Epic source
Energy
403 kcal · 20% DV target
Red Leicester is a traditional hard English cheese, originating from Leicestershire, known for its distinctive russet-red color, crumbly texture, and mellow, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that deepens with age.
Red Leicester contains significant amounts of salt, with a UK-wide survey of 21 products finding an average salt content of 1.69g per 100g .2
The salt levels in Red Leicester are generally comparable to Cheddar, though slightly lower than the average found in blue cheeses or processed cheese spreads .2
This cheese is a source of calcium and phosphorus, which are standard components of the hard cheese matrix that support bone health.
The distinct orange-red hue of Red Leicester is traditionally derived from the addition of annatto (a seed-derived pigment), which contributes to the presence of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) in the cheese.
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
403 kcal · 20% DV target
25.0 g · 50% DV target
33.6 g · 43% DV target
21.1 g · 106% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
1.44 g · 144% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
315 μg · 35% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Wrap in cheese paper or parchment paper, then place in an airtight container or loosely in a plastic bag to allow it to breathe and prevent drying out.
Environmental footprint has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
The characteristic red-orange color of Red Leicester was traditionally achieved by adding annatto, a natural vegetable dye from the seeds of the achiote tree, to distinguish it from other cheeses like Cheddar and to suggest a richer, creamier milk content.