Why is Pesto & Parmesan Pasta classified as a moderately processed product (NOVA 3) and does it contain any additives?

The dish is labelled NOVA 3 because its ingredients are combined and cooked but no extensive industrial transformations are applied; the ingredient list shows no added preservatives, colourings or flavour enhancers, so the product contains zero declared additives.

How might the fat and saturated fat content of this pasta affect a heart‑healthy or hypertensive diet?

With 10 g of total fat and 2.6 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pasta contributes a moderate amount of fatty acids that can raise LDL cholesterol; individuals monitoring heart health or blood pressure should balance it with lower‑fat meals and prioritize vegetables or lean proteins elsewhere.

Is the presence of milk and gluten in this product a concern for people with common food allergies or intolerances?

Yes, the pasta contains durum wheat semolina (gluten) and both Regato and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses (milk), so it is not suitable for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or dairy allergies.

Sainsbury's Taste the difference, Sainsbury's

Pesto & Parmesan Pasta

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Pesto & Parmesan Pasta is a ready‑to‑eat one‑dish meal classified under Composite foods – one‑dish meals. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls in the NOVA 3 category, offering 205 kcal per 100 g with 10 g of fat, 6.5 g of protein and only 1.2 g of sugars. While it provides a decent protein boost and low sugar, it contains moderate fat and saturated fat, 0.9 g of salt, dairy and gluten, making it unsuitable for vegan or gluten‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal205 kcal

Fat10 g

Saturated Fat2.6 g

Carbohydrates21.6 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average ready‑meal values, this pasta has lower sugar and salt but higher fat, saturated fat and calories, and supplies slightly less protein and fiber.

Ingredients

Cooked Pasta (65%) (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina), Rapeseed Oil, Spinach, Regato Medium Fat Hard Cheese (Cows' Milk), Basil, Lemon Juice, Water, Pine Nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano Medium Fat Hard Cheese (1.5%) (Cows' Milk), Salt, Roast Galtic Purée, Potato Starch, Black Pepper. Parmigiano Reggiano is made with unpasteurised milk.

84%

35%

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