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

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because its formulation includes refined sunflower oil, added sugars, and three food‑grade additives: E1105 (acidifier), E14xx (a group of colour or preservative agents) and E270 (lactic acid). These industrial ingredients combine with natural components, placing the pesto in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the high fat and saturated‑fat content in this pesto affect a heart‑healthy or weight‑management diet?

With 36 g of total fat and 5.1 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pesto contributes a significant amount of calories and saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol if consumed frequently. For a heart‑healthy plan, it should be used sparingly and paired with low‑fat foods; for weight management, limiting portion size is essential to keep overall energy intake in check.

Is the presence of ricotta and the two cheeses a concern for people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance?

Yes. Ricotta, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano are all dairy products that contain milk proteins and varying levels of lactose. Individuals with a milk allergy should avoid this pesto entirely, while those with lactose intolerance may experience discomfort due to the residual lactose in the cheeses and whey present in the ricotta.

Florelli • 190 g

Le Pesto alla rucola

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Le Pesto alla rucola is a 190 g Italian‑style pesto made with sunflower oil, rocket (arugula), ricotta, walnuts, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses. It falls in the “Dressings and sauces” PNNS group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) due to refined oils, added sugars and three food additives (E1105, E14xx, E270). While it provides protein from dairy and nuts and a modest fiber amount, its fat (36 g), saturated fat (5.1 g) and salt (1.58 g) per 100 g are considerably higher than average pesto and it contains allergens such as milk, eggs and tree nuts.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal368 kcal

Fat36 g

Saturated Fat5.1 g

Carbohydrates5.6 g

Sugars3.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical condiment, this pesto contains about three times more fat (36 g vs 12 g per 100 g), slightly less sugar (3.7 g vs 11 g), and its salt level (1.6 g) is well below the average 5 g.

Ingredients

Huile de tournesol, roquette (24%), _ricotta_ (17%) (_lactosérum_ pasteurisé de vache, crème de _lait_ pasteurisé, sel, correcteur d'acidité: acide lactique), eau, _noix_ (4%), flocons de pomme de terre, sucre, _Grana Padano DOP_ D2%) (lait, sel, présure, lysozyme d'_œuf_), sel, huile d'olive vierge extra, _Pecorino Romano DOP_ (_lait_ de brebis, sel, présure), _noix de cajou_ (1%), pignons, ail, correcteur d'acidité: acide lactique, épaississant: amidon modifié.

84%

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