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

The sauce combines many refined ingredients, flavor enhancers and processing steps such as grinding, cooking and emulsifying, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 tier; it lists the additive E270 (lactic acid) used as an acidity regulator.

How does the sugar and salt content in Ricotta & Red Pesto affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 8.3 g of sugar per 100 g, the pesto contributes a noticeable amount of carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose levels, while 1.28 g of salt adds roughly 512 mg of sodium, which may increase blood pressure; both nutrients make it less suitable for strict diabetic or hypertensive meal plans.

Is the cashew nut flour in this pesto a concern for people with nut allergies?

Cashew nut flour is derived from tree nuts and can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to cashews or other tree nuts, so those with nut allergies should avoid this product even though the label only highlights milk as an allergen.

Asda • 190g

Ricotta & Red Pesto

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

This Asda Ricotta & Red Pesto is a red‑pesto style condiment classified in the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its high fat (20 g), moderate sugar (8.3 g) and salt (1.28 g) per 100 g, while providing 2.4 g of fiber and 3.9 g of protein. The blend offers flavorful ingredients such as red peppers, ricotta, cashew flour and sunflower oil, but the elevated fat, sugar and salt levels, plus the presence of the additive E270, limit its suitability for low‑fat or low‑sodium diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal240 kcal

Fat20 g

Saturated Fat2.9 g

Carbohydrates9.9 g

Sugars8.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average red‑pesto condiment, this product contains substantially more fat and calories but considerably less sugar and salt, while offering higher fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Red Peppers (43%), Sunflower Oil, Ricotta Cheese (Milk) (10%), Tomato Pulp (10%), Sugar, Cashew Nut Flour, Grana Padano Cheese PDO (2%) [Grana Padano Cheese (Milk), using Calfs' Rennet, Preservative (Egg Lysozyme)], Grated Medium advice Fat Hard Cheese (2%) (Milk, using Calfs' New ans Rennet), Tomato Double Concentrate, Onions, Salt, Modified Maize Starch, Bamboo Fibre, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Potato Flakes, Chilli Powder, Oregano.

84%

35%

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