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

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because it includes several industrial ingredients such as glucose syrup, added sugars, corn starch, and a blend of acidifiers and preservatives; the listed additives are citric acid (E330), lactic acid (E270) and ascorbic acid (E300).

How does the sugar and salt content in this pesto affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 9.7 g of sugar per 100 g, the pesto provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so people with diabetes should use it sparingly, while its 0.9 g of salt per 100 g is relatively low for a sauce and contributes modestly to sodium intake, making it acceptable in controlled portions for a hypertensive diet.

Based on its ingredient list, is Pesto Alla Calabrese suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

The pesto is gluten‑free but not vegan because it contains ricotta, hard cheese, Pecorino, Grana Padano and egg‑derived lysozyme; it is not halal due to animal rennet and egg ingredients, and while its high fat and low carbohydrate profile (14 g carbs per 100 g) can fit a moderate keto plan, it is not a strictly low‑carb product.

Aldi, BLM, Cucina Nobile, Cocina Nobile • 190g

Pesto Alla Calabrese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto Alla Calabrese is an Italian‑style pesto condiment that belongs to the "Fat and sauces" dietary family and is labeled gluten‑free and made in Italy. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its high level of processing and the presence of additives such as citric acid (E330), lactic acid (E270) and ascorbic acid (E300). Nutritionally, it is high in fat (21 g) and saturated fat (4.3 g), provides moderate sugar (9.7 g) and low salt (0.9 g), delivering 264 kcal, 4.3 g protein and 1.5 g fiber per 100 g.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal264 kcal

Fat21 g

Saturated Fat4.3 g

Carbohydrates14 g

Sugars9.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pesto category, this pesto contains roughly double the fat (21 g vs 12 g) and saturated fat (4.3 g vs 2.1 g), offers lower salt (0.9 g vs 5 g) and slightly less sugar (9.7 g vs 10.9 g), but provides more protein (4.3 g vs 2.1 g) and higher energy (264 kcal vs 183 kcal) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Rote Paprika (39%), Sonnenblumenöl (18%), Ricotta (Molkeneiweißkäse)(14%) (Süßmolke, Milch, Salz, Säuerungsmittel: Citronensäure), Zwiebeln, Glukosesirup, doppelt konzentriertes Tomatenmark, geriebener Hartkäse (Milch, Salz, Lab, Konservierungsstoff: Lysozym aus Hühnerei), Süßmolke, Maisstärke, Salz, Pecorino Romano g.U. Käse (1%) (aus Schafsmilch), Grana Padano g.U. Käse (1%) (Milch, Salz, Lab, Konservierungsstoff: Lysozym aus Hühnerei), Natives Olivenöl extra, Zucker, Säureregulator: Milchsäure; Aroma, Oregano (0,05%), Chilli, Antioxidationsmittel: Ascorbinsäure. Kann Spuren von Schalenfrüchten, Erdnüssen, Fisch, Sellerie, Soja, Sesam, und Sulfite enthalten.

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.