Cheese, colby
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Colby cheese is a semi-soft, American original with a mild, buttery flavor and a smooth, supple texture that's perfect for melting. Its signature marbled orange-and-white appearance comes from blending Colby with Monterey Jack, creating the iconic 'Colby-Jack.' Nutritionally, it's a dense source of protein and fat, providing substantial energy with minimal carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 24% protein · 3% carbs · 73% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore Colby for its exceptional meltability and approachable, non-sharp flavor that complements rather than dominates. It's the quintessential 'fun' cheese, beloved in everything from nachos to grilled sandwiches for its creamy, gooey texture.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, it should be enjoyed in moderation by those monitoring heart health or blood pressure. As a dairy product, it is a common allergen. To balance, pair it with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers or fresh fruit, and practice strict portion control.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Rich in calcium for bone and dental health.
- Provides fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and B12.
- High in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring fatty acid.
- Low in lactose, often tolerable for those with mild sensitivities.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Colby cheese was first produced in 1885 in Colby, Wisconsin, and was originally made using a unique 'long-curd' washing process that gave it a milder flavor than its cheddar cousin.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 38.2 g |
| Energy | 394 kcal |
| Energy | 1647 kj |
| Protein | 23.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 32.1 g |
| Ash | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.52 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 685 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.76 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 457 mg |
| Potassium, K | 127 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 604 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.38 mg |
| Niacin | 0.09 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.21 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.08 mg |
| Folate, total | 18.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 18.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 18.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.83 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 264 ug |
| Retinol | 257 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 82.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 994 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.28 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 24.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.7 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 20.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 1.0 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.26 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.32 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.60 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.42 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 3.8 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 8.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 9.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.98 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.95 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.68 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.28 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 95.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.30 g |
| Threonine | 0.84 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.5 g |
| Leucine | 2.3 g |
| Lysine | 2.0 g |
| Methionine | 0.62 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.3 g |
| Tyrosine | 1.1 g |
| Valine | 1.6 g |
| Arginine | 0.90 g |
| Histidine | 0.83 g |
| Alanine | 0.67 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.5 g |
| Glutamic acid | 5.8 g |
| Glycine | 0.41 g |
| Proline | 2.7 g |
| Serine | 1.4 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between Colby and Cheddar?
Colby is washed with water during production, which removes some lactic acid, resulting in a milder, moister, and more elastic cheese. Cheddar is not washed, leading to a sharper, crumblier texture as it ages.
Is Colby-Jack the same as Colby?
No. Colby-Jack (or Co-Jack) is a marbled blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Pure Colby is a single, orange-colored cheese.
Can I substitute Colby in recipes?
Yes, it's a versatile melting cheese. For a similar melt and mild flavor, use Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or a blend. For a sharper taste, use a medium cheddar.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.94 kcal/g · 24% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.5 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 4.76 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.