Cheese, Mexican blend
Common food
A pre-shredded, meltable mix of cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Asadero, this blend offers a rich, creamy texture and a balanced, tangy-savory flavor profile. It's a nutritional powerhouse of protein and fat, providing substantial calories for its weight with virtually no carbohydrates. Its primary appeal lies in its convenient, ready-to-use form and excellent melting properties.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for its effortless, gooey melt and the complex, savory flavor that elevates simple dishes. It's a cultural staple in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine, representing a fusion of dairy traditions.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and calorie density can be a concern for those managing weight or cardiovascular health, and it may contain anti-caking agents like cellulose. To counteract, use it as a flavor accent rather than the main ingredient, pair it with high-fiber vegetables, and opt for lower-fat varieties when available.
Key benefits
- High in complete protein for muscle maintenance
- Excellent source of calcium for bone health
- Provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D
- Convenient pre-shredded format saves prep time
- Excellent melting properties for cooking and baking
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Mexican blend' is largely an American commercial invention, typically combining cheeses like Cheddar and Monterey Jack that are not traditionally used in authentic Mexican cuisine, which favors cheeses like Queso Oaxaca or Queso Fresco.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 42.6 g |
| Energy | 362 kcal |
| Protein | 21.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 29.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.84 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 665 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.05 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 28.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 438 mg |
| Potassium, K | 93.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 710 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 20.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.33 mg |
| Niacin | 0.07 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 15.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 15.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 15.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.2 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 213 ug |
| Retinol | 213 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.44 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.0 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 17.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.76 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.40 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.29 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.65 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.89 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 8.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.7 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 6.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.65 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 6.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.82 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.18 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What cheeses are typically in a Mexican blend?
A standard blend often includes Cheddar (for sharpness and color), Monterey Jack (for mild creaminess and melting), and sometimes Asadero or Queso Quesadilla for a stretchier, more authentic melt.
Is Mexican blend cheese gluten-free?
The cheese itself is naturally gluten-free, but some pre-shredded blends may contain anti-caking agents like wheat-based starch. Always check the ingredient list for additives if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I freeze Mexican blend cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may become crumbly and less ideal for melting. It's best used in cooked dishes like casseroles or soups after freezing, rather than for sprinkling on top.