Why is Pesto alla Genovese classified as processed (NOVA 3) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 3 because it includes processed ingredients such as concentrated basil and refined oils, and it contains two listed additives: citric acid (E330) used as an acidity regulator and lactic acid (E270) used as a preservative and flavor stabilizer.

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

The high saturated fat level (9.9 g per 100 g) can raise LDL cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risk, while the salt amount (3.5 g per 100 g) is moderate but still contributes significantly to daily sodium intake, making frequent consumption unsuitable for people managing hypertension.

Is the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in this pesto a problem for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy?

Yes. Parmigiano Reggiano is a milk-derived cheese, so the pesto contains dairy proteins and residual lactose, making it unsafe for anyone with a milk allergy and potentially problematic for those with lactose intolerance, especially in larger servings.

Italians do it better • 135g

Pesto alla Genovese 135g

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla Genovese is a traditional Italian basil pesto packaged in a 135 g glass jar, made with extra-virgin olive oil, basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and a handful of seasonings. It belongs to the Fat and sauces (dressings and sauces) PNNS group, carries a Nutri-Score of E (score 33) and is a NOVA 3 product, with very low sugar (0.3 g per 100 g) but high saturated fat (9.9 g per 100 g) and a relatively high salt level (3.5 g per 100 g). The extra-virgin olive oil and basil add healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, but the presence of milk-based cheese, pine nuts and the additives citric acid (E330) and lactic acid (E270) make it unsuitable for vegans and a potential allergen for people with milk or nut sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal578 kcal

Fat61 g

Saturated Fat9.9 g

Carbohydrates1 g

Sugars0.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sauce, this pesto contains far less sugar (0.3 g vs 10.9 g), slightly less salt (3.5 g vs 5.0 g), but markedly more saturated fat (9.9 g vs 2.1 g) and higher energy (568 kcal vs 183 kcal).

Ingredients

Huile d'olive vierge extra (origine: Italie) 50,5%, basilic concentré (origine: Italie) 29,7%, pignons de pin 7%, _Parmigiano Reggiano AOP_ (_lait_, sel, présure) 5%, huile d'olive, sel, vinaigre de vin, ail, correcteurs d'acidité: acide citrique, acide lactique. PEUT CONTENIR DES TRACES D'ARACHIDES DE SOJA ET DE FRUITS A COQUE

84%

35%

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