What’s the Difference Between Mozzarella and Colby Jack? 

Rohit Panwar

Mozzarella Vs Colby Jack, wondering which cheese is a better option for you? As a nutritionist, let me help you pick. 

I will be comparing the nutrition and other attributes of mozzarella and Colby jack cheese. With this analysis, you will be able to see for yourself which will work more in your favour.

mozzarella vs colby jack cheese

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Mozzarella Cheese Vs Colby Jack Cheese: Nutrition & Benefits

Let me first quickly take you through mozzarella vs colby jack nutritional differences – 

BASE INGREDIENT
Mozzarella 

Cow/ Water Buffalo Milk

Colby Jack

Cow Milk

TYPE
Mozzarella

Semi- Soft 

Colby Jack

Semi – hard

TASTE
Mozzarella 

Mild & Milky

Colby Jack

Mild & Buttery

AGED
Mozzarella 

No

Colby Jack

Yes

CALORIE CONTENT
Mozzarella 

85*

Colby Jack

112*

CARB CONTENT
Mozzarella 

0.6 g*

Colby Jack

1 g*

FAT CONTENT
Mozzarella 

6 g*

Colby Jack

9 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Mozzarella 

6 g*

Colby Jack

7 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella 

143 mg*

Colby Jack

202 mg*

SODIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella 

178 mg*

Colby Jack

172 mg*

VITAMIN PROFILE
Mozzarella

Very Good 

Colby Jack

Very Good

ORAL & BONE HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Colby Jack

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Colby Jack

Good

VERSATILITY
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Colby Jack

Very Good

SHELF LIFE
Mozzarella 

5 Days

Colby Jack

6 Months

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

Now that you have an overview of the difference between mozzarella and colby jack nutrition, let me delve deeper into each one of these  –  

How is Mozzarella Vs Colby Jack Cheese Prepared? 

Mozzarella cheese is a curd cheese that is usually made by using cow’s milk. Traditionally milk of water buffaloes was used for the same. Curd is obtained by adding rennet and cheese culture to heated milk.  These curds are then drained, washed and stretched multiple times to obtain mozzarella.

Colby Jack is obtained by mixing Colby and Monetery Jack cheese. The process begins by preparing these cheeses individually. In warmed milk, cultures are added to obtain curds. Once the curds are formed, a coagulant is added to it so that the mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency. Then the curds of both cheeses are mixed together to obtain colby-jack.

What Types of Cheese is Mozzarella Vs Colby Jack?

Mozzarella and colby jack are both categorised as semi- soft types of cheese. 

They are smooth and can be sliced easily. 

Is Colby Jack Similar to Mozzarella in Taste & Texture?

Mozzarella is white with a spongy and smooth texture. It has a very mild and milky flavour. 

Colby jack cheese is a marbled cheese having an orange and white colour. It has a mild, buttery and slightly tart flavour. Consistency wise it is quite similar to mozzarella.

Mozzarella Cheese Vs Colby Jack: Which One Requires Aging?

Mozzarella is a fresh cheese. It is usually eaten fresh within the first few hours of its preparation. It is generally available as balls dipped in water or brine. 

Colby jack cheese undergoes a two-week aging process. The aging allows the cheese to set properly and enable the flavours of the base cheeses to combine effectively.

Lower in Calories: Mozzarella or Colby Jack?

Cheese is a high calorie food because fats are one of its main components. Therefore, it is important that you consume it in moderation. Around 1 ounce a day is its ideal serving size.

As compared to mozzarella, colby jack has a higher calorie content. So, in case you are trying to cut down your calorie intake, mozzarella is a better option. 

Mozzarella Vs Colby Jack: Which Has a Lower Carb Amount?

Low carb diets such as keto and Atkins are becoming very popular among  people wanting to lose weight or gain other benefits. So, is mozzarella or colby jack apt for such diets? 

Most types of cheese are a good option for low carb diets. such diet options.Mozzarella with a lower carb content is better suited for a low carb diet.

Mozzarella Or Colby Jack Cheese: Which Has Lower Fats?

Mozzarella and Colby Jack are both rich in fats. But, when we compare the two, we find that colby jack has a higher fat content. 

When we compare the type of fat between these two types of cheese, we find that Colby jack has a higher proportion of saturated fat in comparison to mozzarella. Saturated fat is generally considered as a type of bad fat.

Which Cheese is Higher in Proteins: Mozzarella or Colby Jack?

Since mozzarella and colby jack are dairy products, they are high in proteins. Colby jack, however, has a slightly higher protein content than mozzarella. 

The quality of protein in both mozzarella and colby jack is quite good. They contain all the essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein), and are thus a great option for high quality protein.

Which Has More Calcium: Mozzarella or Colby Jack?

Another nutrient that is present in all types of cheese is calcium. Calcium is an important mineral for our bone and teeth health.  On an average, an individual needs 1000-1200 mg calcium per day.

ALthough both types of cheese are rich in calcium, colby jack is a richer source of calcium when compared to mozzarella. 

Mozzarella or Colby Jack: Better For a Lower Sodium Intake?

One of the major disadvantages associated with consuming cheese is its higher sodium content. However, the good news is not all types of cheese are loaded with sodium

Mozzarella and colby jack both have almost the same amount of sodium and the quantity in them is lower than many other popular cheeses. So. you can opt for either one of them.  

Which Cheese Has A Better Nutrient Profile- Mozzarella or Colby Jack? 

Mozzarella and Colby Jack use cow’s milk in their preparation. Therefore, they inherit the vitamins and minerals present in milk.

Both contain essential vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamins such as B vitamins, along with A, D, E and K. Apart from the vitamins they are also rich in essential minerals such as  phosphorus, zinc, calcium, potassium, etc. 

Mozzarella Or Colby Jack: Which is Better For Your Bones & Teeth?

Dairy products including different types of cheese are good for your bone and teeth health. This is because they are rich in calcium. Mozzarella and colby jack are very good sources of calcium and can be included in your daily diet.

Along with the calcium, both mozzarella and colby jack are rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is a mineral that is needed by the body for the absorption of calcium.

More Suited for Your Digestion: Mozzarella or Colby Jack? 

When compared to colby jack, mozzarella is better or more easily digested. This is because it contains certain good bacteria called probiotics. Probiotics aid gut health by improving digestion and fighting infections. 

One thing to remember here is that both these are dairy products and are thus not suitable for people who have dairy allergies. 

Mozzarella or Colby Jack Cheese: Which is More Versatile?

Mozzarella is very versatile when it comes to its usage. Fresh mozzarella is well suited for fresh salads, sandwiches, pizzas. Low moisture mozzarella can be used in pastas, burgers, pizzas, etc.  

Colby jack cheese is mainly used in American and Mexican dishes. Since it melts quite well, it can be used as a topping or for making dips, or in dishes that require melted cheese. It is mostly used in sandwiches, pastas, mac and cheese, casseroles and quesadillas.

Mozzarella or Colby Jack: Which Has A Longer Shelf Life?

Mozzarella is a fresh cheese and therefore, has a shorter shelf life. While fresh mozzarella can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, the low moisture variation can last in the fridge for a couple of weeks. 

Colby jack cheese is aged and therefore has a longer shelf life. If stored properly, it can remain fresh in the refrigerator for around 6 months.

Mozzarella and colby jack are both rich in a number of nutrients but fresh mozzarella has a slightly higher advantage. It is lower in calories and fats, both very nutritious. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot consume colby, jack. Remember, moderation is always the key. 

I hope you like the blog. Keep the comments coming as they keep me motivated.

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.