Colby Jack Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses product image with 70/100 Zerotox safety score

Is Colby Jack Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses Safe? Ingredient Analysis

Kraft

Colby Jack Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses is one of the dairy products analyzed by Zerotox for Kraft. The product scores 70/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.

The composition includes Colby cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, both containing pasteurized milk and cheese cultures. However, the presence of modified cornstarch and natamycin raises some concerns about processing and additives.

70 / 100

Moderate quality

Why score is 70

The composition includes Colby cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, both containing pasteurized milk and cheese cultures. However, the presence of modified cornstarch and natamycin raises some concerns about processing and additives.

Main concern

Modified cornstarch is added to prevent caking, which indicates processing and raises concerns about the use of additives.

Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.

Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.

Pros

  • Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses are made from pasteurized milk and cheese cultures, indicating a traditional cheese-making process.
  • Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor, which helps maintain freshness and extends shelf life without synthetic preservatives.

Concerns

  • Modified cornstarch is added to prevent caking, which indicates processing and raises concerns about the use of additives.
  • The presence of natamycin, while natural, still introduces a synthetic aspect to the product's preservation.

Who should avoid this product?

This product may be less suitable for:

  • people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
  • people avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Ingredients breakdown

Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this dairy.

  • Is Colby Cheese safe in this dairy?

    Medium

    Colby Cheese is used here as base. Colby cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized milk, providing flavor and texture. Its quality is generally good, but it is processed.

    Role in formula: base

    Original: COLBY CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [COLOR])

    Read the full ingredient profile for Colby Cheese

  • Is Monterey Jack Cheese safe in this dairy?

    Medium

    Monterey Jack Cheese is used here as base. Monterey Jack cheese is also made from pasteurized milk and cheese cultures, contributing to the product's overall flavor and texture. It is similarly processed.

    Role in formula: base

    Original: MONTEREY JACK CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES)

    Read the full ingredient profile for Monterey Jack Cheese

  • Is Modified Cornstarch safe in this dairy?

    Medium

    Modified Cornstarch is used here as stabilizer. Modified cornstarch is used to prevent caking in shredded cheese. While it serves a functional purpose, it raises concerns about the degree of processing.

    Role in formula: stabilizer

    Original: MODIFIED CORNSTARCH (ADDED TO PREVENT CAKING)

    Read the full ingredient profile for Modified Cornstarch

  • Is Natamycin safe in this dairy?

    Good

    Natamycin is used here as preservative. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor that helps preserve the cheese without synthetic additives. Its use indicates a focus on maintaining quality.

    Role in formula: preservative

    Original: NATAMYCIN (A NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR)

    Read the full ingredient profile for Natamycin

How we score

Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.

Product info

Product ID: 3461626

More from this brand: Kraft products in Zerotox

Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database

Allergens detected: milk

Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.

Frequently asked questions

Kraft — Colby Jack Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses has a Zerotox score of 70 / 100 among dairy products. See the full breakdown above.
Kraft — Colby Jack Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses has a Zerotox safety score of 70 / 100. Higher scores mean fewer concerning ingredients. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.
Our analysis notes: Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses are made from pasteurized milk and cheese cultures, indicating a traditional cheese-making process.; Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor, which helps maintain freshness and extends shelf life without synthetic preservatives.. See the Pros section above.
We detected: milk. If you have allergies, check the label and the Ingredients section above.
Browse Kraft products on Zerotox with ingredient analysis and safety scores.
Based on our data we do not detect fragrance in this product's listed ingredients. Formulations can change; check the label.
This depends on the ingredient profile. People with sensitive skin or scalp, users avoiding fragrance, sulfates or animal-derived ingredients, and cautious shoppers should review the breakdown above before buying. Scores are informational only and do not constitute professional advice; always read the label and consult a qualified professional.
We do not detect parabens in this product's listed ingredients. Always check the label as formulations change.
Browse dairy products on Zerotox with ingredient analysis.
This product includes positive or neutral ingredients such as: natamycin. See the Ingredients section above.
Our analysis indicates animal-derived ingredients may be present in this product. See the Ingredients section and the label for details.
Check the Ingredients section above. Zerotox flags preservatives, colours and other additives; see the full list.

Safer alternatives from Kraft

These same-brand alternatives currently score higher and may fit cautious buyers better: