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

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because it combines several refined ingredients, added sugars, flavorings and a food‑grade acidity regulator; the only listed additive is lactate (E270) used to control acidity, alongside natural garlic flavoring and other flavor enhancers.

How do the high fat and saturated‑fat levels in this pesto affect a heart‑healthy or weight‑management diet?

With 36 g of fat and 5 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pesto contributes a large amount of calories and saturated fat that can raise LDL cholesterol and increase overall energy intake, so it should be used sparingly by those following heart‑healthy or calorie‑restricted eating plans.

Is the presence of cashew nuts, pine nuts, and dairy cheeses in this pesto a concern for people with nut or milk allergies?

Yes; the formulation lists cashew nuts, pine nuts and two dairy cheeses (Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano), making it unsuitable for consumers allergic to tree nuts or milk proteins, and the label also highlights egg as an allergen.

Saclà • 190g

Pesto alla genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla genovese is an Italian‑style green pesto classified in the Dressings and sauces group, made with sunflower oil, basil, cashew nuts, pine nuts, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses, egg and sea salt. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and falls in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that contains added glucose, flavorings and a lactate acidity regulator (E270). Nutritionally, the sauce is very high in fat (36 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (5 g), provides a high calorie density (380 kcal), but its sugar (3.5 g) and salt (3.3 g) are relatively low; it is gluten‑free but contains allergens such as eggs, milk and tree nuts.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.7 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for sauces and pesto (12 g fat, 2.1 g saturated fat, 10.9 g sugars, 5 g salt and 183 kcal per 100 g), this pesto delivers roughly three times more fat and double the saturated fat while offering lower sugar and salt, resulting in a markedly higher energy content.

Ingredients

Huile de tournesol, Basilic italien 36%, Noix de Cajou FRUITS A COQUE), Fromage Grana Padano AOP LAIT, OEUF), Sel marin, Glucose, Fromage Pecorino Romano AOP (LAIT DE BREBIS), Pommes de terre, Pignons piles, Huile d'olive extra vierge, Arômes, Arôme naturel d'ail, Correcteur d'acidité: Acide lactique,

84%

35%

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