Why is Green pesto classified as moderately processed (NOVA 3) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 3 rating because it is a formulated food that combines multiple ingredients such as fresh basil, oils, cheeses and starches, but it does not undergo the extensive industrial processes that define NOVA 4 items; its additive list includes E1105 (caramel colour), E220 (sulphur dioxide as preservative), E270 (lactic acid as acidity regulator) and E300 (ascorbic acid as antioxidant).

How does the salt content in Green pesto affect a hypertensive diet?

With 1.08 g of salt per 100 g, the pesto contributes about 4‑5 % of the recommended maximum daily salt intake (5 g), so it can be included in moderation for people managing high blood pressure, but larger portions could quickly raise sodium consumption.

Is Green pesto suitable for a vegan or gluten‑free diet?

The pesto is not vegan because it contains Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses as well as egg lysozyme, and it is not gluten‑free‑certified; however, it does not contain wheat‑derived ingredients, so it can be consumed by those avoiding gluten as long as they are not allergic to milk, eggs or nuts.

Asda • 190 g

Green pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Green pesto is a ready to use condiment that belongs to the Fat and sauces (dressings and sauces) group. Per 100 g it provides 161 kcal, 15 g of fat (including 2.1 g saturated fat), 1.8 g of fiber, 2.7 g of protein, 0.5 g of sugars and 1.08 g of salt, making its energy and sugar levels lower than typical condiments but its fat and salt content relatively high. The formulation contains milk, egg‑derived lysozyme and tree nuts, and includes the additives E1105 (caramel colour), E220 (sulphur dioxide), E270 (lactic acid) and E300 (ascorbic acid).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal162 kcal

Energy668 kJ

Fat17.4 g

Saturated Fat1.9 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for condiments, this pesto has markedly lower sugar (0.5 g vs 10.95 g) and energy (161 kcal vs 183 kcal), higher fat (15 g vs 12 g) and protein (2.7 g vs 2.1 g), while its salt level (1.08 g) is well below the category average of 5 g.

Ingredients

Basil (50%), Water, Sunflower Oil, Grana Padano Cheese (2.5%) [Grana Padano Cheese (made from Unpasteurised Milk), Preservative (Egg Lysozyme)], Cashew Nuts (2.0%), Salt, Pecorino Romano Cheese (from Ewe's Milk) (1.0%), Rice Starch, Pine Nuts (0.8%), Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Garlic Powder (Garlic Powder, Preservative (Sulphur Dioxide]).

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