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

The product mixes multiple refined vegetable oils, rehydrated dried tomatoes, cheese, cashew nuts and a microbial preservative (lysozyme, listed as additive E1105), which together meet the criteria for the NOVA 4 ultra-processed category.

How do the fat and salt levels in Pesto rosso affect people with hypertension or cardiovascular risk?

With 36 g of fat, 4.5 g of saturated fat and 1.4 g of salt per 100 g, the pesto contributes a high amount of energy and saturated fat while providing a moderate salt load; consuming it in large portions may raise LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, so individuals with hypertension should limit intake.

Is the soy oil in Pesto rosso a concern for consumers with soy allergy or for environmental sustainability?

Soy oil accounts for about 2 % of the oil blend; while the refining process reduces protein content, trace amounts can still trigger reactions in soy-allergic individuals, and the cultivation of soy is associated with deforestation concerns, making it a potential allergen and sustainability issue.

Lidl • 550 g

Pesto rosso

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto rosso is a red-colored sauce classified under the “Fat and sauces” group of the French PNNS, marketed as a condiment. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and falls into the NOVA 4 ultra-processed category, mainly because it combines several refined vegetable oils, rehydrated tomatoes, cheese, nuts and the preservative lysozyme (E1105). Nutritionally, it is very high in fat (36 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (4.5 g), moderate in salt (1.4 g) and low in sugars (3.1 g), giving it a mixed health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal361 kcal

Fat36 g

Saturated Fat4.5 g

Carbohydrates3.6 g

Sugars3.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average condiment, this pesto contains far less sugar (3.1 g vs 10.95 g) and salt (1.4 g vs 5.02 g) but more than three times the fat (36 g vs 12.01 g) and roughly double the saturated fat (4.5 g vs 2.14 g).

Ingredients

40,2% pulpe de tomates, 33% huiles végétales* (1. tournesol, 2. soja, 3. colza, 4. mais, 5. olive), 12% tomates séchées réhydratées, 5% noix de cajou, 3% fromage (lait, sel, présure, conservateur: lysozyme (oeuf), 3% basilic, sel, ail, 1% Pecorino Romano AOP (lait de brebis, sel, présure), 0,2% piment, acidifiant: acide lactique; antioxydant: acide ascorbique.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.