Why is Pesto alla genovese classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The sauce is considered ultra‑processed because it combines refined oils, multiple cheese powders, whey, and several isolated ingredients such as pine nuts and garlic, along with two listed additives: E1105 (lysozyme, a preservative enzyme) and E330 (citric acid, an acidity regulator).

How does the high fat and saturated fat content in this pesto affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The very high total fat and saturated fat increase the caloric load and can raise LDL cholesterol, which may be problematic for heart‑related conditions; however, the low sugar content means it does not significantly impact blood glucose, though the modest salt level is still a consideration for hypertension.

Is the presence of milk in this pesto a concern for people with dairy allergy?

Yes, the product contains cheese powder, whey and milk‑derived ingredients, all of which are dairy sources, so anyone with a dairy allergy should avoid this pesto.

Italiamo

Pesto alla genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla genovese is a ready‑to‑use green sauce classified in the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is rated NOVA 4, reflecting a high fat (56 g per 100 g), high saturated fat (7 g) and moderate protein content, while sugar is low and salt is below the average for similar sauces. The formulation includes sunflower oil, extra‑virgin olive oil, cheese powders, whey, pine nuts and additives E1105 (lysozyme) and E330 (citric acid), and it is not suitable for dairy‑allergic consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables2.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pesto/sauce (12 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 5 g salt, 11 g sugars and 183 kcal per 100 g), this pesto contains about 56 g fat, 7 g saturated fat and 584 kcal, while its sugar and salt levels are lower than the category average.

Ingredients

30% huile de tournesol 30% Basilico Genovese A.O.P. cajou 9% huile d'olive vierge extra, fromage en poudre (fromage (lait, sel, presure), poudre de serum lait, sel, sel de fonte: phosphates de sodium); poudre de lactosérum ait, Ga Padano A.O.P. (lait, sel, présure, conservateur : lysozyme (contient ceuf), 2% Pecorino Romano AOP. lait de brebis, sel, prèsure d'agneau, ferments lactiques), ail, 2% pignons de pin, sele bambou, correcteur d'acidité: acide citrique. Traces éventuelles d'arachides et dat coque.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.