Why is Green Pesto Sauce classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra-processed because the recipe includes refined vegetable oils, aged cheeses and a preservative system, and it lists three food additives: E1105, which is a colour or antioxidant, E270 (lactic acid) as an acidity regulator, and E300 (ascorbic acid) as an antioxidant.

Is the egg lysozyme used as a preservative in this pesto a concern for people with egg allergies?

Yes, egg lysozyme is derived from egg whites and can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to eggs, so anyone with an egg allergy should avoid this product.

Based on its ingredient list, is Green Pesto Sauce suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free diets?

The sauce is not vegan because it contains Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses and egg lysozyme; it is low in carbohydrates and therefore keto-friendly; it is gluten-free as no wheat ingredients are present; halal suitability depends on the source of the dairy and egg ingredients, which is not indicated on the label.

sainsburys • 190g

Green Pesto Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Green Pesto Sauce is a ready-to-use condiment classified in the 'Fat and sauces' group. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is rated as an ultra-processed product (NOVA 4), reflecting its use of refined vegetable oils, cheese and several additives (E1105, E270, E300). While it offers a good amount of basil and nuts for flavor and fiber, it is high in fat and saturated fat, contains allergens (egg, milk, nuts) and a moderate salt level, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal312 kcal

Fat28.4 g

Saturated Fat4 g

Monounsaturated Fat11.7 g

Polyunsaturated Fat11.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average condiment, this pesto contains far less sugar (2.3 g vs 10.9 g) and salt (1.1 g vs 5.0 g) per 100 g, but its saturated fat (4 g vs 2.1 g) and energy (about 309 kcal vs 183 kcal) are considerably higher.

Ingredients

Basil (48%), Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Refined Soyabean, Corn, Rapeseed or Olive Oil), Grana Padano Cheese (Cows' Milk, Contains Preservative: Egg Lysozyme) (5%), Cashew Nuts (5%), Glucose, Potato Flakes, Vegetable Fibre, Salt, Acidity Regulator: Lactic Acid; Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sheep's Milk) (0.5%), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts (0.5%), Garlic Powder, Antioxidant: Ascorbic Acid.

84%

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