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

NOVA 4 includes foods formulated with industrial ingredients such as added sugars, flavorings, preservatives and emulsifiers. This pesto contains glucose syrup, natural basil flavoring, other natural flavorings, an acidity regulator (lactic acid, E270), and vegetable fibers, all of which are typical additives that place it in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content of this pesto affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The sugar level is low (1.2 g per 100 g), so it has minimal impact on blood glucose for diabetics. However, the salt content is relatively high at 2.5 g per 100 g, which can contribute to increased blood pressure and should be limited by people managing hypertension.

Is this pesto suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

It is not vegan because it contains milk, cheese and egg, and it also includes cashew nuts, so it is unsuitable for nut‑free diets. The product is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, making it compatible with a ketogenic diet. It contains no pork or gelatin, but the presence of dairy may not meet strict halal criteria without certification. There are no gluten‑containing ingredients, so it can be considered gluten‑free.

Saclà • 290g

PESTO ALLA GENOVESE 290GR

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

The product is a 290 g jar of Pesto alla Genovese, classified under the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” groups of the French nutrition taxonomy. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, high fat (39.9 g per 100 g), high saturated fat (5.2 g), high salt (2.5 g) and low sugar (1.2 g), while providing 391 kcal per 100 g. The formulation includes basil, sunflower oil, grated cheeses (Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano), egg, milk, cashew nuts and added flavorings, meaning it is not suitable for vegan, dairy‑free or nut‑free diets and may trigger related allergies.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal391 kcal

Fat39.9 g

Saturated Fat5.2 g

Carbohydrates3.9 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar condiments, this pesto contains about three times more fat (39.9 g vs 12.0 g) and double the saturated fat, nearly double the calories (391 kcal vs 183 kcal), but its sugar (1.2 g) and salt (2.5 g) are lower than the category averages.

Ingredients

Basilic 47%, Huile de tournesol, Sel, Arôme naturel de basilic avec d'autres arômes naturels, Sirop de glucose, Flocons de pommes de terre, fibres végétales,Grana Padano AOP, (_LAIT_, _ŒUF_), Pecorino Romano A0P (_LAIT_ de brebis) _Noix_ de Cajou, Correcteur d'acidité : Acide lactique, ail en poudre, Pignons de pin, Huile d'olive vierge extra, Epices.

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