Why is Pesto sun‑dried tomato classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and which additives does it contain?

The pesto is made from several processed ingredients such as tomato purée, refined oils and aged cheeses, and it includes three common food additives: lysozyme (E1105) used as a preservative, sulfur dioxide (E220) as an antioxidant and preservative, and lactic acid (E270) as an acidity regulator.

How does the salt and fat content of this pesto affect people managing hypertension or cardiovascular risk?

The product provides 1.2 g of salt per 100 g, which is lower than many condiments but still contributes to daily sodium intake, so it should be used in moderation by those with high blood pressure. Its high fat level (27 g per 100 g) is largely from unsaturated sunflower and olive oils, which can be heart‑healthy when balanced with a low overall saturated‑fat diet.

Is the presence of cashew nuts, pine nuts, and sulfites in this pesto a concern for common food allergies or sensitivities?

Yes. Both cashew nuts and pine nuts are tree‑nut allergens, and the product also contains sulfites, which can trigger reactions in sulfite‑sensitive individuals. The label clearly lists these allergens, so anyone with nut allergies or sulfite sensitivity should avoid this pesto.

Cucina • 190g

Pesto sun-dried tomato

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto sun-dried tomato is a red‑pesto condiment made with sun‑dried tomatoes, basil, cheeses and nuts, sold in a 190 g glass jar and classified under the “Fat and sauces” group of the PNNS. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and belongs to NOVA group 3, indicating a processed condiment that contains a high fat content (27 g per 100 g) and moderate salt (1.2 g per 100 g) while keeping sugars low and providing 2.8 g of dietary fiber. The formulation includes allergens such as egg (lysozyme), milk (Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano), tree nuts (cashew, pine nuts) and sulfites, which consumers with sensitivities should note.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal279 kcal

Fat27 g

Saturated Fat3.5 g

Carbohydrates4.6 g

Sugars2.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average condiment, this pesto contains more than twice the fat (27 g vs 12 g) and saturated fat, about half the salt and sugars, and delivers roughly 280 kcal per 100 g versus the typical 183 kcal.

Ingredients

Tomato Purée, Sunflower Seed Oil, BASIL (11%), SUN-DRIED TOMATO (4%) (contains Sulphites), RED PEPPER (4%) (contains Sulphites CASHEW NUT (2%), GRANA PADANO PDO CHEESE (2%), Grana Padano Cheese (Milk), Preservative: Lysozyme (Egg), Carrot, PECORINO ROMANO PDO CHEESE (1%) (Milk) Acidity Regulator: Lactic Acid; Pine Nuts, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Salt, Antioxidant: Sulphur Dioxide

84%

35%

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