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

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because its ingredients are combined and refined industrially, including sunflower oil, tofu and nut pastes, and it uses the emulsifier mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) to improve texture, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the high fat and moderate salt content in this pesto affect a heart‑healthy or hypertensive diet?

With 36.9 g of total fat and 4.2 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pesto can raise LDL cholesterol if consumed in large amounts, while its 1.02 g of salt (moderate) adds to daily sodium intake, which may be a concern for people managing hypertension.

Is the presence of cashew nuts in Basil Pesto a risk for people with tree‑nut allergies?

Yes, the product lists cashew nuts (5 %) as an ingredient, so anyone with a tree‑nut allergy should avoid it, and the label also notes possible cross‑contamination with other nuts such as almonds, Brazil nuts and walnuts.

Plant Menu

Basil Pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Basil Pesto is a plant‑based green pesto sauce that falls under the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product, containing 36.9 g fat (including 4.2 g saturated fat), 1.02 g salt and only 2.4 g sugars per 100 g, with 1.6 g fiber and 3.3 g protein. While it offers a vegan source of herbs, nuts and tofu, the high fat and salt levels and the presence of an emulsifier (E471) detract from its overall health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal382 kcal

Fat36.9 g

Saturated Fat4.2 g

Carbohydrates8.4 g

Sugars2.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pesto sauce, this Basil Pesto contains roughly three times more fat (36.9 g vs 12 g) and double the calories, but offers notably lower sugar and salt levels while providing slightly more fiber and protein.

Ingredients

BASIL (38%), Sunflower Oil, Water, TOFU (5%) (Soya Beans, Water, Firming Agent: Magnesium Chloride), CASHEW NUTS (5%), PINE NUTS (2%), Potato Flakes (Dried Potato, Emulsifier: Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Sugar, Salt, Acidity Regulator Lactic acid. May also contain almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecan nuts, pistachio nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts and peanuts.

84%

35%

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