Is Mozzarella Cheese the Same as Monterey Jack? 

Mozzarella Cheese Vs Monterey Jack, ever thought how different are they? Both types of cheese have a lot in common but they do vary on a lot of nutritional and other accounts. 

In this blog, I will help you understand the difference between mozzarella and Monterey Jack. Take a look and decide for yourself, which one’s better.

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Mozzarella Cheese Vs Monterey Jack Cheese: Nutrition & Benefits

Let us briefly take a look at the differences in attributes of mozzarella vs Monterrey Jack – 

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 ounce (28.4g)

Having looked at the basic attributes, let us proceed towards knowing them better- 

Is There Any Difference in The Method Of Preparation of Mozzarella & Monterey Jack? 

Mozzarella cheese was traditionally made using the milk of water buffaloes, but today cow’s milk is used for the same. Rennet and cheese culture are added to warm ilk to obtain curds. These curds are drained and then stretched and kneaded in hot water/ whey to obtain mozzarella. 

Monterey Jack is also made using cow milk. To heated cow milk, cheese culture and rennet are added. Once curd is formed, it is heated to remove whey. Later salt is added to the curd and then transformed into wheels or blocks. 

What Types of Cheese is Mozzarella Vs Monterey Jack?

Mozzarella is a semi- soft type of cheese. It is generally available in the shape of balls dipped in whey or water. The low moisture versions come packed.

Monterey Jack cheese is a a type of semi-hard cheese. It is available in blocks, shredded, slices or cubes. Some of the most common varieties of monterey jack are – Dry jack, pepper jack, Colby-Jack.

Does Monterey Jack Cheese Taste like Mozzarella?

The white coloured fresh mozzarella is mild and milky in its flavour. It is spongy and smooth in texture making it easily sliceable. 

Monterey Jack is usually yellowish in colour. It has a creamy and buttery taste but the flavour is more pronounced than mozzarella. It has a firm and supple texture similar to cheddar cheese. Older the Monterey Jack cheese, sharper is the taste.

Which Cheese Requires Aging: Mozzarella Cheese or Monterey Jack?

Mozzarella is a fresh cheese and does not undergo any kind of aging process. It is best consumed within the first few hours of its preparation.

Monterey Jack cheese is generally aged. The aging can be done for anywhere between one month. The harder varieties, also called “dry jack” can be aged  for 6-9 months. 

Which Has a Lower-Calorie Count: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack?

All  types of cheese are high in calories. Most of the calories are attributed to the fat content. 

If we compare Monterey Jack with mozzarella, we find that monterey has a higher calorie count than mozzarella. 

Mozzarella Cheese or Monterey Jack: Which Has a Lower Carb Amount?

Low carb diets have been recommended by many dieticians for the benefits they confer. These types of diets require you to limit your carbohydrate intake. 

Cheeses are generally a good option for such diet options. As compared to mozzarella, Monterey Jack is lower in carbs.

Which Has Lesser Fats: Mozzarella Vs Monterey Jack Cheese?

Mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese are both high in fats, but monterey has a much higher fat content. 

Monterey jack however, has a much higher proportion of saturated fats (one of the unhealthy fats). Monterey jack has around 95% saturated fat as compared to 55% in mozzarella.

Mozzarella or Monterey Jack: Which One is Higher in Proteins?

Mozzarella and Monterey Jack, both being dairy products, are quite rich in proteins.  Mozzarella in comparison is higher in protein content when compared to mozzarella. 

Also, since they contain all the essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein), they are considered to be a source of high quality protein.

Which Has Cheese Higher Calcium Levels: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack?

Calcium is one of the main nutrients that all dairy products contain. Calcium is needed by the body for many functions including strengthening of bones and teeth.

If we compare the calcium content in equal quantities of mozzarella and Monterey, we see that Monterey has higher levels of calcium.

Mozzarella Cheese or Monterey Jack: Which to Pick For a Lower Sodium Intake?

One of the major disadvantages that is associated with different types of cheese is that they are high in sodium. Mozzarella, however,  is one with a lower sodium content when compared to other types of cheese. 

Monterey Jack too has a lower quantity of calcium. However, this may vary from one brand to another. So, make sure you check the nutrition labels before making your pick. 

Which Has A Richer Nutrient Profile- Mozzarella or Monterey Jack? 

Mozzarella and Monterey Jack are made using cow’s milk, and thus inherit all its nutrients. Monterey and mozzarella are both rich in many minerals and vitamins. 

They contain vitamins including the B vitamins, A, D, E and K. They also contain many essential minerals such as  phosphorus, zinc, calcium, potassium, etc. 

Mozzarella Or Monterey Jack: Which Cheese is Good For Your Bones & Teeth?

Dairy products are good for your bone and teeth health since they are rich in calcium. Mozzarella and monterey cheese too are very good sources of calcium and can be included in your daily diet to make up for every day recommended calcium intake

Additionally both mozzarella and Monterey jack are rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is a mineral needed for the absorption of calcium.

Mozzarella Cheese or Monterey Jack -More Suited for Your Digestion? 

Since mozzarella and monterey jack are natural cheeses, they contain very low amounts of lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk which many people find hard to digest. 

Mozzarella cheese additionally contains probiotics or good bacteria that can aid the digestion process. This makes it easy on the stomach.

Difference in the Usage of Mozzarella Vs Monterey Jack Cheese?

Mozzarella – both fresh and low moisture – have a number of uses. Fresh mozzarella goes very well in fresh salads and can also be used in cooking. Since mozzarella melts beautifully, it can be used in pizzas, pastas and other kinds of dishes. 

Monterey Jack too melts pretty well. It is used in Spanish and Mexican cuisines that require the use of melted cheese. It goes well in quesadillas, pastas, cheese sandwiches, etc. If you are wondering, ” is monterey jack a good substitute for mozzarella cheese?,” the answer is yes because of its melting properties and mild taste. 

Which Can Be Stored for a Longer Time – Mozzarella or Halloumi?

The shelf life of mozzarella depends on its type. While fresh mozzarella has a shorter shelf life, low moisture mozzarella can last in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. 

Monterey Jack has a longer shelf life. An unopened pack can last in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Once opened, you can use it for 4 weeks.

Mozzarella and monterey jack are both very nutritious. However, mozzarella has a slight advantage because of its lower calorie and fat content. You can enjoy both kinds of cheese but remember not to go overboard with its consumption. 

I hope this blog helped you gain clarity regarding mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese. If you’d like to know more about the nutritional aspect of any other type of cheese, feel free to write to me in the comment section below.