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

It is labeled NOVA 4 because the formulation includes refined vegetable oil, added sugar, a cheese-based preservative (lysozyme from egg), an acidity regulator (lactic acid, E270) and an antioxidant (ascorbic acid, E300), all of which are typical of industrially processed foods.

How does the high fat and salt content in this pesto affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 42 g of fat per 100 g, especially 6.4 g of saturated fat, can raise LDL cholesterol, while 3.3 g of salt may increase blood pressure, making it less suitable for people managing diabetes or hypertension despite its low sugar level.

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

It is gluten-free, but it is not vegan because it contains dairy cheeses and an egg-derived preservative, and although its carbohydrate content is low, the high fat and moderate protein make it only marginally compatible with a strict keto plan.

Coop • 190g

Pesto alla genovese

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Pesto alla genovese is a gluten-free green sauce classified in the Dressings and sauces group, made primarily of basil (34%), sunflower oil, cashews, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano cheeses, extra-virgin olive oil and small amounts of sugar, salt and garlic. It delivers a very high fat content of 42 g per 100 g, including 6.4 g of saturated fat, 3.3 g of salt and 430 kcal, which places it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category and gives it a Nutri-Score of E. While it provides notable protein (6.7 g) and fiber (1.6 g) and a relatively low sugar level (4.8 g), it also contains allergens such as milk, eggs, nuts and added preservatives (lysozyme, lactic acid, ascorbic acid).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal430 kcal

Fat42 g

Saturated Fat6.4 g

Carbohydrates5.9 g

Sugars4.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pesto in its category, this product contains far more fat (42 g vs 12 g) and calories (430 kcal vs 183 kcal), markedly higher saturated fat (6.4 g vs 2.1 g), lower sugar (4.8 g vs 10.9 g) and carbohydrates (5.9 g vs 16.3 g), and its salt level (3.3 g) is slightly below the category average of 5.0 g.

Ingredients

Basilico 34%, olio di semi di girasole, anacardi, formaggio "Grana Padano DOP" (latte, sale, caglio, conservante: lisozima da uovo) 7,4%, zucchero, sale, formaggio "Pecorino Romano D.O.P." (latte ovino, sale, caglio) 1,5%, olio extra vergine di oliva 1,5%, proteine del siero del latte concentrate, pinoli 1%, aromi naturali (contiene latte), aglio 0,2%, correttore di acidità: acido lattico, antiossidante: acido ascorbico. Può contenere tracce di arachidi. Senza glutine.

84%

35%

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