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

It receives a NOVA 4 rating because the recipe includes processed ingredients such as refined oils, added acidity regulators, and a preservative, and it contains two listed additives: lactic acid (E270) used as an acidity regulator and ascorbic acid (E300) used as an antioxidant.

How does the saturated-fat and salt content in Pesto verde affect a heart-healthy or hypertensive diet?

The pesto's saturated fat (5.9 g per 100 g) and salt (2.7 g per 100 g) are relatively high and can raise LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, so it should be used sparingly by people following a heart-healthy or low-sodium diet.

Is the presence of cashew nuts and Parmesan cheese in Pesto verde a concern for people with nut or dairy allergies?

Yes - the product contains cashew nuts (8% of the formulation) and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (6.9%); both are declared allergens and can trigger reactions in individuals allergic to tree nuts or milk.

Auchan, Auchan Bio • 0.19 kg

Pesto verde

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto verde is a 190 g jar of organic green pesto that falls under the Fat and sauces group (dressings and sauces). The product is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and carries a Nutri-Score of E, reflecting its high levels of fat, saturated fat and salt (2.7 g per 100 g) despite low sugars and a modest fiber content. It also contains allergens such as nuts, milk, gluten and sulfites and includes two common food additives (lactic acid E270 and ascorbic acid E300), which may be concerns for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal323 kcal

Fat31 g

Saturated Fat5.9 g

Carbohydrates5.3 g

Sugars2.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical pesto averages, this pesto has only 2.2 g of sugar per 100 g (far below the category average of 10.9 g) but 5.9 g of saturated fat per 100 g, more than double the average 2.1 g, and a higher energy content.

Ingredients

Basilic* 50%, huile d'olive vierge extra* 27%, NOIX DE CAJOU* 8%, FROMAGE Parmigiano Reggiano AOP* 6,9% (LAIT* origine Italie), sel, sucre*, pignons de pin* 1%, fibres d'AVOINE*, correcteur d'acidité : acide lactique, ail* 0.3%, antioxydant : acide ascorbique. * biologiques Traces éventuelles de noix, amandes, pistaches, arachides, céleri, œuf, poisson, moutarde, soja, sésame.

84%

35%

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