Why is Pesto pasta style classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product combines several processed ingredients such as refined starches, a sauce made with emulsified oils, and a stabilised low‑fat crème fraîche, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group. It lists three food‑grade additives: carrageenan (E407) as a thickener, pectin (E440) for stability, and mono‑ and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono‑ and diglycerides (E472e) as an emulsifier.

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

With only about 1.3 g of sugar per 100 g, the pasta is low‑sugar and therefore generally compatible with diabetic meal plans. Its salt level of 0.85 g per 100 g is also lower than many comparable dishes, but individuals monitoring sodium should still consider total daily intake, especially when pairing the pasta with additional salty sauces or cheeses.

Is Pesto pasta style suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or dairy‑free diets?

No. The product contains egg white in the penne, hard cheese and low‑fat crème fraîche which provide dairy, and the pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, which contains gluten. Consequently, it does not meet the requirements of vegan, gluten‑free, or dairy‑free diets.

Aldi • 200g

Pesto pasta style

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Pesto pasta style is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal falling under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), containing additives such as carrageenan (E407), pectin (E440) and mono‑ and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono‑ and diglycerides (E472e), and it lists milk, egg and gluten as allergens. Nutritionally, the 200 g portion provides 300 kcal, 4.6 g fat, 1.3 g sugars, 0.85 g salt, 5.3 g protein and 2.1 g fibre, offering modest protein and fibre while keeping sugar low but delivering a moderate amount of salt and fat.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables9.3 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical cooked pasta dishes, this pesto penne delivers about 150 kcal per 100 g, lower than the category average of 174 kcal, and its sugar (1.3 g), fat (4.6 g) and salt (0.85 g) are all well below average levels, although protein is modest at 5.3 g.

Ingredients

Water, PENNE PASTA (28%) (Durum Wheat Semolina, Egg White), PESTO STYLE SAUCE (16%) (Basil, Sunflower Oil, Grated Hard Cheese (Milk), Water, Olive Oil, Cassava Starch, Salt, Garlic, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Potato Starch), Stabilised Low Fat Crème Fraîche (Stabilisers: Carrageenan, Pectins; Low Fat Crème Fraîche (Milk), Starch, Emulsifier: Mono - and Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono - and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Rice Starch, Salt.

84%

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