# Sargento Balanced Breaks Pepper Jack Cheese, Peanuts & Raisins > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** SARGENTO - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Dairy - **Size:** 4.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sargento-balanced-breaks-pepper-jack-cheese-peanuts-raisins-450-oz - **Slug:** `sargento-balanced-breaks-pepper-jack-cheese-peanuts-raisins-450-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Although it contains natural cheese, nuts, and fruit, the product is a ready-to-eat packaged kit that includes industrial ingredients (maltodextrin, modified starch, xanthan gum), added sugars and oil, and processing steps typical of ultraprocessed foods, fitting NOVA group 4. ## Review SARGENTO Balanced Breaks Pepper Jack Cheese, Peanuts & Raisins is a single-serve refrigerated snack kit that sits in the deli or refrigerated cheese/snacks case, often shelved near string cheese, snack-sized cheese plates, and deli snack packs. It’s designed for grab-and-go moments — office breaks, packed lunches, or a quick roadside pause — and is the kind of product a shopper reaches for when they want something more composed than a candy bar but less fussy than building a cheese board. Brand positioning leans on family-owned heritage and convenience: an American mid-market cheese brand pitching a slightly upscale, balanced snack for busy adults and parents who want perceived wholesomeness without the effort. The label leans on natural cheese language and portion-controlled framing rather than organic or non-GMO certification, creating a mild health halo around “natural” cheese while the package art emphasizes convenience and flavor. In plain processing context: the kit mixes minimally processed items (cheese, nuts, raisins) with industrial ingredients and stabilizers (maltodextrin, modified potato starch, xanthan gum) and is sold as a ready-to-eat packaged product. Sensory details: the pepper jack is creamy with a warm jalapeño bite, the honey-roasted peanuts provide a crunchy, caramelized snap, and the raisins add chewy sweetness; textures contrast across small compartments in a clear plastic tray with a peel-back film or clamshell lid. Rituals include a mid-morning snack break with coffee, a child’s lunchbox addition, or a simple travel snack unpacked during a quick stop. Overall it reads as convenient, slightly indulgent, and flavor-forward in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 3 - **Calories:** 170 - **Total fat:** 11g (14% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 5g (25% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 20mg (7% DV) - **Sodium:** 180mg (8% DV) - **Total carbs:** 11g (4% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 7g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 8g ## Ingredients Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers [Pasteurized Milk, Jalapeno Peppers, Cheese Culture, Salt, Potato Starch (To Prevent Caking), Enzymes, Natamycin (A Natural Mold Inhibitor)], Dried Fruit and Nut Blend [Raisins, Peanuts, Sugar, Contains less than 2% of Honey, Maltodextrin, Modified Potato Starch, Salt, Vegetable Oil (Peanut and/or Sunflower Seed Oil), Xanthan Gum]. ## Flagged ingredients - **Peanut and/or Sunflower Seed Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Natamycin** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, road-trip, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, indulgent, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Balanced Breaks healthy? The Balanced Breaks pack a decent nutritional punch, offering protein from the cheese and peanuts, alongside some fiber from the raisins. However, calling it 'healthy' really depends on your dietary goals and context — if you're looking for a snack to fuel your afternoon slump or post-workout, this could fit the bill. Just remember, it's not a health food per se, but it can be a tasty part of a balanced diet! ### Is it vegan? Nope, the Balanced Breaks are not vegan. They contain Monterey Jack cheese, which means you're looking at a dairy product right there. If you're plant-based, you might want to steer clear of this one and look for nut-based cheese alternatives instead. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, the Balanced Breaks are gluten-free! So if you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or just trying to feel your best, you're in the clear with this snack. Always double-check packaging, but this mix is safe for your gluten-free friends. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, the Balanced Breaks do contain seed oils, specifically peanut and/or sunflower seed oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their high omega-6 fatty acid content, they are generally considered safe in moderation. Plus, they help keep the nuts from sticking together, which is a bonus! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in the Balanced Breaks. The sweetness comes from the sugar and a touch of honey in the dried fruit mix, which keeps things a bit more natural. That’s a win for those who are sensitive to artificial ingredients! ### Is it high in sugar? Not really! The Balanced Breaks have about 7 grams of total sugars per serving, which isn't overly high, especially considering that some of that comes from natural sources like raisins. It’s not a sugar bomb, but if you’re keeping a close eye on your sugar intake, just be mindful of how it fits into your overall day. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for something with fewer processed ingredients, try a simple mix of raw nuts and fresh fruit or a handful of veggies with hummus. Or, if you want a cheese fix, consider pairing a slice of cheese with whole grain crackers and fresh fruit for a more wholesome option. It all depends on what you're craving! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! The Balanced Breaks can be a fun and tasty snack for kids, especially if they enjoy a bit of spice from the pepper jack cheese. Just keep an eye on the portion size, since it's easy to munch away on these without realizing it! ### Is it good for weight loss? The Balanced Breaks can be a satisfying snack due to their protein and healthy fats, which might help keep hunger at bay. However, it’s all about balance — if you’re trying to lose weight, consider how this fits into your overall calorie intake and activity level. It’s not a magic solution, but it can certainly help in moderation! ### Is it ultra-processed? The Balanced Breaks are a bit more processed than whole foods, but they're not as far gone as some snacks out there. They do contain some preservatives and modified starches, which might raise an eyebrow for some. Just remember, not everything processed is 'bad' — it’s all about how it fits into your lifestyle! ## Related products - [Jell-O Pudding, Sugar Free Chocolate & Vanilla](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/jell-o-pudding-sugar-free-chocolate-vanilla-1450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/jell-o-pudding-sugar-free-chocolate-vanilla-1450-oz - [Sunny Delight Tangy Citrus](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sunnyd-sunny-delight-tangy-citrus-64-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sunnyd-sunny-delight-tangy-citrus-64-oz - [Daisy Cottage Cheese, With Peaches, 4% Milkfat Minimum 6 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/daisy-cottage-cheese-with-peaches-4-milkfat-minimum-6-oz-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/daisy-cottage-cheese-with-peaches-4-milkfat-minimum-6-oz-6-oz - [Velveeta Cheese Loaf](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/velveeta-cheese-loaf-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/velveeta-cheese-loaf-32-oz - [Kaukauna Port Wine Log](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kaukauna-port-wine-log-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kaukauna-port-wine-log-6-oz - [Coffee-Mate Creamer, Caramel](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/coffee-mate-creamer-caramel-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/coffee-mate-creamer-caramel-32-oz - [Sargento® Balanced Breaks® Cheese & Crackers, Natural Pepper Jack & Colby-Jack Cheese and RITZ® Mini Original Crackers Snack Kit, 3-Pack, 1.5 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sargento-balanced-breaks-cheese-crackers-natural-pepper-jack-colby-jack-cheese-and-ritz-mini-original-crackers-snack-kit-3-pack-15-oz-450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sargento-balanced-breaks-cheese-crackers-natural-pepper-jack-colby-jack-cheese-and-ritz-mini-original-crackers-snack-kit-3-pack-15-oz-450-oz - [Sabrett All Natural Beef Franks](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sabrett-all-natural-beef-franks-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sabrett-all-natural-beef-franks-14-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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