primarily comes from fat and protein, making it a flavorful yet energy-dense food choice.

It is important to consider portion size and nutritional goals when incorporating pepper jack cheese into meals. While it offers beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein, its calorie density means that excessive consumption can contribute to higher daily caloric intake. For those monitoring calorie consumption, choosing thinner slices or reduced-fat versions can help manage overall calorie intake.

Ultimately, understanding the calorie content of a slice of pepper jack cheese allows for more informed dietary decisions. This knowledge supports balanced eating habits and helps individuals enjoy this spicy cheese variety without compromising their nutritional objectives. Moderation and awareness remain key factors in integrating pepper jack cheese into a healthy diet.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.