Cardo Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

Q: Is Cardo Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?

No. Cardo Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese are distinct cheeses from England, Scotland and Wales and United Kingdom respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Cardo Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Cardo Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Cardo Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Cardo Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Scotland and Wales, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

What Is Cardo Cheese?

Cardo is a semi-soft artisan cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It is crafted with a washed rind that contributes to its pungent aroma. The cheese has an ivory-colored interior with a creamy, smooth texture. Its flavor profile is a mix of floral, pungent, and savory notes, making it an interesting choice for those who enjoy bold cheeses. The cheese is enjoyed across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering a taste that reflects the region's cheese-making tradition. Ideal for pairing with crusty bread or a selection of fruits, Cardo makes a flavorful addition to any cheese board.

What Is Red Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is an English cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, close to Cheddar but crumblier. Annatto gives it its orange colour, and four to nine months of ageing takes it from mild and mellow to tangy and slightly nutty.

What's the Difference Between Cardo Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?

Origin: Cardo Cheese (England, Scotland and Wales), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
Milk type: Cardo Cheese (goat's milk), Red Leicester Cheese (cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Cardo Cheese (pasteurized), Red Leicester Cheese (Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others))
Texture: Cardo Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
Rind: Cardo Cheese (washed), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
Taste: Cardo Cheese (floral, pungent, savory), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Cardo Cheese	Red Leicester Cheese
Country of Origin	England, Scotland And Wales	United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Timsbury, Somerset	Leicestershire
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others)
Texture	Semi-soft, artisan	Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly
Rind	Washed	Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial)
Aging	—	6 months (traditional), varies for industrial
Taste	Floral, pungent, savory	Caramel, sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Cardo Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?

Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Cardo Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Red Leicester Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Cardo Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

Cardo Cheese can stand in for Red Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Cardo Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Cardo Cheese. For a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cardo Cheese suits recipes that want floral, pungent, savory notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cardo Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cardo Cheese originates in England, Scotland and Wales, while Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk; Red Leicester Cheese uses cow.

Is Cardo Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Cardo Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Cardo Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?

Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Cardo Cheese leans pungent, and Red Leicester Cheese is closer to mild.

What is Cardo Cheese made of?

Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in England, Scotland and Wales.

What is Red Leicester Cheese made of?

Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Cardo Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cardo Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.