Why is Le pesto a la calabrese classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The pesto combines multiple industrially processed ingredients - refined olive oil, dextrose, corn starch, and cheese powders - together with a formulation step that adds the acidity regulator lactic acid (E270), which is the only listed additive, placing it in the NOVA 4 ultra-processed category.

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

With 5.5 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pesto can raise LDL cholesterol when consumed regularly, while its 1.28 g of salt is moderate but still contributes to total sodium intake; people managing heart disease or high blood pressure should use it sparingly and balance it with lower-fat, lower-salt foods.

Is the sheep's milk cheese (Pecorino Romano) in this pesto a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes - Pecorino Romano is made from sheep's milk and contains milk proteins that trigger reactions in individuals allergic to dairy, so anyone with a dairy allergy should avoid this pesto, although those who are merely lactose intolerant may tolerate the small amount of cheese.

Florelli • 190g

Le pesto à la calabrese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Le pesto a la calabrese is a ready-to-use condiment that belongs to the Fat and sauces group, featuring red bell pepper, olive oil, ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheese. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), with high saturated fat (5.5 g per 100 g) and moderate salt (1.28 g per 100 g) but low added sugars (3.9 g per 100 g) and a notable 48% fruit-and-vegetable content. While the blend offers natural vegetables and olive oil, the presence of dairy, added dextrose, corn starch and the acidity regulator E270 reduces its overall health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars10.5 g

Fruits & Vegetables72.2 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average savory sauce, this pesto contains far less sugar (3.9 g vs 10.95 g) and salt (1.28 g vs 5.02 g) per 100 g but more than double the saturated fat (5.5 g vs 2.14 g).

Ingredients

Poivrons rouges (40,8%), huile d'olive, ricotta dure saleé (15,4%) (lactosérum de brebis, sel), dextrose, oignons (5,4%), double concentré de tomate, fromage "Pecorino Romano AOP" (lait de brebis, sel, présure), sel, amidon de maïs, correcteur d'acidité : acide lactique, Sucre, piment en poudre (0,05%), origan.

84%

35%

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