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

The sauce mixes several industrially processed ingredients such as multiple cheeses, egg oil, and a preservative blend, which pushes it into the NOVA 4 category for ultra‑processed foods. The label lists two additives: E1105 (a colour or stabiliser) and E270 (lactic acid used as an acidity regulator).

How does the high fat and moderate salt content of this pesto impact a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The high fat (27 g per 100 g) increases overall calorie intake, which can affect blood‑glucose control for diabetics if portions are large. The moderate salt level (1.13 g per 100 g) is lower than many condiments, but regular consumption can still contribute to sodium intake, so hypertensive individuals should use it sparingly.

Is this pesto safe for people with egg or milk allergies?

No. The ingredient list includes egg oil, several cheeses (Sunflower Padano, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano) and yogurt, all of which contain milk proteins, and the product is flagged for both egg and milk allergens.

Tesco • 190 g

Green Pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Green Pesto is an Italian‑origin sauce sold by Tesco in a 190 g glass jar. It belongs to the "Fat and sauces" group, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product, featuring high fat (27 g per 100 g), moderate salt (1.13 g) and low sugars (2.6 g). The formulation includes basil, multiple cheeses, nuts and egg oil, providing protein (4.7 g) and fiber (3.7 g) but also contains milk, egg and nut allergens together with the additives E1105 and E270.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal290 kcal

Fat27 g

Saturated Fat4.1 g

Carbohydrates4.5 g

Sugars2.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar condiments, this pesto has over twice the fat (27 g vs 12 g) and saturated fat (4.1 g vs 2.2 g), yet contains far less salt (1.13 g vs 5.1 g) and sugar (2.6 g vs 10.9 g), and provides more fiber and protein than typical.

Ingredients

Basil (47%), Sunflower Padano Cheese (Milk), Preservative (Egg Oil, Grana Padano Cheese (5%) [Grana Lysozyme)], Yogurt (Milk), Cashew Nuts (5%). Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sugar, Pecorino Romano Cheese (Milk), Pea Fibre, Salt, Pine Nuts (1%). Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Garlic Powder. Allergy Advice For allergens. see ingredients in bold. Also ma

84%

35%

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