Co Op

Red Leicester

Barcode 5000129316100

Yes — Red Leicester is ultra-processed.

The cheese contains the additive colour (beta-carotene), which is an extracted, isolated additive and is classified as ultra-processed under NOVA. The presence of this UPF ingredient makes the overall product ultra-processed, even though the base cheese itself is a relatively simple food.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

red leicester vegetarian cheese (milk)
UPF

beta-carotene

A natural or synthetic orange pigment used as a colorant in foods and supplements.

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Other dairy, eggs & yoghurt Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Red Leicester

Is Red Leicester ultra-processed?

Yes — Red Leicester by Co Op is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The cheese contains the additive colour (beta-carotene), which is an extracted, isolated additive and is classified as ultra-processed under NOVA. The presence of this UPF ingredient makes the overall product ultra-processed, even though the base cheese itself is a relatively simple food.

Which ingredients in Red Leicester are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Red Leicester as an ultra-processed marker: beta-carotene. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.