Profeco study evaluates 29 Manchego cheese products in Mexico

The National Consumer Protection Laboratory (Profeco) conducted an extensive study of 29 products sold as Manchego cheese, Manchego-type cheese, or imitations in Mexican supermarkets. Through 2,203 laboratory tests, researchers evaluated net content, commercial information, nutritional composition, and labeling authenticity.

The study revealed significant nutritional disparities, including a five-fold difference in protein content between the highest and lowest-ranking products. The Nochebuena fat-reduced version recorded the highest protein content at 27.87 grams per 100 grams, followed by its lactose-free version at 25.34 grams.

Findings indicated that higher prices do not consistently correlate with better nutritional profiles. The research, conducted between September and November 2025, also identified five processed cheeses that use the term 'Manchego' without meeting the required standards.