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

It is labeled NOVA 4 because the formulation includes refined oil, cheese, animal rennet and a preservative system, which are characteristic of industrially processed foods. The only listed additives are lysozyme (E1105), lactic acid (E270) and ascorbic acid (E300).

Based on its ingredient list, can this pesto be used in vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free diets?

The pesto is not vegan because it contains cheese, milk and animal rennet, and it is not halal for the same reasons (animal rennet and lysozyme from egg). It is low in carbohydrates and sugar, so it fits a keto profile, and there are no gluten-containing grains, making it gluten-free.

Is the presence of lysozyme, derived from egg, a concern for people with egg allergies?

Yes. Lysozyme is an enzyme extracted from egg whites and is listed as an allergen; anyone with an egg allergy should avoid this product.

Lidl • 550 g

Pesto alla genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla genovese is a green basil pesto that falls under the PNNS group 'Fat and sauces' and the sub-group 'Dressings and sauces'. It carries a Nutri-Score of D (score 13) and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature with additives such as lysozyme (E1105), lactic acid (E270) and ascorbic acid (E300), and it contains allergens including milk, egg, nuts, celery and mustard. Nutritionally it is high in total fat and saturated fat, provides a moderate amount of salt, keeps sugar low, and has a relatively high energy density, while its Eco-Score of D indicates a moderate environmental impact.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal338 kcal

Fat33 g

Saturated Fat3.6 g

Carbohydrates4.8 g

Sugars2.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sauces, this pesto provides roughly double the energy (about 328 kcal vs 183 kcal per 100 g) and more than twice the total fat, but its sugar (2.5 g) and salt (1.4 g) levels are well below the category averages.

Ingredients

nl pesto with basil, oil foil, 5% cashew nuts, 4,7% cheese (milk, salt, animal rennet, preservative: lysozyme (egg), vole yoghurt (milk, sugar, salt, 1,3% pecorino romano pdo (sheep's milk, salt, animal rennet), pine nuts, garlic, acid: lactic acid, antioxidant: ascorbic acid, flavouring, may contain traces of other nuts, peanuts, vi, celery and mustard, unopened at least shelf life until end: see lid edge, keep refrigerated at max after opening, 7°c and consume within 5 days, mix the pesto with cooked pasta or rist, use the pesto as a spread for bruschetta or as a herb sauce for ves and vigerote, lid, great britain ltd, lidl house, 14 kingston road, surbiton, kt5 9nu, lidl teland gmbh, main road, tallaght, dublin 24/ ldl nederland gmbh, p,o, box 198, nl-1270 ad huizen 40 / 20 c 33 19

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