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Colby cheese vs. Cheddar cheese - Nutrition and Health Impact Comparison

Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan by Arpi Gasparyan | Last updated on November 18, 2024
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel Article author photo Igor Bussel
Colby cheese
vs
Cheese

Summary

Cheddar is a hard cheese with a sharp taste, whereas Colby cheese is softer, has a mild flavor, and a more open texture with holes.

Cheddar and Colby cheese are produced similarly. However, only cheddar cheese undergoes a process called “cheddaring.” On the other hand, Colby cheese doesn’t undergo “cheddaring” and can be considered a stirred-curd variety of cheddar cheese. 

Cheddar cheese can be aged for years, whereas Colby cheese is consumed within 3 months to avoid the development of a pasty body and unpleasant flavor.

Colby cheese and cheddar have similar nutritional values. Still, cheddar is slightly higher in calories, fats, carbs, vitamin A, B2, and B12, and selenium, whereas Colby cheese is slightly higher in protein.

Introduction

Cheese is a widely consumed dairy product worldwide and is quite versatile in its use. Different types of cheese vary in their appearance, taste, use, fat and protein contents, and more.

In this article, we’ll compare cheddar cheese (or simply cheddar) and Colby cheese and discuss their origin, taste, appearance, production, nutrition, and health differences. 

Classification, Taste, & Appearance

Cheddar originated in the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England, in the 12th century. Currently, it is one of the most widely consumed cheeses in the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Colby cheese originated in the city of Colby, Wisconsin, United States, in 1885 and became popular shortly after.

Cheddar is a hard, dry, white cheese that has a mild taste in the beginning, which gets sharper with age. Colby cheese has more moisture and is softer than cheddar (semi-hard cheese); it also has an orange color, a mild flavor, and a more open texture with holes.

Production

Cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk to reduce pathogenic bacteria and ensure upcoming fermentation. During the production, a starter culture, such as Streptococcus lactis bacteria, initiates fermentation. The curds then undergo a process called “cheddaring,” where they are stacked and pressed to release whey and develop texture. Fermentation continues throughout cheddaring and during ripening (1). Additionally, the growth of butyric acid bacteria is reduced during ripening.

Colby cheese is also made from cow’s milk. It doesn’t undergo “cheddaring” and can be considered a stirred-curd variety of cheddar cheese.  Colby cheese is made using the washed-curd method, where the curds are cooked, the whey is partially drained to reduce lactose levels, and cold water is added to cool the mixture (2). Similarly to cheddar, Curby cheese is also commonly fermented with a Streptococcus lactis-started culture (3).

Cheddar cheese can be aged for years, whereas Colby cheese is consumed within 3 months to avoid the development of a pasty body and unpleasant flavor (3).

Nutrition

The nutritional values in this article are presented for 100g Colby cheese and cheddar cheese.

Colby cheese and cheddar have similar nutritional values. Still, cheddar is slightly higher in calories, fats, and carbs, whereas Colby cheese is slightly higher in protein.

The average serving size of a cheese is one slice, equal to 1 oz or 28.35g.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
24% 32% 3% 38% 3%
Protein: 23.76 g
Fats: 32.11 g
Carbs: 2.57 g
Water: 38.2 g
Other: 3.36 g
Cheese
3
23% 33% 3% 37% 4%
Protein: 22.87 g
Fats: 33.31 g
Carbs: 3.09 g
Water: 37.02 g
Other: 3.71 g
Contains more CarbsCarbs +20.2%
Contains more OtherOther +10.4%
~equal in Protein ~22.87g
~equal in Fats ~33.31g
~equal in Water ~37.02g

Calories

Both Colby cheese and cheddar are high-calorie products, providing 394 and 404 calories per 100g serving, respectively. 

A slice of Colby cheese and cheddar provides 112 and 114 calories, respectively.

Protein & Fats

Cheddar is slightly higher in fats, whereas Colby cheese is slightly higher in protein, with approximately a 1g difference per 100g serving.

Colby cheese contains 23.76g of protein and 32.11g of fats, whereas cheddar contains 22.87g of protein and 33.31g of fats per 100g serving.

Colby cheese is slightly richer in almost all essential amino acids except for tryptophan and threonine compared to cheddar.

The predominant fat type in both cheddar and Colby cheese is saturated fat (around 65%), followed by monounsaturated fat and small amounts of polyunsaturated fat.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
66% 30% 3%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 20.218 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 9.28 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.953 g
Cheese
2
64% 31% 5%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 18.867 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 9.246 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.421 g
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +49.1%
~equal in Saturated Fat ~18.867g
~equal in Monounsaturated Fat ~9.246g

A 100g cheddar and Colby cheese contain 99mg and 95g cholesterol, respectively.

Carbohydrates

While cheddar and Colby cheese are not carbohydrate-rich products, cheddar is slightly higher in total carbs. The simple sugars found in cheddar are glucose, lactose, and galactose.

The FoodData Central USDA does not provide sugar types in Colby cheese.

Both products are naturally absent in dietary fiber.

Vitamins

Cheddar is richer in vitamin A RAE, vitamin E, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B12, and folate or vitamin B9.

On the other hand, Colby cheese is slightly richer in vitamin K and vitamins B3 and B6.

Both are equal in vitamin D and choline and absent in vitamin C.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 60% 5.6% 18% 3.8% 87% 1.7% 13% 18% 104% 6.8% 14% 8.4%
Cheese
7
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 75% 14% 18% 7.3% 99% 1.1% 25% 15% 138% 6% 20% 9%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +57.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +19.7%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +12.5%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +24.9%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +153.6%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +93.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +14.1%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +95.2%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +32.5%
Contains more FolateFolate +50%
~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg
~equal in Vitamin D ~0.6µg
~equal in Choline ~16.5mg

Cheddar is less than 1.3 times richer in the abundant vitamins: vitamins A, B2, and B12.

Minerals

Cheddar and Colby cheese are major sources of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, and selenium. They are almost equal in calcium, phosphorus, and sodium, and cheddar is almost 2 times richer in selenium and somewhat richer in zinc than Colby cheese.

From the rest, Colby cheese contains more iron, potassium, and copper, and both contain similar levels of magnesium.

A 100g cheddar and Colby cheese contain 653mg and 604mg of sodium, respectively.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 19% 206% 11% 29% 14% 84% 196% 79% 1.6% 79%
Cheese
3
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 19% 213% 6.7% 5.3% 10% 99% 195% 85% 3.5% 155%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +67.1%
Contains more IronIron +442.9%
Contains more CopperCopper +40%
Contains more ZincZinc +18.6%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +125%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +96.6%
~equal in Magnesium ~27mg
~equal in Calcium ~710mg
~equal in Phosphorus ~455mg
~equal in Sodium ~653mg

Oxalates

Different types of cheese are very low to absent in oxalates. Additionally, Colby cheese and cheddar are suggested to be eaten with oxalate-rich foods, as the calcium binds with oxalates and decreases the risk of oxalate kidney stone formation and recurrence (4).

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index (GI) of cheddar and Colby cheese is very low. The exact GI values are difficult to calculate due to their low-carb contents; according to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the GI values of cheese range from 0 to 10. 

Diabetic people can consume cheese in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

You can read more on our “Cheese Glycemic Index (GI) - Is It High or Low?” page.

Acidity

PRAL or Potential Renal Acid Load value of food demonstrates how much acid or base is produced in the organism during food digestion.

Colby cheese has a PRAL value of 16.3, whereas cheddar has a PRAL value of 16.5, making both foods acidic or acid-producing.

Weight Loss & Diets

Both cheddar and Colby cheese are high-calorie foods, with cheddar being slightly higher in calories than Colby cheese. 

Limiting the intake of Colby cheese and cheddar during weight loss diets is suggested. Additionally, they don’t need to be excluded, as dairy intake during a calorie deficit may support weight loss and improve body composition in adults and lead to decreased or neutral risk of type 2 diabetes (5).

Both products are generally low in carbs and can be moderately consumed during low-carb diets such as the keto diet and also during the Mediterranean diet. Colby cheese may be a better choice in low-carb and high-protein diets.

Health Impact

Cheddar and Colby cheese are produced similarly and have quite similar nutritional values, which suggests they will affect health similarly. 

Cardiovascular Health & Diabetes

Even though cheddar and Colby cheese are high in saturated fats and sodium, various studies demonstrate their beneficial, and not negative, effects on cardiovascular health.

Cheese intake may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart failure, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, ischemic stroke, elevated triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar levels (5, 6). 

However, more studies are needed to form firm conclusions, as not all studies have come to the same beneficial results, and heterogeneity, generalizability, and clinical significance should be considered when making decisions (7).

Individuals taking MAOI (MAOI antidepressants such as isocarboxazid and selegiline) should avoid using cheese, especially aged cheddar cheese, as it contains high amounts of tyramine. This combination may lead to a hypertensive crisis - a sudden and severe (above 180/120mm Hg or higher) increase in blood pressure (8).

Bone Health

A 100g of Colby cheese and cheddar contains 685mg and 710mg of calcium, respectively, and 456mg of phosphorus. Bones and tooth enamel are composed of hydroxyapatite, which is made from calcium and phosphorus.

Intake of calcium-rich foods, such as Colby cheese and cheddar, is essential during childhood and adolescence for healthy bone formation. During adulthood, cheese intake may increase or maintain bone mineral density or bone mass and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mineral density and fracture susceptibility (9, 10).

According to observational studies, fermented dairy products, such as cheddar and Colby cheese, are associated with a reduced risk of lower hip fracture (11).

Lactose Intolerance

Most lactose intolerant people can easily digest moderate amounts of Colby cheese and cheddar, as they have low lactose levels. 

Some individuals are unable to digest even small amounts of lactose and may experience diarrhea with loose and watery stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, and flatulence after dairy consumption.

Milk Allergy

People with milk allergy should exclude Colby cheese and cheddar intake and maintain a dairy-free diet to avoid allergic reactions, such as hives, wheezing, itching, swelling, vomiting, cramps, and bloody stools.

Neurological Health

According to studies, dairy and cheese consumption may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and lead to a more rapid disease progression (13, 14, 15).

Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: November 18, 2024
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel

Infographic

Colby cheese vs Cheese infographic
Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Colby cheese Cheese
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Colby cheese Cheese Opinion
Calories 394kcal 404kcal Cheese
Protein 23.76g 22.87g Colby cheese
Fats 32.11g 33.31g Cheese
Net carbs 2.57g 3.09g Cheese
Carbs 2.57g 3.09g Cheese
Cholesterol 95mg 99mg Colby cheese
Vitamin D 24IU 24IU
Magnesium 26mg 27mg Cheese
Calcium 685mg 710mg Cheese
Potassium 127mg 76mg Colby cheese
Iron 0.76mg 0.14mg Colby cheese
Sugar 0.52g 0.48g Cheese
Copper 0.042mg 0.03mg Colby cheese
Zinc 3.07mg 3.64mg Cheese
Phosphorus 457mg 455mg Colby cheese
Sodium 604mg 653mg Colby cheese
Vitamin A 994IU 1242IU Cheese
Vitamin A 264µg 330µg Cheese
Vitamin E 0.28mg 0.71mg Cheese
Vitamin D 0.6µg 0.6µg
Manganese 0.012mg 0.027mg Cheese
Selenium 14.5µg 28.5µg Cheese
Vitamin B1 0.015mg 0.029mg Cheese
Vitamin B2 0.375mg 0.428mg Cheese
Vitamin B3 0.093mg 0.059mg Colby cheese
Vitamin B5 0.21mg 0.41mg Cheese
Vitamin B6 0.079mg 0.066mg Colby cheese
Vitamin B12 0.83µg 1.1µg Cheese
Vitamin K 2.7µg 2.4µg Colby cheese
Folate 18µg 27µg Cheese
Trans Fat 0.917g Colby cheese
Choline 15.4mg 16.5mg Cheese
Saturated Fat 20.218g 18.867g Cheese
Monounsaturated Fat 9.28g 9.246g Colby cheese
Polyunsaturated fat 0.953g 1.421g Cheese
Tryptophan 0.305mg 0.547mg Cheese
Threonine 0.845mg 1.044mg Cheese
Isoleucine 1.475mg 1.206mg Colby cheese
Leucine 2.275mg 1.939mg Colby cheese
Lysine 1.978mg 1.025mg Colby cheese
Methionine 0.622mg 0.547mg Colby cheese
Phenylalanine 1.251mg 1.074mg Colby cheese
Valine 1.586mg 1.404mg Colby cheese
Histidine 0.834mg 0.547mg Colby cheese
Omega-3 - EPA 0g 0.01g Cheese
Omega-3 - DHA 0g 0.001g Cheese
Omega-3 - DPA 0g 0.017g Cheese
Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid 0.007g Cheese

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Colby cheese Cheese
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
26%
Colby cheese
33%
Cheese
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
72%
Colby cheese
79%
Cheese

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Colby cheese
Colby cheese is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 4mg)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Colby cheese
Colby cheese contains less Sodium (difference - 49mg)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Colby cheese
Colby cheese is lower in glycemic index (difference - 0)
Which food is cheaper?
Colby cheese
Colby cheese is cheaper (difference - $2)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Cheese
Cheese is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.04g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Cheese
Cheese is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 1.351g)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Cheese
Cheese is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Colby cheese - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173416/nutrients
  2. Cheese - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173414/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.