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

The sauce combines refined sunflower oil, powdered cheeses, milk proteins and added preservatives, which are ingredients that undergo extensive industrial processing; the only listed additive is the preservative lysozyme (E270), an enzyme derived from egg white, making the product qualify as ultra‑processed.

How does the high fat and saturated‑fat content of this pesto affect a heart‑healthy or low‑fat diet?

With 48 g of total fat and 6.9 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pesto contributes a large amount of calories and saturated fats that can raise LDL cholesterol, so it should be used sparingly in heart‑healthy or low‑fat meal plans and balanced with lean proteins and fiber‑rich foods.

Is the cashew nut in this product a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes, the formulation lists cashew nuts (kesudió) as an ingredient, and cashews belong to the tree‑nut family, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitized to nuts; anyone with a nut allergy should avoid this pesto.

Cucina • 190g

Pesto alla Genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla Genovese is a green Italian pesto sauce that falls under the Fat and sauces group of the PNNS classification. It delivers 472 kcal per 100 g, with 48 g of fat (6.9 g saturated), 4.3 g of protein, 4.4 g of carbohydrates, 0.9 g of salt and a low sugar level of 1.7 g, resulting in a Nutri‑Score of D. The product is ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and contains sunflower oil, basil, Grana Padano and Pecorino cheeses, milk‑derived ingredients, cashew nuts and the preservative lysozyme (E270), making it non‑vegan and a potential allergen for milk, nuts and peanuts.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal472 kcal

Fat48 g

Saturated Fat6.9 g

Carbohydrates4.4 g

Sugars1.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for sauces (≈12 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 5 g salt and 11 g sugars per 100 g), this pesto contains dramatically more fat (48 g) and saturated fat (6.9 g), far less sugar (1.7 g) and considerably lower salt (0.9 g), resulting in a much higher energy content (472 kcal vs 183 kcal).

Ingredients

Napraforgóolaj, bazsalikom 30%, ivóvíz, Grana Padano OEM sajt (tej, étkezési só, tejoltó, tartósítószer: lizozim tojásból 5%, kesudió 3%, Pecorino Romano OEM sajt (juhtej, étkezési só, bárányból származó tejoltó, tejsavbaktérium-kultúrák) 2%, cukor, extra szűz olívaolaj, étkezési só, savanyúságot szabályozó anyag: tejsav, tejfehérje, módosított kukoricakeményitó. Egyéb dióféléket és földimogyorót tartalmazhat.

84%

35%

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