Cheese, Mexican blend
FDC 171288cup shredded (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 36 · +1 vs Dairy & eggs medianThe Mexican blend shredded cheese carries a Nutrient Density Score of 36 of 100, Low band, ranking 28 of 60 in Dairy & eggs. Per 100 g it still covers 51% DV of calcium and 47% DV of protein, with a smaller 19% DV showing for vitamin A.
This pre-shredded mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and similar melting cheeses is built for tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and quesadillas rather than snacking on its own. A serving is about 28 g, a light handful. As with most shredded cheese blends, it runs high in sodium at 607 mg per 100 g and high in saturated fat at 16.1 g per 100 g, so a modest sprinkle rather than a heavy layer keeps it in balance.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around cheese, mexican blend, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 384 kcal | 19% |
| Total fat | 32 g | 41% |
| Saturated fat | 16 g | 81% |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 607 mg | 26% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.13 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 24 g | 47% |
| Potassium | 85 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 659 mg | 51% |
| Iron | 0.59 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 25 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 174 µg | 19% |
| Vitamin E | 0.25 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 108 kcal | 5% |
| Total fat | 9 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 4.5 g | 23% |
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 170 mg | 7% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 6.6 g | 13% |
| Potassium | 24 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 185 mg | 14% |
| Iron | 0.17 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 7 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 49 µg | 5% |
| Vitamin E | 0.07 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171288Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the dairy & eggs median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Cheese, muensterDensity 36 vs 36Cheese, romanoDensity 36 vs 36Cheese, cheddarDensity 37 vs 36Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Mexican blend cheese is a pre-shredded combination typically made from cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero, formulated to melt smoothly for tacos, enchiladas, nachos, and quesadillas. Its blend of textures and mild-to-sharp flavors makes it a convenient all-purpose topping for baked dishes like enchiladas or a quick nacho platter, and it stretches nicely when melted over tortillas or folded into a quesadilla on the stovetop.
Because it is pre-shredded, an anti-caking coating is added, so it is best bought in the amount you plan to use soon and kept sealed tightly in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or clumping. A quarter-cup shredded (28 g) portion runs 384 calories with 23.5 grams of protein and 51% DV calcium per 100 grams, so it functions well as a protein and calcium boost sprinkled over a bowl of beans and rice or folded into a simple weeknight quesadilla, though its 607 mg sodium per 100 grams means a light hand keeps the dish balanced.
Frequently asked questions about cheese, mexican blend
How many calories are in Mexican blend cheese?
Mexican blend cheese has about 384 calories per 100 grams, or roughly 108 calories in a quarter-cup shredded (28 g) serving.
Is Mexican blend cheese a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides about 47% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 grams, with 23.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
How do you store shredded Mexican blend cheese?
Keep the bag tightly sealed or transfer leftovers to an airtight container in the refrigerator, since pre-shredded cheese dries out and clumps faster than a block once opened.