Red Leicester

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Red Leicester healthy?

Red Leicester scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Red Leicester is a traditional cheese made primarily from milk, providing a good source of protein and calcium.

How processed is Red Leicester?

Red Leicester is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Red Leicester's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Red Leicester Cheese counts in its favor; Annatto is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Red Leicester

Tesco
60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Tesco PLC
Category Cheese
Summary

Red Leicester is a traditional cheese made primarily from milk, providing a good source of protein and calcium. However, the addition of annatto as a colorant and its classification as ultra-processed limit its score. Despite its nutritional benefits, the processing level prevents it from achieving a higher rating.

Key ingredients 2

Red Leicester Cheese
Good

Red Leicester Cheese is a traditional dairy product rich in protein and calcium. It is made from milk, which provides essential nutrients and supports bone health. The cheese-making process enhances its flavor and nutritional profile.

Risks

Potential risks include lactose intolerance and high saturated fat content, which may affect heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Rich in protein and calcium, supporting muscle and bone health. Contains beneficial fats and vitamins that contribute to overall nutrition.

Annatto
Bad

Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. While it is used to enhance the visual appeal of foods, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Its use in food is primarily aesthetic, with no nutritional benefits.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions or food sensitivities in some individuals.

See more about Annatto →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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