This study evaluated the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of red propolis samples from the state of Sergipe, Brazil. All propolis samples showed antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging tests, which was confirmed by more sensitive lipid peroxidation and chemiluminescence assays. Lipid peroxidation inhibition ranged from 48.08% to 93.37%, higher than previous studies. Extracts with the highest antioxidant activity also had the highest total phenolic content, though not the highest flavonoid levels. The presence of flavonoids catechin, epicatechin and formononetin was confirmed in all samples by UFLC.