Why is Pesto alla Calabrese classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

It is deemed ultra-processed because the formulation includes refined sunflower and olive oils, multiple dairy cheeses, a modified corn starch and added preservatives; the only listed food‑grade additives are citric acid (E 330) and lactic acid (E 270), plus ascorbic acid used as an antioxidant.

How does the salt content of this pesto affect a hypertensive diet?

At 2.75 g of salt per 100 g, the pesto delivers a relatively high sodium load that can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so individuals managing hypertension should use it sparingly or choose lower-salt alternatives.

Is the milk present in this pesto a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes; the product contains ricotta, Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano cheeses as well as added milk, all of which are declared milk allergens, so anyone with a dairy allergy should avoid it.

Baresa, Lidl • 190g

Pesto alla Calabrese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla Calabrese is a ready-to-use condiment classified in the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” families. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and falls into the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of refined oils, multiple cheeses and added preservatives such as citric acid (E 330) and lactic acid (E 270). Nutritionally, the spread offers a good amount of vegetable-based fiber (1.5 g/100 g) and protein (2.8 g/100 g) but is relatively high in fat (18.2 g) and salt (2.75 g), while its sugar level (5.2 g) stays below typical condiment averages.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal212 kcal

Fat18.2 g

Saturated Fat2.9 g

Carbohydrates8.5 g

Sugars5.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average condiments, this pesto contains less sugar (5.2 g vs 10.95 g) and salt (2.75 g vs 5.02 g) but considerably more fat (18.2 g vs 12.01 g), higher calories (212 kcal vs 183 kcal) and slightly more protein and fiber.

Ingredients

39% rote Paprika, 15% Sonnenblumenöl, 14% Ricotta (Molkeneiweißkäse) (Süßmolke, Milch, Sahne, Speisesalz, Saureregulator: Citronensäure), Zwiebel, Tomatenmark doppelt konzentriert, Wasser modifizierte Maisstärke, Speisesalz, Süßmolkenpulver, 2% Olivenöl - bestehend aus raffinierten Olivenölen und nativen Olivenölen, 1% Pecorino Romano g.U. (Schafsmilch, Speisesalz, tierisches Lab), 10% Grana Padano g.U. (Milch, Speisesalz, tierisches Lab, Konservierungsstoff: Lysozymes Antioxidationsmittel: Ascorbinsäure. Kann Spuren von Schalenfrüchten, Erdnüssen, Fisch, So Saureregulator: Milchsäure; Paprikaflocken, natürlich Aromen, Zucker, 0,1% Chili, Oregano, Ascorbinsäure

84%

35%

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